Long Work Hours Led to Sciatica in a Senior IT Executive Relieved With Homeopathy

One of the most common complaints of people working at a desk for more than 8 to 9 hours is sciatica and backache. Due to poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of exercise or physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle, they are more prone to having such complaints. 

One such female senior executive, aged 44 years (Patient ID: 51880), visited Mulund Life Force homeopathy clinic on the 2nd of July 2023, concerned about pain radiating from the right side buttock to the back of her thigh after prolonged sitting or walking. The pain had started around four to five months ago but was progressing gradually. She had difficulty walking and ended up 

limping painfully after walking for 20 to 30 minutes. 

Recent investigations showed

- (23/03/23) X-ray of Lumbar spine, Sacral spine:

- Reduction of intervertebral disc spaces at almost all levels, marked at L5-S1

She had taken conventional medicines, which included painkillers and steroid medications with local application. Although some relief was 

present, but it was short-lived, and the pain used to start again when she stopped treatment. 

Personal history:

The patient was working as a senior IT executive for an MNC, which consisted of sitting at her desk for 8 to 9 hours daily. She mentioned 

having poor posture, and despite trying to correct it, due to work demands, she forgets and is unable to address it. The complaints 

were affecting her daily routine and work, and since she was unable to travel to work, she had been working from home past few months.

The patient lived with her spouse and kid. She was friendly by nature, an extrovert, and shared good relations with all at home, workplace and 

social circle. Although her job involved long hours of work, she always tried to be active on the social front too.

Physical generals:

She was a vegetarian with a craving for sweets, especially milk-based Indian sweets. She also mentioned having mild sensitivity to strong sunlight, as it gave her redness and itching on her body.

She also mentioned that there is a familial tendency for hard stools, so she had a habit of taking Harda every night.

Past illness:

The patient mentioned she suffered from Hepatitis A in childhood and recovered uneventfully with conventional treatment. There was no history of any physical trauma/injury to the back.

Family illness:

The patient''s father suffered from hypertension and had cancer of the prostate in the past, whereas the mother had diabetes mellitus and hypertension. They were stable with conventional treatment.

At Life Force:

On examination, SLR was positive for the right leg. The patient was checked for any swelling or tenderness. Blood pressure, weight, and other vitals were within normal limits.

She was advised to undergo investigations that included blood reports, and a prescription was given for the same. She was also advised of changes in her dietary habits and lifestyle, including exercises. Mainly she was told the importance of stretching every few minutes to avoid pressure on the affected region. She has advised physiotherapy along with our treatment.

Based on her entire case history and reports, she was prescribed homeopathic medicines by Dr. Shah.

Follow-ups:

About six weeks later on the 17th of August 2023, the patient gave her feedback that the severity of pain was mildly reduced, but the pain still 

persisted constantly throughout the day. The patient also mentioned she had been traveling frequently in the last 15-20 days. She mentioned taking painkillers once. She was accordingly prescribed again by Dr. Shah for another six weeks. 

At the next follow-up on the 28th of September, 2023, the patient was further improved and mentioned she did not require painkillers. The patient was 

following all advice given to her and started physiotherapy as well. Based on her follow-up, she was again prescribed medicines for another 

six weeks.

Meanwhile, based on her reports, she was advised supplements due to deficiencies noted in the reports.

At the next follow-up on the 15th of Nov 2023, the patient was further improved and stated she was able to walk 45 minutes without pain, as opposed to earlier, when she used to start limping after walking for 20 minutes. This time too, she did not require any painkillers. On the basis of her follow-up, she was again prescribed by Dr. Shah for another six weeks.

On the 28th of Dec 2023, the patient happily mentioned that she was better and now felt mild pain over the right buttock only when getting up after a long period of sitting or lying on the right side. She had not taken any conventional medicines or physiotherapy for the last 1.5 months. Based on her follow-up, she was prescribed another six weeks of medicines by Dr. Shah.

For the next four to six months, the patient was further better in all her complaints. She mentioned that she had started traveling. She was only on homeopathic treatment and did not require painkillers. Accordingly, she was prescribed it for six weeks by Dr. Shah.

On the 13th of July 2024, the patient gave feedback that she was doing further better with no major episodes despite having traveled frequently with physical strain at times. She was taking her homeopathic medicines regularly. She was again prescribed another six weeks of medicines by Dr. Shah.

Further, for the next six to eight months, the patient mentioned she was 90% better with no complaints. 

Conclusion:

This case shows the positive effects of homeopathic medicines in cases with structural pathology, giving long-term relief without any side effects. Homeopathic treatment controls the progression of the disease, provided 

symptomatic relief and eventually prevents dependency on painkillers and other conventional treatments. 

Some disease conditions may require other measures as well along with homeopathy, such as physiotherapy in such a case, which is advised for sooner recovery and better prognosis. At Life Force, the patients are guided and advised to take such measures along with homeopathic medicines for their best interests and for the main goal, which is to get well sooner!

- Case study written by Dr. Varsha H, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)