Causes of Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain

• Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome, which can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Risk factors for a 50-year-old male include degenerative spine changes and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Symptoms: Sharp, radiating pain from the lower back down to the feet.
• Diagnosis: Physical examination, MRI or CT scans, and nerve conduction studies.

Treatment Options

• Conservative Treatments: Use NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
• Interventional Procedures: Consider epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks.
• Surgical Options: Discectomy or laminectomy if conservative measures fail.

Supportive Care and Prevention

• Maintain good posture, ergonomic adjustments, and regular exercise.
• Follow-up with specialists for tailored management.

Medication Examples

• Common medications include ibuprofen, aceclofenac, or pregabalin under medical supervision.