What Happens if Sciatica Pain Is Left Untreated?

Sciatica isn’t a condition itself, but a symptom, usually caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. About 40% of people experience it during their lifetime. While sciatica can start as a mild annoyance, ignoring it can lead to bigger problems.

The good news? Sciatica may improve with basic care like rest, cold or heat, stretching, and physical therapy. But if symptoms stick around, get worse, or affect your mobility, it’s worth getting checked out sooner rather than later.

Visit with our pain management experts at Pain Management of Long Island in Medford, New York, at the first sign of sciatica discomfort. In the meantime, here’s what you should know.

Sciatica 101

Sciatica is a type of pain caused by sciatic nerve compression. This nerve radiates from your lower back down to your buttocks and each of your legs. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and radiating discomfort. 

But untreated sciatica doesn’t always just go away over time. It sometimes worsens or becomes chronic, making everyday movements like walking, sitting, or even sleeping uncomfortable. 

Complications linked to untreated sciatica

When not treated, sciatica may lead to:

1. Worsening discomfort

Left untreated, sciatica pain might continue to worsen, which could disrupt your daily activities or make everyday tasks feel unbearable. Seeking treatment early for sciatica pain typically offers the best results. 

2. Muscle weakness

If you badly damage your sciatic nerve, muscle weakness could develop. Complications like foot drop can make it difficult to lift the front part of your foot while walking, increasing the risk of falls.

3. Permanent nerve damage

Permanent damage to your sciatic nerve could contribute to lasting numbness in the affected leg. This might negatively affect your leg’s function, mobility, and your overall quality of life. 

4. Incontinence

Left untreated, sciatica complications could contribute to the loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence), which can be irritating or lead to embarrassing accidents.

5. Sexual dysfunction

Not treating sciatica may lead to sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, low libido (sex drive), and/or pain during intercourse. 

6. Need for surgery

Treating sciatica right away may reduce the need for a surgical procedure to correct the problem. That’s why it’s critical to see your doctor early on, when you first experience painful symptoms. 

Recognizing sciatic symptoms early

The following symptoms could indicate sciatica:

• Burning discomfort
• Electric shock-like pain
• Shooting or radiating discomfort
• Lower back, buttocks, or leg pain
• Tingling 
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Reduced bladder or bowel function
• Pain on just one side of your body

See your Pain Management of Long Island specialist at the first sign of discomfort or new or worsening symptoms related to sciatica. They may suggest lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, or surgery in severe cases.

Contact us at Pain Management of Long Island by phone or online today to experience sciatica pain relief and avoid complications.