Sciatic Nerve Damage and Sciatica

Sciatic Nerve Damage

The sciatic nerve is located in the back of the leg. It supplies the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. The sciatic nerve also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. Partial damage to the nerve may demonstrate weakness of knee flexion (bending), weakness of foot movements, difficulty bending the foot inward (inversion), or bending the foot down (plantar flexion). A person’s reflexes may be abnormal, with weak or absent ankle-jerk reflex. Several different tests can be performed to find the cause of sciatic nerve dysfunction.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own.

Causes

Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. It also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot.

Common causes of sciatica include:

• Slipped disk
• Spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
• Pelvic injury or fracture
• Tumors

Symptoms

Sciatica pain can vary widely. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move.

The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.

The pain often starts slowly. It may get worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• When bending backward or walking more than a few yards, especially if caused by spinal stenosis

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show:

• Weakness when bending the knee
• Difficulty bending the foot inward or down
• Difficulty bending forward or backward
• Abnormal or weak reflexes
• Loss of sensation or numbness
• Pain when lifting the leg straight up off the examining table

Tests are often not needed unless pain is severe or long-lasting. If tests are ordered, they may include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• MRIs or other imaging tests

Treatment

Because sciatica is a symptom of another medical condition, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.

In some cases, no treatment is required, and recovery occurs on its own.

Conservative treatment is best in many cases. Your doctor may recommend the following steps to calm your symptoms and reduce inflammation.

• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Try ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Measures to take care of your back at home:

• Bed rest is not recommended.
• Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities.
• Do not do any heavy lifting or twisting of your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain begins.
• Start exercising again after 2 to 3 weeks. Include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine.

If these measures do not help, your doctor may recommend injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve. Other medicines may be prescribed to help reduce the stabbing pains of sciatica.

Physical therapy may also be recommended. Additional treatments depend on the condition that is causing the sciatica.

Nerve pain is exceedingly difficult to treat. If you have ongoing problems with pain, you may want to see a neurologist or a pain specialist to ensure that you have access to the widest range of treatment options.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Often, sciatica gets better on its own. But it is common for it to return.

Possible Complications

More serious complications depend on the cause of sciatica, such as slipped disc or spinal stenosis.  

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Unexplained fever with back pain
• Back pain after a severe blow or fall
• Redness or swelling on the back or spine
• Pain traveling down your legs below the knee
• Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis
• Burning with urination or blood in your urine
• Pain that is worse when you lie down, or awakens you at night
• Severe pain and you cannot get comfortable
• Loss of control of urine or stool (incontinence)

Also call if:

• You have been losing weight unintentionally
• You use steroids or intravenous drugs
• You have had back pain before, but this episode is different and feels worse
• This episode of back pain has lasted longer than 4 weeks

Prevention

Prevention varies, depending on the cause of the nerve damage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks.