Transforaminal Epidural Injection in Acute Sciatica

This clinical trial, titled "Transforaminal Epidural Injection in Acute Sciatica" (study ID: NCT03924791), is studying whether a targeted epidural steroid injection (injected near the nerve root in the spine through a small opening called the foramen) can effectively relieve the leg pain caused by acute sciatica. Sciatica is a condition where a nerve in the lower back becomes compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc, causing sharp pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This study compares outcomes between patients who receive the injection and those who do not. The study is open to adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with sciatica by a GP, with moderate to severe leg pain (6 or more on a 10-point scale) and symptoms lasting between 3 and 8 weeks. Patients who are pregnant, have had prior epidural injections, or have had spine surgery are not eligible. You may be eligible if you: - Are 18 years of age or older - Have been diagnosed with sciatica by a GP - Have leg pain of 6 or more out of 10 - Have had symptoms for at least 3 weeks but no more than 8 weeks You may NOT be eligible if you: - Are under 18 years old - Have a condition that prevents you from receiving an epidural injection - Have severe scoliosis - Have received a transforaminal epidural injection in the past 6 months - Have had sciatica surgery at the same or different spinal level within the past year - Are pregnant Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.