Sciatica usually occurs when a disc in the back "slips" and presses on the nerves that run down to the legs. The symptoms may start with mild back pain, however the most disturbing symptom is pain running down the leg. Although the pain is usually down the back of the leg sometimes it may occur in the front of the leg. A "slipped" disc can also cause tingling, pins and needles and numbness in the leg. In rare instances the nerve being pressed upon can stop working, causing weakness in the foot.

A disc usually slips to one side of the nerves or the other, however if the disc slips straight back into the middle it can press on the spinal cord and cause pain in both legs at the same time, problems with the bladder, bowels and sexual function. If any of these symptoms occur the patient needs to be seen as an emergency, so as to preserve bladder and bowel function.

Investigations

A MRI scan of the back will show the discs and nerves.

Treatment
Initially it is reasonable to try simple pain killers such as paracetamol or brufen, maintaining an good posture and ensuring one's weight is acceptable. These measures may relieve symptoms over the course of a few weeks.

If symptoms continue or progress a neurosurgical opinion should be sought, with an MRI after examination. A large disc pressing on the nerve root may need removing surgically if the symptoms are persistent.

PATIENTS WITH PAIN IN BOTH LEGS, OR CHANGE IN BLADDER, BOWEL OR ERECTILE FUNCTION MUST SEEK AN URGENT NEUROSURGICAL OPINION.

                                ALMOST ALL PATIENTS NEED URGENT SURGERY

Outcome from surgery

Medical studies have shown that 75-80% of patients are free of leg pain after surgery, and 65-70% remain pain free after 5 years. Tingling may also improve, it is however unusual for numbness or weakness to resolve.

Complications of surgery

1% suffer a wound infection, 5-10% of patients may have a recurrence of symptoms, the rare risks include a csf leak, meningitis, damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots, leaving a patient weak, paralysed or incontinent.

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