Happy Diwali

 Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali.

- Dr. V.A. Senthil Kumar

Low Back Ache, Sciatica and Slipped Disc are common problems faced by people all over the World.

Low back Ache is experienced by the 70% to 80% general population , at lest once in their lifetime. 5-10% of low back ache patients suffer from a condition called “Sciatica”, which is the name given to leg pain radiating from lower back to the calf and foot. 90% of all Sciatica is due to “Slipped Disc”. DISC( Intervertebral Disc) is a rubber bush like structure between any two individual VERTEBRAE ( small brick like bones ) of the Spinal Column. They give flexibility to the BACKBONE (Spinal Column) and act like shock absorbers. The SPINAL CORD (Main Cable of nerves from the Brain) , is inside the BACKBONE, and a pair of SPINAL NERVES exit,from the spinal cord at each one of the 33 levels, one for Right side and another for Left side. SPINAL NERVES (Branches from Spinal Cord ) supply sensation and power to different parts of body - upper limbs and lower limbs.SCIATICA is caused by compression of the Nerve Roots supplying the legs, most commonly due to SLIPPED DISC L4/5 & L5/S1. 

90% of patients of Sciatica recover in 4 to 6 weeks, with Conservative treatment with Medications, Physiotherapy and precautions. Patients are advised NOT TO BEND FORWARD AND NOT TO LIFT WEIGHT.

If no relief occurs in 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment, Surgery- MicroDicsectomy / Laminectomy and Discectomy may be indicated if MRI proves a correlating Disc Herniation( Slipped Disc). It gives immediate relief of leg pain and related symptoms of Sciatica.

Urgent surgery is indicated if there is Cauda Equina Syndrome ( Numbness in Perineal region- Saddle Anaesthesia, disturbance in control of urination and passing motion) or if there is weakness of Foot or Toes( Difficulty in walking on Toes or Heels).