Many people experience pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg. Others notice tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg and assume it is due to muscle strain, aging, or prolonged sitting. However, these are common sciatica symptoms. Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Dr. Rahul Chawla, Consultant Neurologist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Vasant Kunj, says many patients ignore sciatica symptoms in the early stages, believing the pain will resolve on its own. Delayed diagnosis may allow nerve compression to worsen, affecting mobility and quality of life.
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What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and travels down each leg.
Sciatica pain usually affects one side of the body and may range from mild discomfort to severe, shooting pain that interferes with walking, sitting, or standing.
Common Sciatica Symptoms That You Should Know
Sciatica symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Common symptoms of sciatica pain include:
- Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the leg
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens while sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
Some patients experience severe sciatica pain in the leg with very little back pain, while others may have both.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated.
Common sciatica causes include:
- Herniated (slipped) disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs in the spine
- Spinal injury
- Piriformis syndrome
- Rarely, spinal tumours or infections
People with physically demanding jobs, prolonged sitting, obesity, or increasing age are at a higher risk of developing sciatica.
Dr. Rahul Chawla, leading neurologist in South Delhi serving at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Vasant Kunj, says, “Persistent leg pain associated with numbness or weakness should never be ignored. Early neurological evaluation helps identify the cause and prevents long-term nerve damage.”
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed neurological examination and assessment of symptoms.
Investigations may include:
- Neurological examination
- MRI of the lumbar spine
- Assessment of muscle strength and reflexes
- Sensory examination
- Nerve conduction studies when required
- Blood investigations to rule out other causes of nerve pain
Accurate diagnosis helps identify the exact cause of nerve compression and guides appropriate treatment.
Sciatica Treatment in South Delhi
Most patients improve with timely sciatica treatment and do not require surgery.
At ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Dr. Rahul Chawla offers personalized, evidence-based Sciatica Treatment in South Delhi using a combination of:Â
- Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
- Physiotherapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Lifestyle modifications
- Weight management
- Epidural injections in selected patients
- Surgery when severe nerve compression does not respond to conservative treatment
Early treatment helps relieve symptoms and improves recovery.
When Should You Consult a Neurologist?
Do not ignore leg pain that is persistent or associated with neurological symptoms.
You should seek evaluation by a neurologist for sciatica in Delhi if you experience:
- Pain radiating from the lower back to one leg
- Persistent tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty walking
- Symptoms that continue to worsen
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention
At ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Dr. Rahul Chawla provides:
- Sciatica evaluation and treatment
- Nerve compression assessment
- Neuropathy management
- Stroke evaluation
- Movement disorder assessment
- Comprehensive neurological consultations
Visit ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Vasant Kunj
Consult Dr. Rahul Chawla, trusted neurologist in Vasant Kunj, for early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of sciatica and other nerve-related disorders in South Delhi.
Serving patients from:
Vasant Kunj, Saket, Hauz Khas, RK Puram, Green Park, Malviya Nagar, Greater Kailash, South Extension, Safdarjung Enclave, and nearby South Delhi areas.
Book Appointment:
Call: +91 96259 60259
Get online consultations and second opinions with Dr. Rahul Chawla through the HealthPil portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica commonly causes pain that travels from the lower back into one leg. It may also cause tingling, numbness, burning pain, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.
Can sciatica go away without treatment?
Mild sciatica may improve with rest and conservative treatment. However, persistent pain, numbness, or weakness should be evaluated by a neurologist to identify the underlying sciatica cause and prevent complications.
Where can I consult a neurologist for sciatica treatment in South Delhi?
Patients can consult Dr. Rahul Chawla, Consultant Neurologist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, Vasant Kunj, for diagnosis and treatment of sciatica, nerve compression, and other neurological disorders.
How can I book an online appointment with Dr. Rahul Chawla?
Patients can call +91 96259 60259 to book an appointment with Dr. Rahul Chawla. Online consultations and second opinions are also available through the HealthPil app.
Content Details
Written By
Dr. Rahul Chawla
MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Neurology (AIIMS Delhi)
