Sciatica Treatment Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Sciatica Treatment Market Size

The sciatica treatment market was valued at USD 3.75 billion in 2023, driven by the increasing adoption of sedentary lifestyle and rising obesity rates across the globe. The market size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.77% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 to achieve a value of USD 7.31 billion by 2032.

Sciatica Treatment Market Outlook

• The market demand is positively impacted by increased research and development activities to develop and provide new medications with higher efficacy to consumers.
• The World Health Organization reported that approximately 43% of adults aged 18 or above were overweight. Rising prevalence of obesity globally is a major factor boosting the incidence of sciatica, demanding effective treatment for the condition. 
• United States is expected to hold a substantial market share in the forecast period. The market value can be attributed to the presence of leading companies engrossed in research activities to boost drug formulation.

Sciatica Treatment Market Overview

Sciatica is a condition that involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, leading to numbness, pain, weakness and tingling in back or lower half of the body. Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, made by the coalition of 5 nerve roots in the lower spine, running from buttocks to legs. Sciatica is a common symptom of a spinal stenosis, bone overgrowth, Piriformis syndrome or a herniated disk. In rare cases, it can be a symptom of a tumor that might be inducing some pressure on the nerve. Sciatica occurs in people aged between 30 to 50.

Treatment alternatives for sciatica include pain management medications such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, antidepressants, anti-seizure medicines, opioids, physical therapy, and steroid injections. While surgery is not so common, it may be performed to remove a part of herniated disk or bone overgrowth. Home remedies and self-care treatments are also commonly used to manage the pain. It includes cold packs, hot packs, stretching, acupuncture and massages.

The sciatica treatment market demand is driven by increasing cases of the condition in individuals due to their sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and lack of exercise. The emphasis on early testing to provide effective and precise treatment to those affected by the condition is amongst major market trends. Moreover, increasing investments in the healthcare domain, along with awareness campaigns set by both government as well as affluent healthcare companies is estimated to shape the market value significantly in the forecast period.

Sciatica Treatment Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Sciatica

The global incidence of sciatica is on the rise. It has an annual incidence of 1% to 5%, while the lifetime incidence increases up to 10% to 40%. The condition is affected by multiple factors such as gender, parity, age, body habitus, genetic factors, occupation, and environment. Individuals aged 40 years or above are prone to develop the condition. In addition, the disease is further triggered by the occurrence different conditions such as tumor, Pott disease, herniated lumbosacral disc, and muscle spasms.

Adoption of Contemporary Treatment Methodologies to Meet the Increasing Sciatica Treatment Market Demand

To treat chronic pain associated with sciatica, scientists are focused on developing new treatment alternatives. Research in combination treatments is likely to impact the market positively. In March 2023, researchers at the Radiological Society of North America revealed that a minimally invasive procedure when used in combination with epidural steroid injection treatment led to superior pain reduction and disability improvement in patients. Minimally invasive interventional therapies have become common in recent times, owing to lesser complications and faster recovery rates. Such combination treatments indicate a shift towards patient centric approaches, leading to the establishment of individualized care plans. Research into new novel pain relief alternatives such as radiofrequency is likely to augment the market growth in the market growth.

Evolving Lifestyle of Individuals

The transforming lifestyle of the population is leading to development of several health concerns, including sciatica associated back pain. Lifestyle issues like obesity and lack of exercise further aggravate the condition. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, around 890 million individuals were living with obesity while approximately 2.5 billion (43%) adults aged 18 or above were overweight. This underscores a significant increase from 1990, when merely 25% of the adults were in the overweight category. With the adoption of unhealthy dietary habits, and lesser indulgence of physical exercise, the masses are now prone to develop conditions like sciatica among others. This is a major factor fueling the market growth.

Sciatica Treatment Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current global scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows:

Recent Developments in the Sciatica Treatment Market

The researchers at West Virginia’s University’s Neuroscience Institute are evaluating the efficacy of Clonidine, a drug previously used to treat hypertension, and cancer pain for sciatica treatment. The research is intended to eliminate the use of opioid based medications and reduce the rising burden of opioid addiction. The drug is introduced intravenously into the lumbar column as a small pellet. It stimulates alpha-2-adrenergic receptors in the lower back and blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain. It also aids in reducing inflammation associated with chronic pain. The drug is currently under 30 clinical trials and is being recruited on several patients to test the potential of the drug.

Sciatica Treatment Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Disease Type

• Acute Sciatica

• Chronic Sciatica

Market Breakup by Treatment Type

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

• Corticosteroids

• Anticonvulsant

• Antidepressants

• Opioid Analgesics

• Others

Market Breakup by Route of Administration

• Oral

• Parenteral

Market Breakup by Gender

• Male

• Female

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Retail Pharmacies

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States

• EU-4 and the United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom

• Japan

• India

Sciatica Treatment Market Share

Market Segmentation Based on Treatment Types is Anticipated to Witness Substantial Growth

The market segmentation based on treatment types include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, anticonvulsant, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and others. There is a higher preference for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants, owing to its high efficacy, rapid onset of action, easy availability, and affordability. Common NSAIDs present in the market include Ibuprofen, and Diclofenac while corticosteroids encompass Prednisone and epidural steroid injections. However, these medication types may cause limitations like side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and gastric issues. Hence, pharmaceutical companies are continuously improving drug formulations to offer improved solutions to the consumers.

Opioid analgesics, however, having high efficacy in managing severe pain are associated with risks of addiction, abuse, and addiction. Therefore, its use is being limited in the market. Apart from medications, alternative therapies (falling in others) are expected to hold a significant market share, driven by non-invasive options with minimal side effects. Yet, its effectiveness may vary from person to person and would require persistent usage.

Market Share Based on Route of Administration

The market segmentation on the basis of route of administration encompasses oral and parenteral. Out of these, oral route of administration is more common and is used to treat acute sciatica effectively. These medications are ingested by mouth and are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics. It has multiple advantages like non-invasive nature, ease of use and convenience in ingestion. Parenteral route can be further categorized into infusions or injections including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and epidural injections. This method provides instant pain relief, owing to rapid onset and targeted delivery. In addition, this route can avoid the occurrence of gastrointestinal issues and is beneficial for patients with absorption problems.

Market Segmentation on the Basis of Distribution Channels

The market breakup based on distribution channels is further divides into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and others. Hospital pharmacies are often associated with specialized care and professional oversight to manage pain better. It can offer advantages like integrated care coordinated by healthcare professionals, while retail pharmacies offer access to a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications for sciatica treatment. The “others” category can include online pharmacies, speciality pharmacies, as well as mail-order services. With increased digitisation, online pharmacies are garnering high popularity. Moreover, the ability to order medications and get them delivered to the patient's doorstep is driving the market value for this category.

Sciatica Treatment Market Analysis by Region

The market report offers insights into major regional markets such as United States, EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, Japan, and India. United States is expected to lead the market share, owing to high prevalence of the condition along with presence of leading market players. The rising obesity rates, geriatric population and sedentary lifestyles are further contributing to higher incidence of sciatica. A favorable regularity landscape also impacts the market positively.

EU-4 which is further divided into Germany, France, Italy, and Spain along with the United Kingdom are poised to hold a substantial a market share. The market value can be attributed to the presence of a well-developed research and medical infrastructure. The scientists and researchers are emphasizing on the adoption of new pain management technologies and therapies. Moreover, these countries possess a comprehensive healthcare system with universal coverage is likely to boost the market share in the forecast period.

Countries like Japan and India are expected to hold a significant market value in the forecast period, driven by increasing investments to boost the pharmaceutical and healthcare infrastructure. With a mix of public and private healthcare providers, these companies are focused at providing affordable yet efficient solutions to the patients. The adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques is likely to shape the market positively. Moreover, there is significant emphasis on providing relevant information to both the population and medical providers, enabling them to analyze early signs of the condition and providing optimal care to prevent worsening.

Leading Players in the Sciatica Treatment Market

The key features of the market report comprise patent analysis, grants analysis, clinical trial analysis, fundings and investments analysis, and partnerships and collaborations analysis and strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Pfizer, Inc.

Established in 1849 and headquartered in New York, United States, Pfizer, Inc. has a significant market presence as the company provides a range of sciatica treatment alternatives. Lyrica is amongst some well-known pain management medicines offered by the company. It also boasts a pipeline of effective NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. Moreover, several products are currently under trials, likely to create a significant impact on the market value in coming years.

Abbott

Headquartered in Illinois, United States, Abbott is an affluent market player. It has a renowned range of generic pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostic equipment. Proclaim™ XR SCS System and Proclaim™ DRG Neurostimulation System are some well-known and effective pain management systems provided by the company. The company is also committed to offer non-opioid pain relief options, intended to reduce opioid dependence.

Bayer AG 

Germany-based, Bayer AG was established in 1863. It spans across multiple healthcare domains including pharmaceuticals and consumer health among others. Along with analgesics, NSAIDs, and anti-inflammatories, the company also has a portfolio of muscle relaxants and topical treatments. The company is involved in multiple ongoing research initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic pain.

Novartis AG

Established in 1996, it is a well-known organisation with expertise in biosimilars, generics and medications. One of the notable products involved in pain management include Voltaren (Diclofenac). It is amongst the well-known companies to manage inflammatory conditions through diverse biologic treatments such as anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) therapies.

Other key players in the market include GSK plc, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.

Key Highlights of the Report

Key Questions Answered in the Sciatica Treatment Market Report

• What was the sciatica treatment market value in 2023?
• What is the sciatica treatment market forecast outlook for 2024-2032?
• What are the regional markets covered in the EMR report?
• What is market segmentation based on product?
• What is the market breakup based on treatment type?
• What is the market segmentation based on disease type?
• What is the market segmentation based on route of administration?
• What is the market breakup based on gender?
• What are major distribution channels involved in the market?
• What are the major factors aiding the sciatica treatment market demand? 
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the major drivers, opportunities, and restraints? 
• Which regional market is expected to lead the market share in the forecast period? 
• Which country is estimated to witness expedited growth during the forecast period? 
• How does the rising incidence of geriatric population affect the market landscape?
• What are the major sciatica treatment market trends?
• What treatment type will dominate the market share? 
• Which technique is expected to have a high market value in the coming years?
• Which route of administration is projected to contribute to the highest market growth?
• Which distribution channel is poised to hold a significant market share?
• Who are the key players involved in the sciatica treatment market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• Which sciatica treatment drugs are currently in clinical trials?
• What is the patent landscape of the market?
• What are the latest government initiatives that are expected to boost the market value in the forecast period?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?