That sharp pain shooting from your lower back down one leg has a name — sciatica. Here is when it settles on its own, when it will not, and how to choose the right spine doctor in PCMC.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the hip and down the leg. It is usually a symptom of an underlying problem (most often a slipped or herniated disc pressing on the nerve), not a disease on its own.
Common causes
- Herniated or bulging disc in the lower spine
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc changes with age
- Muscle strain or poor posture — desk jobs, long driving
When to see a doctor
Do not wait if:
- Leg pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks or keeps returning
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain started after a fall or injury
How sciatica is treated
- Conservative care — physiotherapy, medication and activity changes. Most cases improve here.
- Interventional pain management — targeted injections when pain persists.
- Endoscopic / minimally invasive spine surgery — for discs that keep pressing on the nerve. Smaller incision, less pain and a faster return to normal life than open surgery.
Choosing the right spine specialist in Pimpri-Chinchwad
- Look for a surgeon experienced specifically in spine and endoscopic procedures
- Ask how many similar cases they handle
- Choose a hospital with in-house imaging, physiotherapy and 24×7 support
Spine care at Chetna Hospital, PCMC
At Chetna Hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad, spine and sciatica care is led by Dr. Nirmal Patil, who specialises in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery — treating the cause of sciatica with the smallest possible intervention, supported by on-site diagnostics and rehabilitation.
Living with leg or back pain? Book a consultation with our spine team.
Frequently asked questions
Does sciatica go away on its own?
Often yes, within a few weeks — but recurring or worsening pain, or any numbness and weakness, needs a specialist.
Is sciatica surgery major?
Not necessarily. Endoscopic spine surgery is minimally invasive, done through a small incision, with a much faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Which doctor treats sciatica in PCMC?
A spine specialist or orthopedic spine surgeon. At Chetna Hospital, Pimpri-Chinchwad, sciatica and spine care is led by Dr. Nirmal Patil.
