Sciatica Treatment Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

Sciatica signifies the pain or discomfort caused by to sciatic nerve, which is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body and runs right from the lower back (lumbar region) through the hips to down to each leg. This condition is mainly caused by a herniated disk or any overgrowth of bone that puts unrequired pressure on the sciatic nerve which causes pain, inflammation, tingling, and numbness in the legs just below the knee. The sciatica treatment market is growing at a tremendous rate owing to a surge in the prevalence of diseases like spine tumors and herniated discs, a rise in the geriatric population, increased expenditure in healthcare, and advancements in healthcare technologies. For instance, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons reported in November 2022 that 75% to 80% of U.S. citizens suffer from back pain-related problems in their entire lifetime and the majority of them resolve it using medications and therapies rather than going for surgical procedures. Also, as the geriatric population is more prone to chronic back pain and sciatica-like conditions there is a surge in demand for sciatica treatment medications. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in October 2022 that between 2015 to 2050, the segment of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%, which will propel the sciatica treatment market at a steady rate.

The Sciatica Treatment Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period owing to the rising pharmaceutical investment for the development of sciatica treatment. There are several ongoing clinical trials projected to find an effective treatment for sciatica-related pain. For instance, in 2021 the Japan-based pharmaceutical company, Seikagaku Corporation reported ongoing clinical trial phase 3 of SI-6603

Condoliase for providing relief in Lumbar disc herniation of which sciatica is the most common related symptom. Likewise, a majority-owned subsidiary of Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., Scilex Holding Company, announced final results for SP-102 (SEMDEXA) efficacy and safety from its phase 3 clinical trial program for Sciatica pain management and identified this drug with a very clean safety profile without any serious adverse events.

Based on disease type, the market is segmented into acute sciatica, chronic sciatica, and others. The chronic sciatica segment held the highest share in the market in the year 2022 owing to an increase in cases of spine tumors and herniated discs. Spine tumors and herniated discs often lead to compression or irritation in the nerve root region of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar spine which causes chronic sciatic pain. As per reports from the National Library of Medicine in January 2023, incidences of herniated discs are about 5 to 20 cases per 1,000 adults yearly and are most common in males aged between 30 to 40. Other factors such as changes in human lifestyle and, the rise in the geriatric population are also strengthening grounds for the chronic sciatica segment in the sciatica treatment market.

Based on drug class, the market is categorized into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, antidepressants, and others (muscle relaxants, analgesics, opioids). The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) segment held the dominant share in the market in 2022 owing to the increased adoption, easy availability, and affordable cost of NSAIDs. NSAIDs aid in relieving sciatica pain by obstructing the body's inhibitors that cause inflammation. NSAIDs become more effective in treating sciatica if incorporated with certain anticonvulsant drugs. For instance, in November 2022, Salvatore Insinga, D.O., a neurosurgeon practicing in New York State claimed that a combination of NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen and gabapentin can be very effective in relieving sciatica and muscle spasms. Thus, the impact of NSAIDs in treating sciatica is driving the growth of this drug class.

On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail and specialty pharmacies, and online providers. The retail and specialty pharmacies category held the highest share in the market in 2022 attributed to better marketing strategies, relaxations in debt payments, and a wide network of distribution channels globally. For instance, In July 2023, CVS Pharmacy which is a U.S.-based retail pharmacy chain announced the launch of a program named, Caremark Cost Saver which aids in lowering pharmacy out-of-pocket drug costs for CVS Caremark clients' members. Eligible members will have automatic access to good drug prescription pricing which will allow them to pay lower prices through this new program. Thus, the rising customer-friendly schemes and programs by retail and specialty pharmacies are driving the growth of this segment.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the sciatica treatment industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America dominated the market of sciatica treatment in 2022. Several factors such as the surge in research and development activities on finding novel drugs for treating sciatica, increasing healthcare expenditure, the surge in the prevalence of spine tumors and herniated discs, and rising patient awareness are driving the regional market. For instance, in March 2023, the Radiological Society of North America published in its results from recent clinical trials that a minimally invasive procedure, known as pulsed radiofrequency (RF) is helpful in reducing superior pain and improving disability in patients suffering from sciatica. Thus, the rising clinical trials by pharmaceutical companies in North America are driving the growth of the sciatica treatment market.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: Alkem Labs; Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.; Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.; Sinfonia Biotherapeutics; Vita Life Sciences; Abbott; Aurobindo Pharma; Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.