How long does it take to recover from sciatic nerve surgery?
Numbness may still be present after the surgery, and there is always a chance of sciatica coming back at another vertebra. Depending on the type of sciatica surgery, most people are walking the next day, and full recovery typically takes two to four weeks.
Can sciatica surgery paralyze you?
Nerve damage: Nerve damage may occur during surgery, which can result in new numbness or weakness in one or both legs after the procedure. Paralysis is an uncommon but possible complication.
Is sciatica surgery necessary?
Most patients with sciatica respond well to nonsurgical treatments (eg, medication, epidural spinal injection), so spine surgery is seldom needed to treat low back and leg pain caused by sciatic nerve compression.
What percentage of people recover from sciatica?
A recent 1-year follow-up study of patients with sciatica randomised to early surgery or to prolonged conservative treatment found recovery rates of 95% for both groups [17].
Why won’t my sciatica get better?
If an injury was responsible for your sciatica, and if your symptoms get better and then worse, you may have reaggravated the injury that originally caused your sciatica. Sudden injuries and repetitive overuse injuries can lead to sciatic symptoms.
Will my sciatica ever go away?
Sciatica usually goes away on its own, with or without treatment. A doctor can diagnose the cause of sciatica and may prescribe treatment to speed healing. However, sciatica is not a medical emergency, and it is fine to wait to see whether the symptoms resolve on their own before visiting a doctor.
What happens if your sciatic nerve goes untreated?
If left untreated, sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage that worsens back and leg pain. Over time, the pain may extend to other parts of the body. In some cases, patients stop responding to pain medication, thereby developing chronic pain that cannot be remedied.
Is sciatica a serious problem?
Although most people recover fully from sciatica, often without treatment, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Loss of feeling in the affected leg. Weakness in the affected leg.
Why won’t my sciatica go away?
It is advisable to see a doctor if: sciatic pain interferes with daily functioning. sciatica lasts longer than 3 months. sciatica goes away and then comes back.