Inflammatory mechanisms as a potential cause of sciatica in lumbar disc herniation: A hypothesis

• Inflammatory mechanisms play a pivotal role in the development of sciatica associated with LDH. • Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines can be released from herniated disc material. • Inflammatory processes occur independently and persist even after herniation reduction. • Anti-inflammatory therapies and immunomodulatory approaches may offer promising treatment options for patients suffering from sciatica associated with LDH. Lumbar disc herniation frequently causes low back pain and sciatica, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. The pathogenesis of sciatica is complex, involving both mechanical compression and inflammatory processes. Recent studies have suggested a potential role of inflammatory mechanisms in the development of sciatica. We hypothesize that these inflammatory mediators contribute to the neuropathic pain experienced by patients with lumbar disc herniation. Understanding these inflammatory mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic targets for managing sciatica in lumbar disc herniation, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on testing this hypothesis through scientific investigation to validate these potential new therapies.