Sciatica is a lumbar condition characterized by pain radiating down the back of the leg, and may be accompanied by changes in strength, sensation (e.g. pins and needles) and reflex activities of the leg​

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Sciatica can be caused due to pressure on a major nerve that supplies the leg, the sciatic nerve, such as:

• Bulging or herniated disc in the lower spine (the most common cause)

• Spine degeneration (usually more common in older individuals )

• Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle)

• Any traumatic injury that places pressure on lower spine

• Inflammation from arthritis, sprains, joint slippage or infection

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The medicine being tested in the DREAM study is a type of antidepressant medicine known as a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is also commonly used as a medicine to treat certain types of nerve pain.

 

SNRIs are thought to work by increasing the amount of mood-enhancing chemicals, serotonin and noradrenaline, in your brain. When used to treat nerve pain, this medicine is also thought to reduce inflammation, which is a common issue in people who have different types of nerve pain, including sciatica.

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This medicine is not available for purchase by the general public.