Sciatica

When the outer covering of the disc ruptures, sometimes the disc material extrudes into the disc space, migrates into the spinal canal, and presses over the nerves causing sciatica pain (sharp shooting pain along the course of a nerve), i.e., pain along the legs. The most common reason for this kind of injury is unaccustomed bending or weight lifting activity. Adequate bed rest, lying down in fetal posture (as depicted in picture), and few medicines can relieve pain 90 to 95 % of the time. Certain activities can be avoided, and most of these can be treated without surgery, but consulting the spine physician is mandatory to understand the gravity of the problem.