What is Sciatica & Pinched Nerve?
Sciatica is shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, usually caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve root. The good news: 80-90% improve with structured physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, and time. Surgery is reserved for cases with progressive weakness, intractable pain after 6-12 weeks, or red-flag features.
When a second opinion really helps
- Surgery was offered before a 6-week trial of physiotherapy + anti-inflammatories.
- Epidural steroid injection wasn't considered as a step before surgery.
- MRI showed disc bulge but level doesn't match your symptoms — a second read may help.
- Microdiscectomy vs open discectomy was never compared.
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- Loss of bladder / bowel control (cauda equina — surgical emergency, call 108)
- Saddle-area numbness (groin, inner thighs)
- Progressive foot drop or leg weakness
- Bilateral leg pain + back pain + fever (suspect epidural abscess)
Frequently asked questions
70% of cases resolve within 4-6 weeks; 90% by 12 weeks with structured physio. If pain persists beyond 6-12 weeks despite therapy, imaging + specialist review is reasonable.