Sciatica Pain
Understanding the Causes & Finding Lasting Relief
Struggling with Sciatica Pain?
You’re Not Alone.
Sciatica can cause sharp, radiating pain that runs from your lower back down one or both legs, making it difficult to sit, stand, or even walk comfortably. This condition can disrupt sleep, limit mobility, and significantly impact your daily life. If left untreated, sciatica may worsen over time, leading to further nerve damage and long-term discomfort. Fortunately, expert care is available to help you find lasting relief.
Common Causes of Sciatica Pain
How Mr Gordan Grahovac Can Help
If sciatica is affecting your mobility and quality of life, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Mr Gordan Grahovac is a leading Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon in London with expertise in diagnosing and treating sciatica. He takes a patient-first approach, using the latest minimally invasive techniques and advanced spinal procedures to relieve nerve pressure and restore function.
His Diagnostic Process:
To determine the cause of your sciatica, Mr Grahovac will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
Medical History & Physical Examination – Identifying movement limitations and nerve-related symptoms.
Advanced Imaging (MRI/CT/X-ray) – Detecting herniated discs, nerve compression, or spinal abnormalities.
Nerve Function Tests – Assessing muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the legs.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Mr Grahovac and his team take a holistic approach to sciatica treatment, considering the severity of symptoms, the underlying condition, and overall well-being to create a personalised treatment plan for long-term relief.
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Postural & Ergonomic Advice – Adjusting workspace and daily habits to relieve nerve pressure.
Physiotherapy & Targeted Exercises – Strengthening lower back and core muscles to support spinal health.
Pain Management Strategies – Including anti-inflammatory medications, heat therapy, and gentle movement modifications.
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Nerve Root Blocks – Provides targeted relief by reducing inflammation around compressed nerves.
Epidural Steroid Injections – Minimises swelling and irritation around the sciatic nerve.
Facet Joint Injections – Alleviates pain from joint-related nerve compression.
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Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) – Small incisions with faster recovery times for treating herniated discs and nerve compression.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery – A highly precise technique for spinal decompression procedures.
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Lumbar Discectomy – Removes the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Decompression Surgery – Relieves pressure from compressed spinal nerves causing persistent pain.
Spinal Fusion Surgery – Stabilises the spine by permanently joining vertebrae to prevent further nerve irritation.
What Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions: Sciatica
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If your sciatica is persistent, worsens over time, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, you should seek medical evaluation. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, seek urgent medical attention.
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For temporary relief, try:
Heat & Cold Therapy – Apply heat to relax muscles or ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Gentle Stretching & Mobility Exercises – Stretching the lower back and hamstrings can help ease sciatic nerve pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may help.
Avoiding Prolonged Sitting – Take breaks and move around to reduce nerve pressure.
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For mild cases, posture correction, physiotherapy, and movement modifications may help. However, if pain persists, medical intervention may be necessary.
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Surgery is only recommended if non-invasive treatments fail and if nerve compression is severe enough to cause lasting pain, weakness, or mobility issues.
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The duration of sciatica varies depending on the underlying cause and treatment. Acute sciatica may last a few days to a few weeks, often improving with rest, stretching, and pain management. Chronic sciatica, however, can persist for several months or longer if the nerve compression is not addressed. If your symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, or worsen over time, it’s important to seek medical evaluation for appropriate treatment.
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Sciatica pain typically starts in the lower back or buttocks and radiates down one or both legs. Patients often describe it as:
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve.
Tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the leg, foot, or toes.
Weakness or heaviness in the leg that makes walking difficult.
Pain that worsens with sitting, standing for long periods, or sudden movements like coughing or sneezing.
If your symptoms are severe, persist, or interfere with daily life, consulting a specialist can help determine the best course of action for relief.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
Sciatica shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying your daily life. Whether you need conservative treatment or advanced spinal care, Mr Gordan Grahovac is here to help.
Book a consultation today and start your journey towards lasting relief.