Adele suffers from Sciatica - Know its symptoms, causes, treatment

Adele, the renowned English singer-songwriter, recently shared her struggle with sciatica, a medical condition that has caused her significant discomfort. During her Weekends with Adele performance in Las Vegas, she revealed that her team found her immobile backstage due to a sciatica flare-up. To gain deeper insights into this condition, Republic Digital reached out to Dr Anand Kavi, Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon.

2 things you need to know

• Sciatica causes radiating pain along the sciatic nerve pathway.
• Consult a professional for proper diagnosis and effective treatment for this condition.

What is Sciatica?

"Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve," explained Dr Anand Kavi. This nerve originates in the lower back and extends down each leg. The pain associated with sciatica can vary from mild to severe and is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning. Patients might also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

(Sciatica: Nerve pain, radiates down leg, treatable with care | Image: iStock)

Sciatic Nerve: An integral player in pain

The sciatic nerve, as highlighted by Dr Kavi, is important to the body. "Being the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve originates from the lower spine and runs through the buttocks, providing sensation and controlling muscles in the legs," he elucidated.

Triggers of pain

Dr Kavi delved into the factors that trigger sciatica. "Sciatica can be triggered by various factors," he said, "including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and piriformis syndrome." These factors can lead to the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

The battle against sciatica

Recognising the signs of sciatica is crucial. Dr Kavi outlined the symptoms, saying, "Common signs include pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg, often affecting one side of the body. Patients might also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg or foot. Activities like sitting, standing, coughing, or sneezing can exacerbate the pain."

Treatment for Sciatica

Managing sciatica involves various treatment options. "Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity," Dr Kavi advised. He explained that conservative approaches such as rest, physical therapy, pain medication and hot/cold therapy can also be effective. For more severe cases, epidural steroid injections might be recommended to reduce inflammation. Surgical interventions like discectomy or laminectomy could also be considered if symptoms persist.

Doctors emphasise the importance of seeking professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. Persistent pain and discomfort, especially when suspected to be sciatica, should prompt consultation with healthcare experts.