Overview

Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The pain typically affects one side of the body and may worsen with movement, sitting, or coughing. Although often acute and short-term, it can become chronic in some individuals.

Causes

• Herniated or slipped disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of spine)
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slip)
• Piriformis syndrome
• Trauma, injury, or prolonged poor posture

Symptoms

• Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back to leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Pain worsening with sitting or sudden movement
• Difficulty standing up or walking due to nerve pain

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Pain relief medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen), muscle relaxants
• Steroid injections: To reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen lower back and core
• Surgery: In severe or persistent cases (discectomy, laminectomy)
• Hot/cold therapy: Reduce pain and swelling

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

Ayurveda:

• Panchakarma therapies (especially Kati Basti and Basti karma)
• Herbal oils like Mahanarayan tailam, Dhanwantharam tailam for massage
• Herbs: Rasna, Shallaki, Guggulu, Ashwagandha

Siddha Medicine:

• Thokkanam (therapeutic massage)
• Noi naadal approach for cause diagnosis
• Pain-relieving herbs and metallic preparations

Unani Medicine:

• Hijama (cupping therapy)
• Use of pain-relieving herbs like Zanjabeel (ginger), Filfil Siyah (black pepper)
• Lifestyle correction and herbal decoctions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

• Acupuncture along the sciatic pathway
• Tuina massage, moxibustion, and Chinese herbs for nerve healing

Tibetan Medicine:

• Nerve-calming herbal oils and pills for “rlung” imbalance
• Heat therapy and specific diet

Homeopathy:

• Remedies like Colocynthis, Mag Phos, Gnaphalium, under expert advice

Nutraceuticals:

• Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Omega-3, Curcumin for nerve health and inflammation

Caution

• Avoid long sitting hours and poor posture
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Do not lift heavy objects improperly
• Avoid sudden twisting or jerking movements

Prevention

• Daily stretching and back-strengthening exercises
• Ergonomic workplace setup
• Timely treatment of lower back injuries
• Use of proper footwear and body posture while walking/sitting
• Regular yoga and physiotherapy support