According to human anatomy, the nerve branches out of the lumbar spine and down the backs of both legs. Sciatica can damage one or both of these nerve branches. Bilateral sciatica is uncommon; however, it affects a small percentage of the population.
Bilateral Sciatica
In this post, we’ll talk about bilateral sciatica, which occurs when both sciatic nerve branches become inflamed and cause pain. It affects both legs at the same time.
This type of Sciatica at many levels of the spine can be caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae and/or discs, as well as severe conditions such as cauda equina syndrome.
Causes of Bilateral Sciatica
As previously stated, sciatica arises when one of the spinal nerve roots is compressed. The following are a few of the reasons for nerve compression:
- A herniated disc – herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica pain.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) – affects the lower back.
- The sciatic nerve is squeezed by isthmic spondylolisthesis, which occurs when a disc slips forward over another due to a fracture.
- Spinal stenosis – it occurs when the spinal canal (through which nerves pass) narrows, compressing the sciatic nerve and causing sciatica.
- Piriformis syndrome – The piriformis muscle in the buttocks compresses the sciatic nerve.
- Cauda equina syndrome – a medical condition in which the cauda equina, a group of nerves in the lower region of the spinal cord, is compressed, can cause sciatic nerve pain.
- The changes in the body that occur during pregnancy might also cause sciatica.
- Muscle spasms, nerve damage, a spinal tumor, or an infection are all possible causes.
Symptoms of Bilateral Sciatica
At different levels of the lumbar spine, several disc herniation can occur, squeezing different sciatic nerve roots. When both legs are affected by bilateral sciatica, symptoms will emerge in both legs, varying in intensity and kind.
If one side’s sciatica is quite acute, the opposing side’s sciatica may go misdiagnosed if it is modest.
Sciatica is characterized by pain, weakness, or numbness in the lower back and back of the leg. These symptoms may spread to your feet or even to your toes in certain cases. Below is a complete list of (bilateral) sciatica symptoms:
- On one side, persistent lower-body discomfort (buttock, leg, thigh, calf). Both sides of the lower body are affected by bilateral sciatica.
- The ache starts in the lower back and continues all the way down the sciatic nerve to the foot.
- Severe discomfort that makes moving or even standing difficult.
- A prickling or tingling sensation along the thigh, comparable to being pricked with needles.
- When attempting to move the leg or foot, it becomes numb.
- A person’s toes may be in pain depending on where the sciatic nerve is pinched.
- Although lower back pain is uncommon, it is likely to be milder than leg pain (s)
- In more severe cases, this problem can impede a person’s ability to control their bladder.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bilateral Sciatica
In order to accurately pinpoint the source of your pain, you must seek medical advice and acquire a diagnosis. This helps your doctor/specialist to rule out the chance that your symptoms are caused by something else.
The manner in which a diagnosis is determined may differ depending on your physician’s findings. Your doctor will start with a physical examination of the affected area. If they discover something concerning, you may be referred for more tests, such as an MRI scan, to confirm your disease or rule out other possible explanations of your discomfort.
When it comes to treatment options for sciatica, the goal should be long-term pain relief. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the response should be as natural as possible.
How you should treat your sciatica is determined by the severity of your symptoms.
- Medication – which can provide pain relief for a short period of time.
- Physical therapy – because of its efficacy, effectiveness, and lack of side effects, PT is the most generally recommended treatment option. It can help even chronic sciatica sufferers; however, it may take a bit longer to see improvements.
- Sciatic nerve injections (e.g., muscle relaxants) – these, like medication, only provide temporary relief.
- Surgery should only be used as a last option in the most extreme cases.
Bilateral sciatica can be successfully treated with conservative treatments, just like sciatica on one side.
The key to any successful treatment for lower back pain and sciatica is to confirm that you have sciatica, address and correct any contributing or related conditions, and give your treatment enough time to work.
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