Sciatic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body.
It runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg.
When this nerve is damaged, compressed, or inflamed, it can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty moving your leg or foot.
Many people confuse sciatic neuropathy with sciatica, but they’re not the same.
Sciatica is nerve irritation, often caused by a pinched nerve in the spine.
Sciatic neuropathy, on the other hand, is actual nerve damage, which can lead to long-term problems if not treated.
The good news is that regenerative medicine and non-surgical treatments can help restore nerve function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Let’s take a look at what causes sciatic neuropathy, and how you can get relief!
GET RELIEF FROM SCIATIC NEUROPATHY
Causes of Sciatic Neuropathy
Sciatic neuropathy can happen for several reasons.
Some of the most common causes include:
1. Injuries and Trauma
- Hip fractures, dislocations, or pelvic injuries
- Spinal injuries that affect the lower back
- Complications from surgery, such as hip replacement or back surgery
2. Nerve Compression and Entrapment
- A herniated or bulging disc pressing on the sciatic nerve
- Spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerve
- Piriformis syndrome, when the piriformis muscle tightens and irritates the sciatic nerve
3. Metabolic and Systemic Conditions
- Diabetes, which can lead to diabetic neuropathy and affect the sciatic nerve
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, which is essential for nerve health
4. Toxic and Drug-Induced Neuropathy
- Nerve damage from chemotherapy
- Alcohol-related neuropathy from long-term alcohol use
5. Infections That Affect the Nerve
- Lyme disease, shingles, or HIV, which can cause nerve inflammation
Symptoms of Sciatic Neuropathy
Sciatic neuropathy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and weakness.
Unlike general sciatica, these symptoms are often more intense and long-lasting.
Common Symptoms Of Sciatic Neuropathy:
- Burning, sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Muscle loss or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Foot drop, where you have trouble lifting the front of your foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for too long
If you experience severe weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical attention immediately.
How Sciatic Neuropathy Is Diagnosed
A doctor will perform a full evaluation to diagnose sciatic neuropathy and rule out other conditions like radiculopathy or a spinal disorder.
Tests That Help Diagnose Sciatic Neuropathy:
- Physical exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess nerve activity
- MRI or CT scans to check for structural issues in the spine
- Ultrasound imaging to look at nerve damage in real time
Treatment Options for Sciatic Neuropathy
Treatment depends on what’s causing the nerve damage and how severe it is.
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Conventional Treatments
- Pain relief with anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises to restore mobility and strength
- Steroid injections to temporarily reduce inflammation
- Surgery for severe cases where the nerve is severely compressed
How Marin Regenerative Health Can Help With Sciatic Neuropathy
At Marin Regenerative Health, we offer non-surgical treatments that promote nerve healing and help people recover naturally.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Reduces inflammation and stimulates tissue repair. Studies show that PRP can be effective at helping with neuropathy symptoms.
- Shockwave Therapy: Encourages nerve regeneration by increasing blood flow
- Peptide Therapy: Supports nerve function and cellular repair
- Functional Medicine Approach: Treats underlying causes, such as diabetes, inflammation, or vitamin deficiencies
If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve sciatic nerve pain and restore function, regenerative treatments may be a great option.
Contact us to learn more!
Lifestyle Changes to Support Nerve Health
Making small changes to your daily habits can improve nerve function and reduce sciatic nerve pain.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole foods
- Take nerve-supporting supplements, such as B12, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium
- Prioritize rest and stress management to support nerve recovery
Conclusion
Sciatic neuropathy can make everyday life difficult, but you don’t have to live with the pain.
Regenerative treatments can help restore function and improve your quality of life—without surgery or long-term medications.
If you’re struggling with sciatic nerve pain, weakness, or numbness, it’s time to take action.
Schedule a consultation with Marin Regenerative Health today.
FAQs: Sciatic Neuropathy
Can you get neuropathy from chemo?
Yes, chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy, which may affect the sciatic nerve. Some chemotherapy drugs damage nerve cells, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs. This condition is called chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and can be temporary or long-lasting depending on the type of chemo, dosage, and individual response.
How do you treat sciatic neuropathy?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the nerve damage. Conventional treatments include pain medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections. However, regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and shockwave therapy can help repair damaged nerves and restore function. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, and nerve-supporting supplements can also help manage symptoms and promote healing.
What vitamin deficiency causes sciatic nerve pain?
A vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of sciatic nerve pain. B12 is essential for nerve function and repair, and low levels can lead to nerve damage, pain, and tingling sensations in the legs. Other deficiencies that may contribute to sciatic neuropathy include vitamin D, magnesium, and alpha-lipoic acid, which help reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
Can sciatica cause neuropathy?
Yes, long-term or untreated sciatica can lead to sciatic neuropathy if the nerve becomes damaged from prolonged compression or inflammation. Sciatica itself is typically caused by a pinched nerve in the spine, but when the pressure is severe or chronic, it can cause nerve degeneration, leading to permanent numbness, weakness, or pain in the leg.
How long does sciatic neuropathy last?
The duration of sciatic neuropathy depends on the severity of nerve damage and the effectiveness of treatment. Mild cases may improve within weeks to months with physical therapy and regenerative treatments. More severe cases, especially those caused by nerve injury or chronic conditions like diabetes, may take longer and require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms and restore function.
Does the sciatic nerve ever heal?
Yes, the sciatic nerve can heal, but nerve regeneration takes time. Nerves regrow at a slow rate—about 1 millimeter per day—so full recovery can take months or even years depending on the extent of damage. Regenerative therapies like stem cells, PRP, and shockwave therapy may speed up healing and help the nerve regain function. In cases of severe nerve damage, early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.
