Sciatica Treatment Market

Market Overview

The global sciatica treatment market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.3 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The Sciatica Treatment Market share is predicted to grow significantly throughout the forecasted period, driven by increased market demand due to attractive financial assistance for researchers developing novel interventions. 

Sciatica treatment includes various procedures to alleviate the symptoms of Sciatica, a condition defined by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve route, generally from the lower back down the leg. 

Factors driving the growth of the sciatica treatment market include an increase in chronic and acute Sciatica, changes in human lifestyle, and an increase in the elderly population. Furthermore, increasing demand for over-the-counter analgesics for sciatica therapy and increased public awareness of sciatica treatment are driving the expansion of the acute sciatica segment. 

 The growing senior population worldwide is one of the primary drivers of the sciatica treatment industry. Furthermore, increased awareness among people in both developed and developing countries regarding the sciatica ailment and accessible treatment choices is driving market expansion. Furthermore, a surge in demand for NSAIDs and other analgesic medications as an over-the-counter treatment option for Sciatica in countries such as China, Brazil, and India is fueling the sciatica treatment market growth. 

Highlights

• Chronic accounts for the largest share of the market by type.
• NSAIDs generate the highest share of the market by drug class.
• Retail Pharmacies make a significant contribution to the market through distribution channels.

Market Dynamics

Global Sciatica Treatment Market Drivers:

Increasing prevalence of Sciatica

Sciatica is frequently caused by disorders like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc degeneration, which are growing more widespread worldwide. According to the NCBI, the annual prevalence of Sciatica in the general population is approximately 2.2%. Sciatica is a common ailment, with a lifetime incidence ranging from 13% to 40% and an annual incidence of 1% to 5%. Sciatica affects 5–10% of persons with low back pain. According to a study published in the journal Global Spine Journal, lumbar disc degeneration is expected to be as high as 30% in people under 30, rising to more than 90% in people over 65.

 Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are major risk factors for Sciatica because they contribute to the development of diseases such as disc herniation and spinal misalignment. The prevalence of Sciatica is projected to climb as sedentary professions and levels of physical exercise decline worldwide. According to the 2023 World Obesity Atlas, 38% of the world's population is overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25 kg/m2. This represents an increase over 2008 when the worldwide obesity rate was 23.9%. The 2023 State of Obesity report in the United States demonstrates that obesity rates have risen across all population categories over the last two decades. 

According to the survey, certain people of color have the greatest obesity rates. In India, however, more than 135 million people are fat, and the country has one of the world's fastest-growing obesity rates. A 2023 meta-analysis of 21 studies conducted from 2003 to 2023 discovered that the prevalence of childhood obesity in India is 8.4%, while the prevalence of childhood overweight is 12.4%. 

 Furthermore, the aging population is a significant demographic trend that is contributing to the rising occurrence of Sciatica. As people become older, degenerative changes in the spine become more common, resulting in disorders including spinal stenosis and degenerative disc degeneration, which can cause sciatic nerve compression. According to the United Nations, the proportion of the global population aged 60 and more is anticipated to nearly double by 2050, from 12% to 22%.

 As the prevalence of sciatica increases, so does the desire for effective therapies, which drives the global sciatica treatment market trend.

Global Sciatica Treatment Market Restraints:

High Cost of Treatment

Some sciatica treatments, particularly surgical and sophisticated therapies, might be costly. The high cost of treatment may be a barrier to access for patients, particularly in areas with limited healthcare coverage or financial constraints. This can impede the adoption of some treatments and hamper market expansion, especially in emerging economies. Sciatica treatment costs from USD 20,000 to USD 90,000, depending on the operation, pre-and post-operative checkups, bracing medication, and further therapy. For example, chronic disease relief care often costs between USD 4,000 and USD 5,000 out of pocket, whereas rehabilitation treatment normally costs between USD 6,000 and USD 9,000. 

 Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are frequently used to treat sciatica symptoms, but they can be costly, particularly if many injections are required over time. According to Healthcare Bluebook, the typical cost of an epidural steroid injection in the United States ranges between USD 1,200 and USD 1,800 per injection, excluding facility fees, anesthesia, and imaging guidance. The expense of several injections can quickly build up for patients, especially those with low financial resources.

 Furthermore, while physical therapy is considered a conservative and cost-effective treatment for Sciatica, patients may face out-of-pocket payments for continuous therapy sessions, especially if their insurance coverage is limited. According to data from the American Physical Therapy Association, the typical out-of-pocket cost for a physical therapy session in the United States ranges from USD 50 to USD 150, depending on the area and provider. The costs can add up over time for individuals who require numerous sessions per week.

Global Sciatica Treatment Market Opportunity:

Advancement in Minimally Invasive Techniques

The development of minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as endoscopic discectomy and percutaneous decompression, represents a huge opportunity in sciatica therapy. These techniques have shorter recovery times, fewer problems, and better patient outcomes than open surgeries. As technology advances improve the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive methods, it is possible to broaden their adoption and market penetration.

 Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats Sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. In this treatment, a small incision is made in the spine, and a thin tube containing a camera (endoscope) is introduced to view the damaged disc. The herniated disc is subsequently removed using specialized devices, reducing pressure on the spinal nerve roots and alleviating sciatica symptoms. Endoscopic discectomy has advantages over typical open surgery, such as fewer incisions, less soft tissue injury, shorter hospital stays, and faster healing. Olympus' EVIS X1™ endoscopy system, released in 2023, represents a substantial advancement in endoscopic technology.

 As a result, advances in minimally invasive techniques present a substantial opportunity for the worldwide sciatica treatment market by offering effective, safe, and patient-friendly alternatives to traditional open surgery. With continued technological advancements and growing acceptability among patients and healthcare providers, minimally invasive techniques are projected to drive market expansion and improve outcomes for those suffering from Sciatica.

Regional Analysis

The global sciatica treatment market share is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global sciatica treatment market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% over the forecast period. This region's market expansion is due to the presence of pharmaceutical businesses and the rising purchasing power of populated countries such as China and India. Rising medical expenditures and the use of high-tech processing to increase the manufacture of sciatica treatment pharmaceuticals are driving market expansion. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific area has the most excellent medication supply and pharmaceutical industry, with abundant raw materials available to pharmaceutical producers. This fosters market growth.

Additionally, Asia-Pacific provides a profitable market for sciatica treatment opportunity for key players, resulting in the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to growing industry infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, and a well-established presence of domestic companies in the region. Furthermore, the growth of contract manufacturing enterprises in the area creates several opportunities for new entrants. 

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.0% over the forecast period. North America dominated the worldwide sciatica treatment market, accounting for 35%. The increase is attributable to increased knowledge of sciatica management in healthcare settings and the population's demand for prescription medicines. Furthermore, the growing number of medicine prescriptions by healthcare experts contributes to the region's sciatica treatment market growth. According to Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. data published in December 2021, more than 40.0% of opioid prescriptions in the United States are for the treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). 

Europe is expected to expand at a low CAGR throughout the predicted period. The increase is attributed to the rising prevalence of Sciatica in the European population, as well as an increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment for sciatica-related pain. According to data provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2020, the lifetime prevalence of Sciatica in the U.K. population ranges between 13 and 40%.

Latin America, the Middle East and Africa will likely experience significant CAGRs during the projection period as patient demand for pain management medications rises and key players emphasize extending their distribution networks.

Segmental Analysis

The global sciatica treatment market is segmented based on type, drug class, and distribution channel.

The market is further segmented by type into Acute and chronic.

The chronic sciatica segment dominated the global sciatica treatment market in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period, owing to an increase in chronic sciatica incidence, as well as changes in human lifestyle and an increase in cases of spine tumors and herniated discs. Chronic Sciatica is defined as chronic or recurring symptoms lasting over three months, generally indicating a more severe and complex illness. Untreated acute Sciatica, chronic degenerative changes in the spine, or underlying medical disorders can cause chronic Sciatica. Individuals suffering from chronic Sciatica may feel persistent pain, numbness, or weakness, which has a substantial impact on their quality of life and functional capacities. Chronic sciatica treatment may include a combination of conservative therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and pharmaceutical interventions, as well as more intrusive treatments such as surgery in refractory patients. 

Acute Sciatica is characterized by the quick onset of symptoms, often caused by compression or sciatic nerve irritation. This compression can be caused by a variety of reasons, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or trauma. Acute Sciatica is distinguished by symptoms such as intense shooting pain radiating from the lower back down the leg, which is frequently accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Conservative treatments for acute Sciatica include rest, physical therapy, pain medicines, and epidural steroid injections. Most occurrences of acute Sciatica resolve within a few weeks to months with proper treatment.

Based on drug class, the market is fragmented into Steroids, Antidepressants, Corticosteroids, and NSAIDs.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) category dominated the sciatica treatment market share in 2023 and is expected to increase at the quickest rate during the forecast period, owing to NSAIDs' low cost and ease of availability as over-the-counter drugs. NSAIDs are commonly used to treat Sciatica by relieving pain and reducing inflammation. These drugs, which include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, function by blocking the formation of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators implicated in pain signaling. NSAIDs can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with Sciatica, making them a popular first-line treatment for acute cases.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs may result in gastrointestinal side effects, cardiovascular risks, and renal issues, needing caution and monitoring. It is also linked to the frequent prescription of NSAIDs by healthcare providers for persons suffering from acute and chronic Sciatica. 

Steroids, particularly corticosteroids, are widely used to alleviate inflammation and pain caused by Sciatica. These drugs are frequently given orally or through an epidural injection to target the afflicted area of the spine and adjacent tissues. Corticosteroids decrease the immunological response and reduce swelling and inflammation around the compressed nerve roots, relieving symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. While steroids can provide short-term relief for acute sciatica episodes, their long-term usefulness in chronic situations is debatable, and they may pose the risk of side effects with continued use.

The market is further segmented by Distribution channels into Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies.

Retail pharmacies contributed the most to the sciatica treatment industry in terms of income, given their extensive distribution networks, innovative marketing methods, and ability to provide patients with better financial and debt management services. Retail pharmacies, also known as community pharmacies or drugstores, are open to the public and sell prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals to treat various health ailments, including Sciatica. Individuals seeking therapy for sciatica symptoms frequently visit retail pharmacies to complete prescriptions issued by their doctors or to obtain over-the-counter drugs advised for pain relief and inflammation reduction. Retail pharmacies often stock a diverse range of drugs, including NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, topical analgesics, and nutritional supplements commonly used in sciatica treatment. Pharmacists in retail environments may also provide counseling and information on pharmaceutical use, adverse effects, and proper administration methods.

Online pharmacies are predicted to develop the fastest throughout the projection period, owing to the time-saving process and the extensive discounts and offers these online platforms provide. Online pharmacies, often called online or e-pharmacies, allow customers to purchase pharmaceuticals and healthcare items online. Individuals with Sciatica who prefer the convenience of internet shopping or who have limited access to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies can receive prescription and over-the-counter drugs more easily through online pharmacies. Prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, topical remedies, and medical gadgets are among the sciatica treatment alternatives available in online pharmacies.

However, patients must ensure the validity and trustworthiness of online pharmacies by validating their licensure, accreditation, and adherence to regulatory criteria to ensure the safety and quality of the medications they purchase.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Bayer and Sun Pharma signed a marketing and distribution deal for the second Finerenone brand in India.
• January 2024- Abbott (NYSE: ABT), a global pioneer in science-based nutrition, launched the new PROTALITY™ brand. The high-protein nutrition shake is the first product in this range to address the growing number of adults who want to lose weight while retaining muscle mass and proper nutrition.
• February 2024- Teva and Jiangsu Nhwa formed a Strategic Partnership to promote Patient access to AUSTEDO® in China.
• January 2024- Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRX) ("Amneal" or the "Company") today announced the approval and commercialization of fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the product 180 days of competitive generic treatment (CGT) exclusivity, reserved for first-marketed generics of critical pharmaceuticals.