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What are the Different Types of Sciatic Nerve Damage?
Sciatica is the name given to a set of symptoms that include pain caused by the compression or irritation of the spinal nerves. The pain typically is felt in the back, down the legs and in the buttocks, and it might be accompanied by numbness, a feeling of "pins and needles" and difficultly in moving or controlling the affected limbs. There also might be significant muscle weakness. Sciatic nerve damage can result from a variety of causes but is rarely permanent.
The most common type of sciatic nerve damage is caused by a slipped disc, also referred to as a herniated disc. This occurs when the outer part of a disc cracks, allowing the inner gel to bulge and lose shape, which causes it to press again the sciatic nerve. This causes the symptoms of sciatica and usually lasts less than six months. Cases that last longer than this are referred to as persistent sciatica and might need more intense treatment.
Another cause of sciatic nerve damage is spinal stenosis. This is the name given to the narrowing of nerve passages in the spine, which usually occurs when bones, ligaments and discs move and squash the nerves into a much smaller area. This puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing sciatic nerve damage and therefore sciatica. Spinal stenosis usually occurs in late middle age and older, and it can be a short-lived or long-term condition. It can be treated with physiotherapy and pain medications, although the effectiveness of this varies.
The sciatic nerve also can be damaged because of spinal injury. The most common injuries resulting in serious sciatic nerve damage are motorcycle or car crashes involving enough force to create permanent, long-lasting damage to the nerve. Tumors or other growths can also cause sciatic nerve damage, depending on their size and location. In this case, the tumor might need to be removed or shrunken for symptoms to disappear, although medication is available to control the symptoms. Spinal infections can also cause sciatic nerve damage, although this is rare.
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![A herniated disc can cause sciatic nerve pain.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaA herniated disc can cause sciatic nerve pain. -
![If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.]()
By: rob3000If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg. -
![Car accidents can cause permanent damage to the sciatic nerve.]()
By: lupoalb68Car accidents can cause permanent damage to the sciatic nerve. -
![Damage to the sciatic nerve may cause temporary paralysis in some patients.]()
By: lassedesignenDamage to the sciatic nerve may cause temporary paralysis in some patients. -
![Physical therapy can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroPhysical therapy can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Discussion Comments
@burcinc-- Yes, they are. They are just different terms referring to the same thing. It's sometimes also called a bulging disc.
I don't think that any sciatic nerve damage can be taken lightly. Even the smallest hernia or pressure placed on a nerve can cause problems for an individual. The prevalence of these conditions doesn't mean that they are not serious. I hope you feel better soon. My mom had similar issues due to a hernia and she says that it does get better with time.
I have spinal stenosis. My doctor said that my spine is fairly narrow. But I'm only in my twenties so my doctor thinks that I was born with it. So far, it doesn't seem to be causing a lot of issues. I just have some discomfort when I'm in the wrong posture for many hours. But that's true for people without stenosis too. I'm hoping that I won't experience complications from this.
I don't think that a slipped disc is the same thing as a herniated disc. I have a herniated disc and I don't remember any of the doctors I have seen refer to it as a slipped disc. Can anyone clarify?
Herniated discs are quite common these days so it's often thought of as a mild condition. I've heard people tell me that they know so many people with herniated discs. Many have surgeries and continue their lives apparently.
It hasn't been that way for me though. My sciatica acts up at least once every year causing me to have to rest for at least a month. I get a cortisone injection once a year to deal with the inflammation and pain. The injury even lead to a spasm last year which left me with numb legs and tingling for nine months afterward.
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