Can't Sit, Can't Sleep, Can't Focus: When Sciatica Becomes a Surgical Case
The Agony of Living with Sciatica
Anyone who's had sciatica pain knows how miserable it can be. That sharp, shooting, burning pain that runs from the back to the leg — it doesn't let you sit comfortably, doesn't let you sleep properly, and honestly, makes it hard to even focus at work. I've had patients tell me, "Doctor, I can't even sit through dinner with my family without shifting in pain," or "I wake up at night because the pain just won't let me sleep." That's how disruptive sciatica can get. Most patients come to me saying, "Doctor, I tried painkillers, I tried physiotherapy, but the pain just won't go away." And sometimes, that's when we start thinking about surgery. But before we talk about surgery, let's understand why this pain happens in the first place.
Why Sciatica Happens
Sciatica usually means the big nerve in your leg — the sciatic nerve — is getting pressed somewhere in the lower back. The most common reason is a slipped or herniated disc in the spine. Think of the disc like a cushion between the bones of your spine. If that cushion bulges or slips out, it can press on the nerve, and that pressure causes pain to shoot down your leg. It's not just pain. Some patients also feel numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the foot. I've had young professionals say their foot "just doesn't feel right" while walking, or homemakers who complain their leg "feels heavy" when climbing stairs. These are all signs that the nerve is irritated.
When Does It Become a Surgical Case?
Here's the truth: most sciatica pain improves without surgery. Medicines, physiotherapy, posture correction, and simple rest help many patients. In fact, I often tell people — give your body time. Nerves do heal if the pressure eases. But there are situations where waiting too long isn't safe. Surgery is considered if:
✓ Pain is severe and not improving for weeks or months
✓ There is leg weakness or foot drop (where you can't lift the foot properly)
✓ Pain keeps you from sitting, sleeping, or even doing simple daily work
✓ Bladder or bowel control issues — rare but always an urgent warning sign
In such cases, procedures like discectomy or microdiscectomy are done. These surgeries remove the part of the disc pressing on the nerve. And nowadays, with minimally invasive techniques, the cut is small, blood loss is minimal, and recovery is much faster than most people imagine.
Can Sciatica Go Away Without Surgery?
Yes, absolutely. Many patients never need surgery. With proper medicines, exercises, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes, the pain settles. Sometimes, all it takes is correcting posture, strengthening back muscles, and avoiding long hours of sitting. But if your sciatica pain "just won't go away" after weeks of proper treatment, or if weakness starts to develop, then it's better not to delay. The longer a nerve is under pressure, the slower it recovers. And in rare cases, permanent damage can occur. That's why timely evaluation is so important.
Life After Surgery
One fear patients often share is, "Doctor, will I be stuck in bed for months after surgery?" The answer is — no. Recovery after microdiscectomy is usually quick. Most patients walk the next day. Light activities and office work are possible in 2–3 weeks. Of course, heavy lifting and intense sports take longer, but everyday life gets back to normal quite fast. Family support also plays a big role in recovery. Simple things — reminding the patient to walk a little every day, helping them sit with proper posture, encouraging exercises — all make recovery smoother.
Sciatica Treatment in Mumbai
The good news for patients today is that advanced spine care is easily available in Mumbai. If you're searching for the best neurosurgeon in Mulund, Mumbai, or a sciatica surgeon, you'll find experts who use minimally invasive techniques with quick recovery times. But here's the most important part: the right doctor won't rush you into surgery. They'll guide you honestly — most cases do not need an operation, but if surgery is required, getting it done at the right time prevents long-term nerve damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is sciatica surgery necessary? If pain lasts for weeks despite treatment, or if you develop weakness, foot drop, or bladder issues, surgery may be necessary to relieve nerve pressure.
Q: Can sciatica pain go away without surgery? Yes. Many cases settle with medicines, exercise, and physiotherapy. Surgery is only needed for severe, stubborn, or progressive cases.
Q: How soon can I walk after surgery? In most cases, patients are walking within a day or two of microdiscectomy.
Final Word
👉 Sciatica can make life miserable — I've seen patients lose sleep, miss work, and feel frustrated with daily life. But the good news is, with proper treatment — and surgery only if really needed — you can get back to sitting, sleeping, and living normally again. Don't ignore the pain, and don't lose hope. Relief is possible.
