Sciatica is a collection of symptoms caused by underlying conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, trauma, and tumors.

Doctor Vu Ngoc Bao Quynh from the Spine Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, explains that sciatica can develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause, and usually resolves within 4-6 weeks. However, if the pain becomes chronic, it can lead to several dangerous complications.

Spinal infections or spinal tumors can present with symptoms like fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and severe, persistent pain at night or during rest. These are serious medical conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

Loss of bowel or bladder control can cause difficulties urinating, reduced or absent sensation of urination, fecal incontinence, and severe abdominal pain. This is one of the complications of sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, which leads to severe nerve compression.

Doctor Quynh explains the results of a lumbar spine X-ray to a patient. Photo: Hospital provided

Muscle atrophy is a consequence of persistent pain radiating from the back down to the foot. Many patients limit their movement to reduce pain. In the long term, the leg affected by the damaged sciatic nerve can experience muscle atrophy and gradual loss of function.

Nerve damage is the most concerning complication and requires immediate treatment, according to Doctor Quynh. Patients often experience leg weakness, unusual tingling sensations, and increased sensitivity to pain. This complication needs prompt treatment to prevent permanent nerve damage, which can cause irreversible loss of sensation in the foot affected by the sciatic nerve.

Cauda equina syndrome, the compression of multiple nerve roots, can occur suddenly or gradually. Patients require emergency treatment within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. Delayed treatment can affect mobility, cause sudden pain and weakness in both legs, numbness in the groin, buttocks, genitals, and/or inner thighs, sexual dysfunction, and even lower body paralysis.

Doctor Quynh states that the treatment for sciatica depends on the severity, the patient's health, and the underlying cause. The condition can usually be well-managed if patients adhere to the doctor's instructions, which include proper home care, appropriate exercise, adequate nutrition, and medication as prescribed.

Doctor Quynh during a spinal surgery. Photo: Hospital provided

Surgery is often considered when pain and leg weakness persist or worsen despite other medical treatments. Patients should have regular check-ups or seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms appear, allowing the doctor to adjust the treatment plan promptly.

Phi Hong