Sciatica or Leg Pain
Sciatica is a common condition, estimated to affect up to 40% of UK adults at some point in their lifetime.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica causes pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot due to compression of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms may include sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Types include disc-related sciatica, sciatica related to spinal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis-related sciatica.
What are the common causes of sciatica?
Sciatica most often arises from herniated discs, degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis), or less commonly, piriformis syndrome.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Dr Hussien El-Maghraby will perform a neurological assessment to evaluate leg strength, reflexes, and nerve function. MRI is typically used to pinpoint nerve compression, while nerve conduction studies may be used in complex cases.
How is sciatica treated?
Dr El-Maghraby will discuss your symptoms and lifestyle, guiding you through a treatment plan. Initial care focuses on physiotherapy, core strengthening, and activity modification.
Minimally invasive treatments, such as epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks, Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), and minimally invasive lumbar decompression, are available for persistent symptoms.
Dr Hussien El-Maghraby,
experienced spinal surgeon
With over 20 years of UK consultant neurosurgery experience, Dr Hussien El-Maghraby is a leading spinal surgeon based in the heart of London.
Dr El-Maghraby specialises exclusively in minimally invasive spine care, offering modern, patient-centred treatments for back pain, neck pain and spinal disorders – from laser disc decompression to advanced injections, cement augmentation and 3D/AI-guided spinal decompression.
Understanding the needs of international patients, Dr El-Maghraby places special emphasis on serving people from the Middle East visiting London for treatment – offering clear communication, compassionate care, and expert spinal surgery under UK standards.