People in their 40s and 50s usually tend to ignore headaches, stomach aches, etc and try to justify them with a reason which seems to be valid but is actually not. Back pains too must not be ignored and immediate medical advice should be sought, as in most cases the main cause of back pain is problems in our spinal cord or nerves. Sciatica is also caused by a problem or pressure on the sciatic nerve and ignoring this pain can have you deal with serious consequences. To learn more about the serious complications that can arise, ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to our Orthopedic expert, Dr. Hem Joshi.
Ignoring Sciatica Can Majorly Affect Health
Dr. Joshi says that extra care should be taken by people suffering from sciatica and they should keep in regular touch with their physicians. In most cases, the patient’s condition can be controlled with the help of medication. But, with worsening of pain, problems in performing regular activities like urination or defecation may arise and improper control over it can lead to serious situations.
Affects the lower abdomen
If the sciatica is very severe, there is a serious effect on the bladder and intestines of the person. Many times, the person loses control over activities like urination and they may unknowingly pass urine. At the same time, the person may also face gastric problems like constipation, affecting the bowel movement and in serious situations, the person may also not be able to pass the stool.
Apart from this, a person may also face the problem of Foot Drop, a condition quite similar to paralysis, in which the person is unable to lift his/her feet. Therefore, both these conditions are serious and require immediate medical help, because mostly surgery is the only solution at this stage.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Surgery
Dr. Joshi explains that surgeries related to problems like sciatica or slip disc do not take much time. These surgeries are carried out using modern medical equipment and are referred to as Minimally Invasive Surgery or simply Laparoscopic Surgery. The surgery takes less than an hour to complete, without any cuts on the body and the patient is made to walk slowly the very next day. But if the problem lies with the alignment of the bones, bone dislocation or any other serious bones related issues, then the doctors may carry out the usual surgery procedure.
Choose The Doctor Carefully
Dr. Joshi says that whatever surgery you undergo, be it small or big, have complete information about the doctor prior to visiting them. It is very important that the surgery is performed by a highly trained and professional doctor only. Also, before undergoing the surgery, you should not hesitate in talking to the doctor openly about the surgery, its procedures, and what can and cannot be done post-surgery. This will not only keep you informed but will save you from any difficulties in the future, related to the surgery.
Therefore, ignoring sciatica can only worsen it and affect your health too. Consult a doctor immediately and get yourself tested. Undergo surgery if so advised by the doctor to avoid any further complications and to stay healthy and fit.
