Sciatica is shooting pain from the lower back into the leg, often from a lumbar disc. Dr. Sayuj Krishnan reviews this at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, starting with non-surgical care when appropriate and considering endoscopic discectomy if pain or weakness persists.
Non-surgical care is appropriate for many patients. Treatment is guided by symptoms and examination; urgent neurological problems require prompt assessment.
We don't just treat "pain". We identify the exact nerve root (L4, L5, or S1) causing your symptoms using MRI and clinical correlation.
A powerful anti-inflammatory injection placed precisely around the irritated nerve. This may help selected patients, but benefit and duration vary.
Once the pain is managed, we strengthen your core to prevent recurrence.
Treatment depends on pain, function and neurological findings. Surgery may be considered for persistent disabling symptoms; new bladder or bowel problems or progressive weakness need urgent assessment.
Sciatica is a distinct type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, the large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. It is often described as a sharp, burning, or electric shock-like sensation.
Dr. Sayuj Krishnan, Consultant Neurosurgeon (MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery), follows an evidence-based, conservative-first approach to assess and treat radiating leg pain.
Do not ignore sciatica if you have:
These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression, including cauda equina syndrome. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately; do not wait for an online appointment or WhatsApp reply.
Seek emergency assessment now
Age is often a concern when considering spine surgery. However, traditional open surgery risks (like blood loss and long anesthesia times) are minimized with our endoscopic approach.
For patients over 60 suffering from severe back pain or sciatica, we use a specialized "Awake" or "Twilight" sedation protocol. The anaesthesia plan depends on the procedure and medical assessment. Local anaesthesia or sedation may be suitable in selected cases; no approach eliminates all risks.
Have you been advised open surgery? Get a second opinion to see if Endoscopic Spine Surgery is an appropriate option for you or your elderly parent.
Get a Second OpinionReady to take the next step?
Treatment is tailored to symptoms, function and examination. The stages below are examples, not a fixed schedule. Urgent neurological findings can require immediate specialist assessment.
Assessment combines the history and neurological examination. Imaging is considered when it will guide management. Medication and exercise advice are tailored to the individual.
Response varies between patientsIf pain persists despite rest and physical therapy, we escalate to a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI). Under precise live C-arm guidance, anti-inflammatory medication is bathed directly over the swollen nerve root.
Injections considered after assessmentSurgical assessment may be appropriate when pain or function has not improved with non-surgical care and imaging matches the symptoms, or when neurological findings require urgent review.
Unlike traditional open laminectomy which requires extensive muscle detachment, Dr. Sayuj utilizes a precision 8mm endoscope. We enter through the natural foraminal window (from the side) or a microscopic interlaminar approach.
Transparent pricing for self-pay patients. Insurance packages available.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost Range (INR) | Typical Recovery | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative Management | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 | 2-4 Weeks |
|
| Nerve Root Block (Injection) | ₹20,000 - ₹35,000 | Discharge decided by the team |
|
| Endoscopic Discectomy | ₹1.50 Lakh - ₹2.50 Lakh | 1-2 Weeks |
|
Note: Estimates for general guidance. Final cost depends on hospital category (Economy/Private/Deluxe), specific implants (if any), and medical complexity. Insurance cashless facility available.
Most sciatica is caused by a herniated disc. Learn more about our specialized minimally invasive treatment for slip discs.
While movement is key to recovery, the wrong exercises can make your pain worse. Avoid these common mistakes until cleared by Dr. Sayuj or your physiotherapist.
Why Avoid: Bending forward increases pressure on the lumbar discs by up to 100%, potentially worsening a herniated disc.
Why Avoid: Lifting both legs while lying on your back puts massive strain on your core and lower back muscles, which can aggravate sciatica.
Why Avoid: Running, jumping, or high-intensity aerobics cause repeated impact on the spine, compressing the discs further.
Why Avoid: Stretching the hamstrings too aggressively can pull on the sciatic nerve (neural tension), increasing pain and inflammation.
Learn effective home remedies and exercises to reduce nerve pain while waiting for your appointment.
Understand how minimally invasive surgery may help selected patients with persistent symptoms.
Simple desk exercises to relieve back pain and prevent sciatica for IT professionals in Hyderabad.
Don't make it worse! Learn which common gym exercises can aggravate your sciatic nerve pain.
Rest & medication. Apply ice/heat. Gentle walking as tolerated.
Start gentle nerve glides. Review progress with the treating team, including whether to consider injection therapy.
Active physiotherapy. Core strengthening. Return to desk work.
Full activity. If pain persists >6 weeks, endoscopic surgery may be discussed.
Living with sciatica can be debilitating. Get a proper diagnosis and discuss what treatment can aim to achieve for you. Book a consultation with Dr. Sayuj Krishnan to discuss your non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
Sciatica is not a condition itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Many people improve with non-surgical care. Treatment depends on symptoms, examination and imaging when indicated. Persistent disabling symptoms or neurological deficits may require surgical assessment.
The most common cause is a herniated (slipped) disc compressing the nerve root. Other causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), bone spurs, or rarely, a tumor or diabetic neuropathy.
No. Surgery may be considered when appropriate non-surgical treatment has not improved pain or function and imaging matches the symptoms. New bladder or bowel dysfunction, saddle numbness or progressive weakness needs urgent assessment.
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam to check muscle strength and reflexes (Straight Leg Raise test). An MRI scan is the gold standard to visualize the nerve compression and identify the exact cause.
Recovery is individual. Walking and discharge timing after endoscopic spine surgery are decided by the team for each patient, and many return to light activities within 1-2 weeks.
All surgery carries risk, and your individual risks are discussed before any decision. Endoscopic spine surgery for sciatica uses a small incision (less than 1 cm) and a muscle-sparing approach.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: sudden severe pain after an accident, loss of bowel/bladder control (Cauda Equina Syndrome), or progressive weakness/numbness in the leg.
The cost depends on the procedure. A simple nerve root block may cost ₹15,000–₹25,000, while endoscopic spine surgery typically ranges from ₹1.5 Lakhs to ₹2.5 Lakhs depending on the hospital category and implant requirements.
Prolonged sitting is a major risk factor. Poor ergonomics can increase pressure on lumbar discs by 40%, potentially triggering or worsening sciatica. We recommend ergonomic adjustments and taking breaks every 30 minutes.
True sciatica comes from the spine (nerve root compression). Piriformis syndrome is when a muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve. Dr. Sayuj uses specific clinical tests to distinguish them, as treatments differ significantly (spine decompression vs. muscle release).
Yes, up to 50% of women experience some sciatic pain during pregnancy due to the baby's weight and postural changes. We use physiotherapy-led, medication-sparing approaches suited to pregnancy, planned with your obstetrician.
Driving often worsens sciatica due to the vibration and leg position. We recommend short trips, using a lumbar support cushion, and stopping every 30 minutes to stretch. If you have foot weakness (foot drop), do not drive.
Avoid heavy hamstring stretches, straight leg raises, and twisting movements like golf until cleared by a physio. These can increase nerve tension.
Find specialized treatment for your condition at a clinic near you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sayuj KrishnanConsultant Neurosurgeon, Yashoda Hospital MalakpetLast reviewed 19 October 2025
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with Dr. Sayuj for personalized medical guidance.
External links are provided for transparency and do not represent sponsorships. Each source was accessed on 19 Oct 2025.
Short, evidence-based explainers curated from global centres of excellence. Learn what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Comprehensive patient education about sciatica symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn about conservative management and when surgery may be recommended.
