A New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Method for the Conservative Management of Sciatica

Abstract

Background: The term “Sciatica” is commonly used for describing nerve pain in the leg which is caused due to the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It is a source of disability and can interfere with the physical occupation aspect. Estimates for the lifetime incidence of sciatica range from 13% to 40%. Two common nonsurgical interventions used are physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. Pain is regulated by a subset of voltage-gated sodium channels, (NaV1.3, NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9). For this character of sodium channels in neurological pain, a peripheral nerve block is an upcoming treatment other than conventional treatment options such as steroid injections or opioids, analgesics. Methods: We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial in which after the application of injection we compared Visual Analog Scale Score, subjective satisfaction scale, straight leg raise (SLR) test preinjection and postinjection at 10 min, 1 week, and at 1 month. Results: In our study, a total of 92 patients were taken for the study: 66 patients in drug mixture group and 26 patients in the placebo group. The present study showed relief from pain up to the maximum follow-up period of 1 month; it also showed improvement in the SLR and also a better patient satisfaction, without any complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, peripheral sodium-channel block can be considered as a diagnostic as well as an option for short-term relief from pain in the patient suffering from sciatica, allowing physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises.