Can sciatica heal on its own?
Disease description:
Can sciatica caused by prolonged stooping and hunching heal on its own?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Sciatica usually presents as pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation from the lower back down the leg, due to compression or injury of the sciatic nerve. Whether sciatica can heal on its own depends on its cause, the severity of the condition, and the patient's physical status.
1. Mild sciatica: For example, sciatica caused by muscle tension or minor disc bulging may gradually improve and even completely resolve with appropriate rest, heat application, gentle exercise, and physical therapy.
2. Sciatica caused by conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome typically does not resolve spontaneously and requires timely medical attention and appropriate treatment measures including medication, physical therapy, or surgical treatment, to prevent further deterioration.
If symptoms persist or pain worsens, it is recommended to seek immediate medical treatment. During the treatment process, appropriate rehabilitation exercises and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are necessary to promote faster recovery.
