Sciatica Pain After An Auto Accident

Experiencing sciatic nerve pain after a car accident is not uncommon. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and legs, and can be irritated by injuries from collisions. Understanding what causes sciatica and how to treat it after an auto accident is key to finding relief.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain, numbness or weakness caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The symptoms are typically felt in the low back, buttocks, and down one or both legs. Sciatic pain can range from mild tingling to excruciating and debilitating.

Causes of Sciatica After a Car Crash
There are several ways that a motor vehicle accident can cause irritation or damage to the sciatic nerve:
Herniated Disc
If the force of a collision causes a spinal disc to herniate or rupture, it can put pressure directly on the sciatic nerve roots. This is a common cause of post-crash sciatica.
Lumbar Spine Misalignment
The sudden, violent motions of a crash can knock spinal vertebrae out of position. A misaligned lumbar vertebra can pinch or impinge the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Stenosis
Pre-existing spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, can be aggravated by accident forces. This pinches the nerves traveling through the lower spine, including the sciatic nerve.
Spasms
Back muscle spasms caused by soft tissue injuries after an accident can also pinch the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica symptoms.
Scar Tissue
Scar tissue formation during the healing process after spine or disc injuries may compress or bind the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome
In some cases, irritation or spasms of the piriformis muscle deep in the buttocks can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica-like symptoms.

Treating Sciatic Nerve Pain After a Crash

Effective sciatica treatment options may include:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities that worsen pain. Take regular breaks.
• Ice/Heat: Use ice packs or heating pads to help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
• OTC Medications: Anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen can relieve mild sciatic pain.
• Physical Therapy: Specific low back and leg exercises can help reduce sciatic nerve irritation.
• Massage: Massage and trigger point therapy relaxes tight muscles putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Chiropractic: Spinal adjustments can help re-align the lumbar vertebrae and take pressure off the nerve.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can decrease inflammation around the nerve.
• Surgery: For severe sciatica that fails to improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be an option.

Preventing Sciatica After An Accident

It’s important to take steps to help prevent sciatic nerve irritation and damage after an auto injury:

• Maintain proper posture and core strength to take pressure off the lower back and sciatic nerve.
• Lose excess weight to avoid putting extra stress on the spine and nerves.
• Stretch the hamstrings, hip flexors and piriformis muscles regularly.
• Use ergonomically supportive chairs and car seats.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects and twisting motions that strain the back.
• Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
• Sleep on your side or back with knees bent to keep the spine in neutral alignment.
• Get prompt treatment for any new back injury before it can worsen.