Sciatica and herniated disc
Sciatica is pain shooting from the lower back through the buttock into the lower limb, most often caused by a herniated intervertebral disc pressing on a nerve root. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we establish the diagnosis, objectively assess the nerve damage with EMG and set up conservative treatment that brings most patients relief without surgery.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a neurologist specializing in EMG examinations with experience at University Hospital Bratislava
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- Infusion therapy and local injections right in the practice, EMG with no waiting
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What a herniated disc is and why it hurts
The intervertebral discs work as flexible shock absorbers between the vertebrae. With overuse or degenerative changes, the inner core of the disc can push out through a weakened outer layer – a herniated disc develops. If the protruding part presses on a nerve root, nerve root irritation occurs: the pain does not stay in the lower back but shoots along the course of the nerve into the limb.
With root compression in the lumbar spine, the pain shoots into the buttock, the back or side of the thigh, the calf and down to the foot – commonly known as sciatica. With a herniated disc in the cervical spine, pain and numbness shoot into the shoulder and fingers.
Typical symptoms of nerve root compression
- Sharp pain shooting from the back into a limb, worsened by coughing, sneezing or bending forward
- Numbness, pins and needles or reduced sensation in a particular strip of the limb
- Muscle weakness – the knee giving way, difficulty standing on tiptoe or on the heel
- Pain that forces you to change position, often worse when sitting than when walking
- A stiff spine and a protective sideways lean of the trunk
Weakness of a limb or bladder problems are warning signs – seek medical help without delay.
Diagnosis: examination, EMG and MRI
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and an examination of reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and nerve stretch tests. The clinical findings usually show precisely which nerve root is compressed.
An EMG examination objectively measures nerve conduction and reveals the extent of root damage – it helps decide whether conservative treatment is enough or whether surgery needs to be considered. We perform it right in the practice, with no waiting lists.
We do not perform spine MRI in the practice – if imaging is needed, we refer you for an MRI at a partner facility and plan the next steps together based on the result.
Conservative treatment – most patients avoid surgery
The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain, protect the nerve and allow the body to gradually heal the herniation.
Infusion therapy
Neodolpasse anti-inflammatory infusions reduce the inflammation around the compressed root; we give them individually or as infusion packages.
Local injection
A targeted injection of medication to the painful spot brings quick local relief and breaks the vicious circle of pain and muscle spasm.
Infusion for an acute back spasm
When the problems start acutely, we give a pain-relieving infusion right in the practice for quick relief.
Regimen and gradual movement
Brief rest, then gradual exercise according to our recommendations. We also set up pain medication and monitor at follow-ups whether the nerve is recovering.
Most herniated discs heal within weeks to a few months with consistent conservative treatment. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about sciatica and herniated disc
In most cases, yes. The protruding part of the disc shrinks over time and the inflammation around the root subsides with the right treatment. Only a small proportion of patients need surgery – mainly with progressive weakness or cauda equina syndrome.
The acute phase usually subsides within a few weeks; full recovery can take several months. Infusion therapy and local injections can make the course considerably easier.
EMG objectively measures whether and how severely the nerve root is damaged. It helps tell root irritation apart from other causes of pain and monitor whether the nerve is recovering. We do it right in the practice.
No. We examine you clinically first – we decide on the need for an MRI based on the findings and refer you for it if necessary. An MRI without a clinical examination often leads to unnecessary worry about incidental findings.
Brief rest only in the most acute phase, then a gradual return to movement. Long bed rest slows recovery – we will recommend a safe pace and suitable exercises at the examination.
Related topics
Back pain
Vertebrogenic problems of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and their conservative treatment.
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function in nerve root irritation – right in the practice.
Polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning in the feet can have a cause other than the spine.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Does pain shoot from your lower back into your leg?
Book a neurological examination with EMG in Bratislava – an appointment within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Sciatica and herniated disc
Sciatica is pain shooting from the lower back through the buttock into the lower limb, most often caused by a herniated intervertebral disc pressing on a nerve root. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we establish the diagnosis, objectively assess the nerve damage with EMG and set up conservative treatment that brings most patients relief without surgery.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a neurologist specializing in EMG examinations with experience at University Hospital Bratislava
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- Infusion therapy and local injections right in the practice, EMG with no waiting
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What a herniated disc is and why it hurts
The intervertebral discs work as flexible shock absorbers between the vertebrae. With overuse or degenerative changes, the inner core of the disc can push out through a weakened outer layer – a herniated disc develops. If the protruding part presses on a nerve root, nerve root irritation occurs: the pain does not stay in the lower back but shoots along the course of the nerve into the limb.
With root compression in the lumbar spine, the pain shoots into the buttock, the back or side of the thigh, the calf and down to the foot – commonly known as sciatica. With a herniated disc in the cervical spine, pain and numbness shoot into the shoulder and fingers.
Typical symptoms of nerve root compression
- Sharp pain shooting from the back into a limb, worsened by coughing, sneezing or bending forward
- Numbness, pins and needles or reduced sensation in a particular strip of the limb
- Muscle weakness – the knee giving way, difficulty standing on tiptoe or on the heel
- Pain that forces you to change position, often worse when sitting than when walking
- A stiff spine and a protective sideways lean of the trunk
Weakness of a limb or bladder problems are warning signs – seek medical help without delay.
Diagnosis: examination, EMG and MRI
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and an examination of reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and nerve stretch tests. The clinical findings usually show precisely which nerve root is compressed.
An EMG examination objectively measures nerve conduction and reveals the extent of root damage – it helps decide whether conservative treatment is enough or whether surgery needs to be considered. We perform it right in the practice, with no waiting lists.
We do not perform spine MRI in the practice – if imaging is needed, we refer you for an MRI at a partner facility and plan the next steps together based on the result.
Conservative treatment – most patients avoid surgery
The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain, protect the nerve and allow the body to gradually heal the herniation.
Infusion therapy
Neodolpasse anti-inflammatory infusions reduce the inflammation around the compressed root; we give them individually or as infusion packages.
Local injection
A targeted injection of medication to the painful spot brings quick local relief and breaks the vicious circle of pain and muscle spasm.
Infusion for an acute back spasm
When the problems start acutely, we give a pain-relieving infusion right in the practice for quick relief.
Regimen and gradual movement
Brief rest, then gradual exercise according to our recommendations. We also set up pain medication and monitor at follow-ups whether the nerve is recovering.
Most herniated discs heal within weeks to a few months with consistent conservative treatment. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about sciatica and herniated disc
In most cases, yes. The protruding part of the disc shrinks over time and the inflammation around the root subsides with the right treatment. Only a small proportion of patients need surgery – mainly with progressive weakness or cauda equina syndrome.
The acute phase usually subsides within a few weeks; full recovery can take several months. Infusion therapy and local injections can make the course considerably easier.
EMG objectively measures whether and how severely the nerve root is damaged. It helps tell root irritation apart from other causes of pain and monitor whether the nerve is recovering. We do it right in the practice.
No. We examine you clinically first – we decide on the need for an MRI based on the findings and refer you for it if necessary. An MRI without a clinical examination often leads to unnecessary worry about incidental findings.
Brief rest only in the most acute phase, then a gradual return to movement. Long bed rest slows recovery – we will recommend a safe pace and suitable exercises at the examination.
Related topics
Back pain
Vertebrogenic problems of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and their conservative treatment.
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function in nerve root irritation – right in the practice.
Polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning in the feet can have a cause other than the spine.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Does pain shoot from your lower back into your leg?
Book a neurological examination with EMG in Bratislava – an appointment within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Sciatica and herniated disc
Sciatica is pain shooting from the lower back through the buttock into the lower limb, most often caused by a herniated intervertebral disc pressing on a nerve root. At our neurology practice in Bratislava we establish the diagnosis, objectively assess the nerve damage with EMG and set up conservative treatment that brings most patients relief without surgery.
- Medical guarantor MUDr. Michal Kozmon – a neurologist specializing in EMG examinations with experience at University Hospital Bratislava
- An appointment within a few days, no referral needed
- Infusion therapy and local injections right in the practice, EMG with no waiting
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What a herniated disc is and why it hurts
The intervertebral discs work as flexible shock absorbers between the vertebrae. With overuse or degenerative changes, the inner core of the disc can push out through a weakened outer layer – a herniated disc develops. If the protruding part presses on a nerve root, nerve root irritation occurs: the pain does not stay in the lower back but shoots along the course of the nerve into the limb.
With root compression in the lumbar spine, the pain shoots into the buttock, the back or side of the thigh, the calf and down to the foot – commonly known as sciatica. With a herniated disc in the cervical spine, pain and numbness shoot into the shoulder and fingers.
Typical symptoms of nerve root compression
- Sharp pain shooting from the back into a limb, worsened by coughing, sneezing or bending forward
- Numbness, pins and needles or reduced sensation in a particular strip of the limb
- Muscle weakness – the knee giving way, difficulty standing on tiptoe or on the heel
- Pain that forces you to change position, often worse when sitting than when walking
- A stiff spine and a protective sideways lean of the trunk
Weakness of a limb or bladder problems are warning signs – seek medical help without delay.
Diagnosis: examination, EMG and MRI
The foundation is the initial neurological examination – a 30-minute consultation with a detailed medical history and an examination of reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and nerve stretch tests. The clinical findings usually show precisely which nerve root is compressed.
An EMG examination objectively measures nerve conduction and reveals the extent of root damage – it helps decide whether conservative treatment is enough or whether surgery needs to be considered. We perform it right in the practice, with no waiting lists.
We do not perform spine MRI in the practice – if imaging is needed, we refer you for an MRI at a partner facility and plan the next steps together based on the result.
Conservative treatment – most patients avoid surgery
The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain, protect the nerve and allow the body to gradually heal the herniation.
Infusion therapy
Neodolpasse anti-inflammatory infusions reduce the inflammation around the compressed root; we give them individually or as infusion packages.
Local injection
A targeted injection of medication to the painful spot brings quick local relief and breaks the vicious circle of pain and muscle spasm.
Infusion for an acute back spasm
When the problems start acutely, we give a pain-relieving infusion right in the practice for quick relief.
Regimen and gradual movement
Brief rest, then gradual exercise according to our recommendations. We also set up pain medication and monitor at follow-ups whether the nerve is recovering.
Most herniated discs heal within weeks to a few months with consistent conservative treatment. Book on +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about sciatica and herniated disc
In most cases, yes. The protruding part of the disc shrinks over time and the inflammation around the root subsides with the right treatment. Only a small proportion of patients need surgery – mainly with progressive weakness or cauda equina syndrome.
The acute phase usually subsides within a few weeks; full recovery can take several months. Infusion therapy and local injections can make the course considerably easier.
EMG objectively measures whether and how severely the nerve root is damaged. It helps tell root irritation apart from other causes of pain and monitor whether the nerve is recovering. We do it right in the practice.
No. We examine you clinically first – we decide on the need for an MRI based on the findings and refer you for it if necessary. An MRI without a clinical examination often leads to unnecessary worry about incidental findings.
Brief rest only in the most acute phase, then a gradual return to movement. Long bed rest slows recovery – we will recommend a safe pace and suitable exercises at the examination.
Related topics
Back pain
Vertebrogenic problems of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and their conservative treatment.
EMG examination
Objective measurement of nerve function in nerve root irritation – right in the practice.
Polyneuropathy
Numbness and burning in the feet can have a cause other than the spine.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Does pain shoot from your lower back into your leg?
Book a neurological examination with EMG in Bratislava – an appointment within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk