Can Sciatica Switch Sides?

Sciatica is a pain syndrome resulting from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, of which you have two, on each side of your body. Typically, sciatica affects only one side. 

Is it possible for sciatica to switch sides? Can you have it on both sides simultaneously? As with many aspects of your body, virtually anything is possible. 

The team at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and East Des Moines, Iowa, wants to fill you in on this common source of discomfort and pain stemming from lower back problems. Here, we look at how sciatica occurs and progresses.

Sciatic nerve anatomy

The sciatic nerves are the longest and largest nerve structures in your body.

The primary nerves supplying your legs start in the spinal cord in the lower back, then split into left and right sides, passing through the pelvis and buttocks before proceeding down the back of your thigh and running the length of your leg. 

The functions of the sciatic nerve are varied, delivering sensory information and controlling motion through motor nerve communications. For that reason, sciatic nerve problems can cause pain, confused sensations, and muscle weakness as symptoms. 

Sciatic nerve compression

Usually, sciatica symptoms result from musculoskeletal problems that directly affect nerve tissue. It’s rare for a serious condition like a tumor, blood clot, or infection to cause problems. 

Because the spine is a complex structure playing many roles in your biology, it’s easy for sciatic nerve tissue to become pinched. Herniated discs sometimes deform and intrude on spaces through which nerves pass. 

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, bone spurs could do the same thing. Pressure on a nerve is possible whenever an injury reduces the space through which nerves pass. That’s called spinal stenosis, no matter what physical reason causes the narrowing. 

Can sciatica switch sides? 

Since your sciatic nerves travel symmetrical paths left and right after leaving the spine, an injury would need to be large or symmetrical to affect both sciatic nerves equally. It’s far more common for only one side to suffer sciatica at any given time. 

The typical activities that cause injuries leading to sciatic nerve compression can happen on either side of your body. An injury can affect the right side in one instance, and a similar injury can affect the left side the next time. 

A single injury, however, probably won’t migrate from one side to the other. 

Alternating and bilateral sciatic pain

Every rule has exceptions, and sciatica is no different. Alternating sciatic nerve pain does switch sides, and bilateral sciatica affects both sides simultaneously. Such cases are rare.

Most sciatica cases resolve with rest and conservative care. Recovery, though, can be long, so when pain and other symptoms interfere with daily living, visit us at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management for treatment that makes your recovery more bearable. 

Call or click to book an appointment with the office near you today.