Published on: 5/21/2025
When Is Surgery Considered for Sciatica?
Surgery for sciatica is considered when pain is severe and doesn't improve with other treatments like rest and medication.
Explanation
Sciatica is a condition where pain travels down the leg from the lower back. Sometimes, surgery is needed when the pain is very bad and doesn't get better with other treatments.
When to Consider Surgery
- Severe Pain: If the pain is so bad that it stops you from doing normal activities, surgery might be an option.
- Lack of Improvement: If you've tried resting, taking medicine, and doing exercises, but your pain doesn't get better, surgery could help.
Studies on Surgery
- One study found that people who had surgery had improved pain at the 6 month follow up outcome.
- Another study showed that surgery can help reduce pain more quickly, but it's not always needed if you can manage the pain in other ways.
In summary, surgery can be helpful for sciatica if other treatments don't work, but it's important to talk to a doctor to see if it's the right choice for you.
(References)
- Peul WC, van Houwelingen HC, van den Hout WB, Brand R, Eekhof JA, Tans JT, et al. (2007). Surgery versus prolonged conservative treatment for sciatica. The New England journal of medicine, 17538084.
- Jacobs WC, van Tulder M, Arts M, Rubinstein SM, van Middelkoop M, Ostelo R, et al. (2011). Surgery versus conservative management of sciatica due .... European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 20949289.
- Bailey CS, Rasoulinejad P, Taylor D, Sequeira K, Miller T, Watson J, et al. (2020). Surgery versus Conservative Care for Persistent Sciatica .... The New England journal of medicine, 32187469.
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