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Sciatic Nerve Dysfunction
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Sciatic nerve dysfunction is a condition in which the sciatic nerve conducts impulses abnormally. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve of the leg. Abnormalities of this nerve can impair movement and/or sensation. Sciatica is a term that describes pain along the sciatic nerve.
What is going on in the body?
The sciatic nerve runs through the leg and is the largest nerve in the body. It conducts nerve impulses to and from the following areas:
Sciatic nerve dysfunction may affect any of these areas of the body. Most often, the nerve damage occurs when a disk in the spine ruptures. The vertebrae of the spinal column are separated by vertebral disks that act like shock absorbers. A disk is made up of two parts. The outer ring or annulus is a tough, fibrous material. The inner part or nucleus is a soft, jelly-like material. A ruptured disk occurs when the outer ring tears or breaks, allowing the jelly-like material to poke through the crack. The disk may press on the sciatic nerve.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many causes of a ruptured disk. Repeated heavy lifting is the most common cause, especially when improper lifting techniques are used. Many people who have a ruptured disk are involved in manual labor jobs. Other risk factors for disk rupture include:
Other causes of sciatic nerve dysfunction include:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Sciatic nerve dysfunction may involve sensation, movement, or both. Examples of symptoms include:
Many conditions, such as a ruptured disk in the back, can cause both movement and sensation symptoms.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of sciatic nerve dysfunction begins with a medical history and physical exam. Depending on the suspected cause of the problem, the provider may order diagnostic tests, such as:
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Proper lifting techniques are important to avoid a ruptured disk. These techniques can be enhanced by the use of an abdominal support belt. Other preventive measures include the following:
A person with diabetes can prevent some nerve problems by controlling his or her blood glucose levels.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Sciatic nerve dysfunction may result in permanent muscle weakness and long-term abnormal sensations. Chronic or constant pain is also a possible long-term effect. Other long-term effects depend on the underlying cause.
What are the risks to others?
Sciatic nerve dysfunction is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
A ruptured disk is generally treated conservatively at first. Initial treatments include:
If conservative treatment is not successful, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery. The following operations may be helpful for people with a ruptured disk:
Medicines may be prescribed to improve blood glucose control and help treat the nerve dysfunction if diabetes is the cause. In some cases, such as toxin exposure, nerve function cannot be restored.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of medicines include allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery is associated with a risk of infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
If the cause is reversible and is treated, no further treatment may be required. A person can often return to normal activities. Treatment may be prolonged if the underlying cause cannot be fixed. Such a cause would be diabetes.
After conservative treatment of a ruptured disk, a person can usually resume activity as tolerated. Symptoms may recur every now and then, requiring repeated treatment. After surgery, the signs and symptoms usually disappear, and a person will slowly resume normal activity after proper recovery. Physical therapy can be helpful to teach appropriate body mechanics and lifting techniques.
How is the condition monitored?
A person should be monitored if toxic causes, such as alcohol or lead, have been identified. If medical causes such as diabetes or poor blood supply played a role, proper treatment and follow-up for these conditions are needed. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:John A.K. Davies, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:07/31/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/13/01