Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom that occurs when the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body — gets compressed or irritated. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. When compressed, it can cause sharp, burning, or shooting pain radiating from the lower back to the leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Common Causes of Sciatica Sciatica typically occurs due to one or more of the following spinal conditions: 1. Lumbar Disc Herniation (Slip Disc): The most common cause, where the disc bulges and presses on the nerve root. 2. Lumbar Canal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing the nerve. 3. Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear leading to nerve irritation. 4. Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another. 5. Piriformis Syndrome: Tightness of the piriformis muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve. 6. Trauma or Spine Injury: Direct injury causing inflammation or compression. 7. Postural Stress and Sedentary Lifestyle: Poor ergonomics and prolonged sitting increase lower back strain. Symptoms of Sciatica • Radiating leg pain (commonly one-sided) • Numbness or tingling sensation in the leg or foot • Muscle weakness • Pain worsening while sitting, bending, or coughing • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods Treatment Options for Sciatica in Mumbai Dr. Om Patil, an experienced Endoscopic Spine Surgeon in Mumbai, offers both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical solutions based on the cause and severity. 1. Non-Surgical Management • Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and nerve pain modulators. • Physiotherapy: Stretching, core strengthening, posture correction, and ergonomic guidance. • Lifestyle Modifications: Weight control, proper sitting posture, and avoiding heavy lifting. • Epidural Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and pain in chronic cases. • Alternative Therapies: Yoga, dry needling, and chiropractic or osteopathic adjustments under medical guidance. 2. Surgical Options When conservative treatments fail or neurological weakness appears, minimally invasive techniques are recommended: • Endoscopic Discectomy: Keyhole procedure to remove herniated disc and decompress the nerve. • Microdiscectomy or Tubular Decompression: Through a small incision with faster recovery. • UBE (Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy): Latest technique with minimal tissue damage. • Lumbar Canal Decompression: For spinal stenosis and nerve compression. Sciatica Treatment in Mumbai by Dr. Om Patil Dr. Om Patil (popularly known as SpineWala) provides advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive spine care at multiple centres across Mumbai — Dadar and Chembur. He combines modern surgical techniques with holistic recovery programs focusing on posture, lifestyle, and spine rehabilitation. 📞 Contact: 9819191896 , 9819195885 🌐 Websites: Endospineworld.com | Spinewala.com 📍 Clinics: 117, Broadway Healthcare, Dadar East, Mumbai 505, Cozderm Skin Clinic, 5th Floor, Above ACME Hospital, Chembur East, Mumbai