Sciatica refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, often caused by spinal disc herniation or nerve compression. The condition can lead to sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the lower back down to the legs. Dr. Salim Şentürk offers a range of personalized treatment options—from conservative therapies to surgical solutions—tailored to each patient’s severity and underlying cause.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying spinal issue affecting the sciatic nerve.
Common causes include:
- Lumbar disc herniation pressing on the nerve root
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Sciatica typically affects one side of the body and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg
- Sharp, electric shock–like sensations
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting for long periods
- Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or straining
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies:
- MRI or CT scans to assess disc and nerve conditions
- Neurological tests to check reflexes, strength, and sensation
- Straight leg raise test to provoke sciatic pain and confirm diagnosis
Dr. Salim uses a combination of clinical findings and imaging to accurately diagnose the cause of sciatic symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most cases of sciatica improve within weeks using conservative methods, such as:
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy and exercise programs
- Epidural steroid injections for inflammation
- Cold and heat therapy
- Activity modification and posture correction
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Surgical treatment may be recommended when:
- Severe pain persists despite conservative care
- Neurological deficits like foot drop or leg weakness are present
- Imaging confirms significant nerve compression
- Quality of life is severely affected
Common surgical options include:
- Microdiscectomy: Removal of herniated disc material
- Laminectomy: Relief of pressure from stenosis
- Endoscopic discectomy: Minimally invasive technique with quicker recovery
Recovery and Outlook
With appropriate treatment, most patients fully recover from sciatica.
- Non-surgical recovery may take a few weeks to months
- Post-surgery recovery typically spans 2–6 weeks, depending on the procedure
- Dr. Salim provides tailored rehab programs and regular follow-up to ensure long-term results
Why Choose Dr. Salim?
Dr. Salim combines deep experience in spine surgery with a patient-first philosophy, ensuring each sciatica case is treated with precision and care. Whether through non-invasive methods or advanced surgical solutions, he helps patients return to pain-free movement and daily life.
NEED GUIDANCE?
Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment
From scheduling your consultation to preparing for recovery, here are answers to the most common questions we receive from patients—both local and international.
Appointments can be booked directly through our online form or by contacting our clinic via phone or WhatsApp. Our team will guide you step-by-step.
Your initial consultation includes a full evaluation of your symptoms, medical imaging (if available), and a discussion of potential treatment paths, tailored to your unique case.
We help with accommodation, airport pickup, translation, and aftercare for patients coming from abroad.
Patient-Centered, Outcome-Driven
What You Can Expect With Us
When it comes to spinal and neurological care, we understand that clarity, trust, and results matter. That’s why every treatment we offer is designed around one goal, to restore your quality of life through the safest, most effective approach available.
From your initial consultation to recovery, Dr. Salim and our team will ensure you feel informed and supported. We’ll take the time to explain every step, provide personalized guidance, and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
