The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots that leave the lower spine. A bulging or herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) or a slipped vertebra can press on these roots and cause pain down the leg.
Most sciatica settles within a few weeks to a few months with the right care. Dr. Praveen first finds which nerve is involved and what is pressing on it, then plans treatment around that cause.
Conditions it covers
Sciatica from a slip disc (disc herniation)
Sciatica from spinal stenosis
Sciatica from spondylolisthesis
Nerve root irritation
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Is this for you?
You may benefit from an assessment if you have:
Pain from the buttock down the back or side of the leg
Numbness, tingling or a burning feeling in the leg or foot
Leg pain worse on sitting, coughing or bending
Weakness in the leg or foot
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How it is assessed
A history and a neurological examination of strength, sensation and reflexes to find which nerve root is involved, and an MRI when pain is severe, lasts beyond a few weeks or there is weakness.
History and neurological examination
Straight leg raise test
MRI of the lower back when needed
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Treatment options
Non-surgical options come first. Surgery is advised only when it is likely to help.
Non-surgicalMedicines and activity advicePain and nerve-pain medicines, with advice to stay gently active rather than rest in bed.
Non-surgicalPhysiotherapyExercises and posture care to ease pressure on the nerve and strengthen the back.
Non-surgicalNerve root blockAn injection near the irritated nerve root to calm pain when it does not settle with medicines and exercise.
SurgicalEndoscopic (keyhole) or micro-discectomyRemoves the part of the disc pressing on the nerve, through a small opening, when pain or weakness continues.
SurgicalDecompressionWidens a narrowed canal to free the nerve when stenosis is the cause.
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Recovery
After treatment, the team builds a recovery plan around you.
1Staying gently active
2Physiotherapy
3Posture and lifting habits
4Follow-up review
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Why Dr. Praveen
MBBS, M.S. Orthopaedics (NIMS) and four spine fellowships: FASSI (Mumbai), FMISSAB (Chennai), FAO (New Delhi), FAPSS (Malaysia).
12+ years in spine surgery; consults at CARE Hospitals, HITEC City and DIA Clinics, Kokapet.
Honest advice first: non-surgical care is tried whenever it can help, and surgery is advised only when it is likely to help.
Uses intraoperative neuromonitoring and navigation in spine surgery, where suitable, to protect the nerves and place implants accurately.
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What patients say
Google reviews from patients who mention this kind of problem. See all reviews →
Mounika SaiJul 2026
★★★★★
I recently underwent an endoscopic discectomy performed by Dr. Praveen Goparaju, and the experience was excellent. The procedure went smoothly with no complications. Dr. Goparaju was extremely responsive to all my questions, and the follow-up care was thorough and reassuring.
I had been suffering from sciatica pain in my left leg for several years, which significantly impacted my daily life. Thanks to Dr. Goparaju and his team, I am now finally relieved of that pain.
I highly recommend Dr. Praveen Goparaju for his expertise, professionalism, and patient-focused care.
Tutika DivyaJul 2026
★★★★★
The treatment at DIA Clinic exceeded my expectations. Dr. Praveen diagnosed my slipped disc quickly and recommended endoscopic discectomy. The surgery was minimally invasive, recovery was smooth, and I am now living without leg pain. Thank you for giving me a pain-free life!
Vinay SirisettiJul 2026
★★★★★
My leg pain kept getting worse every week. After visiting Dr. Praveen at DIA Clinic, I finally got the right diagnosis. He explained everything clearly and recommended endoscopic discectomy. The surgery was successful, and today I am completely pain-free. Highly recommended.
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Questions
Will my sciatica go away on its own?
Often, yes. Most sciatica improves within a few weeks to a few months with medicines, activity and physiotherapy. A review is still worth it to find the cause and rule out nerve damage.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Get seen the same day if you have numbness around the private parts or buttocks, new trouble passing urine or controlling the bladder or bowels, or quickly worsening weakness in the legs.
When is surgery needed for sciatica?
When leg pain stays severe despite proper non-surgical care for several weeks, or when there is increasing weakness or nerve damage. Keyhole (endoscopic) discectomy removes the disc fragment pressing on the nerve.
