Sciatica Treatment in Singapore

If you are experiencing shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that runs from your lower back through your buttock and down one leg, sciatica may be the cause. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can worsen over time and affect your ability to work, sleep, and move freely.

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat sciatica from diagnosis through to recovery, across our clinics in Novena, Gleneagles, and Mount Elizabeth.

 What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine through the hips and down each leg. It typically affects one side of the body and can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or leg weakness.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a standalone diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause is what determines the right course of treatment.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Common causes include:

Herniated Disc

when the inner material of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on a nerve root

Spinal Stenosis

narrowing of the spinal canal, typically due to age-related changes

Degenerative Disc Disease

gradual wear of the spinal discs leading to nerve compression

Spondylolisthesis

a vertebra slipping forward over the one below, compressing nerve roots

Piriformis syndrome

tightness or spasm in the piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve in the buttock

Trauma or injury

damage to the spine from a fall, accident, or sports injury

Also Read: Can Poor Posture Cause Sciatica Pain?

When Should You See a Specialist?

Most sciatica episodes improve with time and appropriate care. Seek an orthopaedic assessment if you experience:

• Pain that is not improving after several weeks
• Numbness or weakness that is spreading or worsening
• Symptoms following a fall or injury
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (requires urgent attention)

Also Read: Effective Stretches and Exercises to Relieve Sciatica Pain

Diagnosing Sciatica

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, and pain pattern. Imaging is used to confirm the underlying cause:

• MRI scan: for detailed visualisation of disc herniations and nerve compression
• X-ray: to assess spinal alignment and rule out bony causes
• CT scan: for cross-sectional imaging where MRI is not suitable
• Nerve conduction studies (EMG): to assess nerve function in complex presentations

Also Read: How to Tell if Leg Pain Is Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment in Singapore

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Our approach is conservative-first, with surgery considered when other options have not provided adequate relief.

Pain Management

Anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, or analgesics may be prescribed to manage acute sciatica pain. Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected spinal area can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation around the compressed nerve.

Rehabilitation

Our orthopaedic specialists work alongside our physiotherapy and rehabilitation team to restore your strength and mobility. For patients with lower back involvement, we offer a Pilates for Low Back Pain programme as part of the recovery pathway.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered when conservative treatment has not resolved symptoms, or when there is significant or worsening neurological deficit. Options include:

• Microdiscectomy: minimally invasive removal of disc material compressing the nerve
• Laminectomy: removal of part of the vertebral bone to decompress the spinal canal
• Spinal fusion: used in selected cases involving spinal instability

Your specialist will discuss which option is appropriate for your condition and what recovery involves.

Also Read: 10 Everyday Habits That Could Be Making Your Sciatica Worse

Cost and Insurance

Contact us to confirm your coverage before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consult Our Orthopaedic Specialists in Singapore

Sciatica that is left unmanaged can worsen and affect your quality of life. An assessment at Spire Orthopaedic Centre will identify the cause of your symptoms and give you a clear plan for treatment and recovery.

Consultation