Market Trends of Sciatica Industry
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Segment Expected to Witness Strong Growth Over the Forecast Period
The main anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of NSAIDs are based on the suppression of the cyclooxygenase (COX)1 and COX2 enzymes. By blocking the COX enzymes, vasodilation is reduced and inflammation is relieved. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of sciatica. The products are getting approvals, creating further lucrative opportunities in the market.
For instance, according to a study published in the BioMed Central (BMC) Journal in June 2022, NSAIDs, frequently utilized for sciatica treatment, were recommended by 80% of surveyed US physicians for the initial management of the disease. Therefore, the widespread adoption of NSAIDs for managing sciatica treatment is anticipated to foster the segment’s growth over the forecast period.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are the most effective and most numerous drugs on the market. Antirheumatics (painkillers) are commonly used to treat pain, fever, muscle pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Doctors recommend low-dose medications, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, that can be purchased over the counter. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are meant to provide pain relief. Prescription NSAIDs may be necessary for pain relief if over-the-counter drugs are ineffective. Therefore, with the prevalence of NSAIDs in coping with sciatica, the segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period.
North America Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to hold a significant share of the global sciatica market due to the rise in the geriatric population and the increasing prevalence of lower back pain in this region. According to a study published by the Cureus Journal in May 2023, up to 40% of patients who undergo lumbar microdiscectomy for sciatica report chronic post-surgical pain. This condition significantly impacts disability rates and productivity levels in the United States. Therefore, the US sciatica market is being driven by more orthopedic procedures for sciatica due to greater healthcare penetration.
Further, the region's increasing geriatric population is expected to significantly impact the growth of the market studied, as the older population is more prone to pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. For instance, according to the 2023 report of the United States Census Bureau, more than 17.5% of the US population aged 65 years and above lived in the country during 2023. Since older adults are more prone to developing sciatica, the market studied is expected to grow further due to the more significant percentage of the senior population.
Moreover, high expenditures on healthcare that increase the infrastructure facilities and rising awareness about the disease are further fueling the growth of the regional market. For instance, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in December 2023, healthcare expenditures in the United States rose by 4.1%, reaching USD 4.5 trillion, or USD 13,493 per person in 2022, constituting 17.3% of the nation's GDP. Therefore, the North American region is expected to hold a significant share of the global sciatica market over the forecast period due to the above factors, such as the high number of geriatric patients, surgeries, and extensive healthcare expenditure in the region.
