Do you require any assistance? Simply reserve your appointment online below
Sciatica treatment in Kenya
Exceptional high level care
Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve branching from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.The pain from sciatica is usually limited to one side of the body.
Patients with sciatica may also experience numbness, a “pins and needles” sensation, muscle weakness, and reflex changes.
Symptoms may be worsened by bending, lifting, twisting, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
Causes and symptoms of Sciatica
The most common causes of sciatica are a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or a narrowing of the spine called spinal stenosis, that puts pressure on the nerve roots in the lumbar section of the spine, causing inflammation and pain.
Sudden pressure on the vertebrae of the lower spine from an acute injury can also trigger the condition. It can feel like a sharp, leg cramp that can last for weeks.
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg.
Risk factors of developing Sciatica
Certain behaviors or factors can raise your risk of developing sciatica. The most common factors for developing sciatica include the following
As your body ages, it becomes more likely that parts will wear out or break down.
Certain careers place a lot of strain on your back, especially those that involve lifting heavy objects, sitting for extended periods, or twisting movements.
Having diabetes can increase your risk of nerve damage.
Smoking can cause the outer layer of your spinal disks to break down.
Diagnosing Sciatica
- X-ray. An X-ray of your spine may reveal an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) that may be pressing on a nerve.
- MRI. This procedure uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of your back. An MRI produces detailed images of bone and soft tissues such as herniated disks. During the test, you lie on a table that moves into the MRI machine.
- CT scan. When a CT is used to image the spine, you may have a contrast dye injected into your spinal canal before the X-rays are taken — a procedure called a CT myelogram. The dye then circulates around your spinal cord and spinal nerves, which appear white on the scan.
- Electromyography (EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. This test can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
You are in Great Hands
Sciatica Treatment in Kenya
In most cases, sciatica can be resolved with such non-surgical treatments as rest, non-steroidal inflammatory medications, the application of heat or cold to the affected area, and physical therapy.
Conservative treatment is aimed at pain reduction. Initial treatment starts with cold packs or heat, muscle relaxants, pain medications, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
Education about proper mechanics (bending and lifting), Physical therapy, and epidural steroid injection may also help patients return to full activity.
The majority of patients with sciatica have a favorable outcome with natural resolution of symptoms in several months.
Surgical treatment
Some patients who do not respond to non-surgical care and who experience persistent, disabling sciatica may benefit from surgery.
If the pain persists or worsens, your physician may administer a cortisone injection into the spine or surgery may be recommended.
If those measures fail to provide relief or if the sciatica is accompanied by significant leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes, surgery may be recommended.