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Sciatica is one of the most common and debilitating forms of nerve pain, affecting millions of people across Delhi and the NCR region. At Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre, we offer evidence-based, non-surgical sciatica treatment designed to provide lasting relief — not just temporary symptom suppression.
Our clinic is led by Dr. Neeraj K. Dahiya (MBBS, MD, PDCC Pain Medicine, FCPM, CCEPC) and Dr. Anwesha Banerjee, both specialists in interventional pain management with extensive training at KGMU, SGPGI, and AIIMS. We understand sciatica not just as a symptom, but as a condition requiring precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. The pain typically affects only one side and can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or electric-shock-like jolt.
• Lumbar Disc Herniation (Slip Disc): A herniated disc pressing on the nerve root — the most frequent cause
• Lumbar Canal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerve roots
• Piriformis Syndrome: Irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock
• Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra slipping over another, narrowing the nerve exit
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc wear causing nerve compression
• Facet Joint Arthritis: Inflamed facet joints contributing to nerve root irritation
Consult a pain specialist at Eshna if you experience:
• Pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or coughing
• Sciatica pain that has not improved with 4–6 weeks of conservative management
Step 1 — Accurate Diagnosis
Clinical evaluation, nerve tension tests (SLR, FNST), and review of MRI/CT scans to identify the exact pain generator.
Step 2 — Conservative Management
Medication optimization, physiotherapy guidance, posture correction, and activity modification.
Step 3 — Interventional Pain Procedures
• Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI): Corticosteroid delivered under imaging guidance directly to the inflamed nerve root — highly effective for disc-related sciatica
• Caudal Epidural Injection: Effective for lower lumbar and sacral nerve root pain
• Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: Precisely targets the specific compressed root
• Piriformis Injection: Ultrasound-guided injection for piriformis syndrome
• Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) of Dorsal Root Ganglion: For chronic, refractory sciatica
All procedures at Eshna are performed under imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) for maximum safety and precision.
Q: Can sciatica be cured without surgery?
A: Yes. The vast majority of sciatica cases (over 90%) resolve without surgery. At Eshna, we use targeted interventional procedures that provide significant relief when oral medications and physiotherapy are insufficient — and without the risks of surgery.
Q: How long does sciatica last?
A: Acute sciatica may resolve in 4–12 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic sciatica persisting beyond 12 weeks requires specialist evaluation. Early intervention prevents chronification.
Q: Which injection is best for sciatica?
A: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is the most evidence-based interventional treatment for sciatica caused by disc herniation. The appropriate procedure depends on your MRI findings and clinical examination — our doctors individualize this at every consultation.
Q: Where is the sciatica treatment clinic in Delhi?
A: Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre is located in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), South Delhi, with convenient access from Greater Kailash, Kalkaji, Lajpat Nagar, and Defence Colony. Call +91-9811088148 to book an appointment or get directions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — SCIATICA TREATMENT IN DELHI
Q1. What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down one or both legs. It is usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve.
Q2. What are the main symptoms of sciatica?
Symptoms include sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back to the leg, numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, muscle weakness in the affected leg, and pain that worsens with sitting or standing.
Q3. Can sciatica be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most sciatica cases respond very well to non-surgical treatments including epidural steroid injections, nerve root blocks, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is only considered in severe cases.
Q4. What is a nerve root block for sciatica?
A nerve root block is a targeted injection of local anaesthetic and steroid around the compressed spinal nerve root. It reduces inflammation and pain along the sciatic nerve pathway, providing significant relief within days.
Q5. How long does sciatica pain last without treatment?
Mild sciatica may resolve within 4–6 weeks. Without treatment, severe or chronic sciatica can persist for months or years, causing progressive nerve damage, muscle weakness, and reduced quality of life.
Q6. What triggers sciatica flare-ups?
Sciatica flare-ups are triggered by prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements, obesity, pregnancy, or physical inactivity. Identifying and avoiding triggers is an important part of management.
Q7. Is sciatica during pregnancy dangerous?
Sciatica in pregnancy is common due to the growing uterus pressing on the sciatic nerve. It is not dangerous to the baby but can be very uncomfortable. Safe non-surgical treatments including physiotherapy can be used.
Q8. What is piriformis syndrome vs sciatica?
Piriformis syndrome mimics sciatica — the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve without disc involvement. Unlike disc sciatica, it responds well to piriformis muscle injections and targeted physiotherapy.
Q9. Can sciatica cause permanent nerve damage?
If left untreated for long, severe sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage leading to chronic numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Early specialist treatment prevents irreversible damage.
Q10. How many injections are needed to treat sciatica?
Most patients need 1–3 epidural steroid or nerve root injections for significant relief. Each injection is separated by 2–4 weeks. Our specialists tailor the number based on the patient's response and severity.
Q11. What exercises help sciatica?
Gentle stretching (piriformis stretch, knee-to-chest, cat-cow), walking, and swimming help sciatica by decompressing the spine and strengthening supporting muscles. Always consult your specialist before starting exercises during acute pain.
Q12. Can sciatica come back after treatment?
Sciatica can recur if underlying disc or spinal issues are not addressed long-term. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and good posture significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Q13. What is the difference between sciatica and a pinched nerve?
Sciatica specifically refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve causing leg pain. A "pinched nerve" is a broader term for any compressed nerve in the spine causing arm or leg pain, numbness, or tingling.
Q14. How is sciatica diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, neurological assessment, and imaging (MRI or CT scan) to identify nerve compression. Our specialists use clinical evaluation alongside imaging to pinpoint the exact cause.
Q15. Where can I get the best sciatica treatment in Delhi NCR?
Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre offers expert sciatica treatment across Delhi NCR. Dr. Anwesha Banerjee and Dr. Neeraj K. Dahiya use the latest interventional techniques. Call +91 9811088148 to book your consultation.