SKH doctor on sciatica

Dr Thomas Tan, Head & Consultant, Neurosurgery Service, NNI@SKH, shared that he is seeing a growing number of younger patients aged 18 to 25 with sciatica – a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, causing shooting pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg. He noted that many patients develop this pain from lifting heavy weights incorrectly, being overweight or having poor form at the gym. While some recover with rest and physiotherapy, others may require surgery if the pain does not improve.