The term sciatica is applied to pain radiating from the buttock, down the back of the thigh and along the posterior and lateral aspect of the calf to the foot (along the course of the sciatic nerve or its component nerve roots). It does not include the pain limited to the buttock or other small area.

Most important causative factors are

1. Protruded intervertebral disc(PIVD)
2. Injury due to injections or trauma
3. Arthritis
4. Tumors

Treatment:

Initially in all cases, bed rest on a firm mattress is very important. Patient should not be allowed to leave bed even for toilet purposes as this leads to failure of the treatment.

In PIVD cases, where the 4th lumbar root is involved, the lateral (side)position with flexion(bending) of the hips is best suited to relax the tension on the affected nerve root  and hence to relieve pain. The bed rest should be continued for 2-4 weeks.

1. Physiotherapy ? in the form of heat and massage
2. Surgical treatment ? indications-
   1. quick recurrence of symptoms
   2. cases which do not respond to medical t/t rest
   3. evidence of large prolapse(disc)
   4. IV disc causing pressure on cauda-equina or severe root compression shown by marked motor and sensory changes; involvement of bowel and urinary function.

Homeopathically, we can help in two ways. Firstly, by relieving distress painful condition by use of acute medicines and then to give constitutional t/t .

Every case calls for detailed study of the patient individually. There are no disease specific medicines in homeopathy. The exact treatment is determined only on "in-depth" evaluation of the individual case.