Sciatica Clinic

Welcome to the Sciatica Clinic at Emirates Hospitals Group Dubai, where we specialize in diagnosing and treating sciatica to help you regain comfort and mobility. Our expert team provides comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs, utilizing advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. This discomfort is usually caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal issues that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Sharp or burning pain in the lower back or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting or standing for long periods

Sciatica Treatments in Dubai

At our Sciatica Clinic, we offer a range of treatments designed to relieve pain, improve function, and address the underlying causes of sciatica:

• Medications
  • Description: Prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Benefits: Provides symptomatic relief and improves mobility.
• Physical Therapy
  • Description: Customized exercise programs and physical therapy techniques to strengthen the back, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Benefits: Enhances overall spinal health and helps prevent future episodes of sciatica.
• Epidural Injections
  • Description: Injections of corticosteroids into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Benefits: Provides temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
• Manual Therapy
  • Description: Techniques such as chiropractic adjustments and osteopathic manipulations to improve spinal alignment and relieve nerve compression.
  • Benefits: Alleviates pain and enhances spinal function.
• Lifestyle Modifications
  • Description: Guidance on ergonomics, posture, and lifestyle changes to prevent further strain on the spine.
  • Benefits: Supports long-term management and prevention of sciatica.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. The primary causes of sciatica include:

• Herniated Disc
  • Description: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on the sciatic nerve.
  • Impact: This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs.
• Spinal Stenosis
  • Description: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
  • Impact: This compression can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
• Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Description: As discs in the spine age and lose hydration and elasticity, they can become less effective at cushioning the vertebrae, potentially leading to nerve compression.
  • Impact: This can result in sciatica pain and reduced mobility.
• Spondylolisthesis
  • Description: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips out of its proper position and onto the vertebra below, causing nerve compression.
  • Impact: It can lead to lower back pain and sciatica symptoms.
• Piriformis Syndrome
  • Description: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, can irritate the sciatic nerve if it becomes tight or spasms.
  • Impact: This can result in pain and discomfort along the path of the sciatic nerve.
• Injury or Trauma
  • Description: Physical injuries to the spine or pelvis can cause direct nerve compression or inflammation.
  • Impact: This can lead to sciatica symptoms depending on the extent and location of the injury.
• Pregnancy
  • Description: The growing uterus and hormonal changes during pregnancy can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Impact: This can result in sciatica-like symptoms, particularly during later stages of pregnancy.
• Tumors
  • Description: Rarely, tumors in the spine or surrounding areas can compress the sciatic nerve.
  • Impact: This can cause pain and other symptoms similar to those of sciatica.

Each of these conditions can contribute to sciatica in different ways, and effective treatment often depends on accurately diagnosing the underlying cause.

Sciatica Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose sciatica and its underlying causes, our specialists use:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of pain, range of motion, and neurological function.
• Imaging Studies: MRI, CT scans, or X-rays to identify structural issues affecting the sciatic nerve.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: Tests to evaluate nerve function and identify sources of nerve compression.

Sciatica Recovery and Management

Effective recovery from sciatica involves:

• Adhering to Treatment Plans: Following prescribed therapies and medications.
• Participating in Physical Therapy: Engaging in recommended exercises and stretches.
• Making Lifestyle Changes: Implementing ergonomic adjustments and healthy habits to support spinal health.
• Regular Follow-Up: Attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.