Home / Conditions / Sciatica
Pain travelling from the back down into the leg means a nerve is being irritated. It is frightening and it can be severe — but in most people it settles without an operation.
Do not wait for morning. Do not wait for an appointment. This is the one page where hours matter.
Most people improve substantially over six to twelve weeks.
The leg pain usually settles before the numbness does, and a patch of numbness can linger after everything else has recovered. That is normal and it is not a sign of damage.
Only if we are considering surgery, or if there are warning signs.
An MRI in the first weeks does not change what we do — and it will show disc bulges that are present in large numbers of people with no pain at all. We order it when the result would change the decision. Otherwise it costs you money and often frightens you for no reason.
Roughly one person in ten with sciatica ends up having it.
Surgery relieves leg pain faster in people who are not settling. At one to two years the results of surgery and of waiting are much closer than most people expect. So unless there are warning signs, it is usually reasonable to give it time — and that is a choice you make, not one made for you.
It can reduce the pain for some people. It does not change the long-term outcome.
It is worth considering when the pain is severe and not settling, as a way of getting through a bad period. It is not a cure and it does not prevent surgery.
Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.
In your language, free to download. Each one is a short PDF you can keep on your phone or print.
On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.
Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.
A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.
Opposite Patil Hospital
Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm · 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only
Opposite Parimal Hospital
Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only
Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.
