Complications of Spinal Sciatic Nerve Damage

Back pain can be caused by a strained muscle. It can also be a complication you experience as a result of spinal sciatic nerve damage. Most damage to the sciatic nerve heals over time, and treatments are available to help you.

Sciatic Nerve

• Your sciatic nerve begins in the lower part of your spine and runs down the back of both of your legs. It is responsible for controlling the muscles in the back of your knee and your lower leg.

Causes of Damage

• Your sciatic nerve can be damaged by pressure placed on it by a herniated spinal disc, normal wear caused by aging or by an injury, like a car accident.

Complications

• Complications of sciatic nerve damage include lower back pain that radiates down the back of your leg, a sensation like a cramp in your leg that lingers for weeks and muscle weakness in your legs.

Treatment

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine where the nerve damage occurred can help. Anti-inflammatory medication can be taken orally or injected into the back near the sciatic nerve.

Considerations

• Nerve pain can linger and be a challenge to treat. If your pain does not fade, you might need to see a neurologist or pain specialist to best manage the complications of sciatic nerve damage.