Why Does My Sciatica Keep Switching Sides?

Sciatica is the main symptom when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, is compressed or inflamed. Pain, tingling, and numbness run along the nerve's length from the lower back down the leg. While most people experience sciatica on just one side at a time, some report their symptoms alternating from one leg to another. 

Sciatica typically lasts only a few weeks, and 80-90% of cases get better without surgery. If your sciatica doesn’t improve, board-certified physiatrist and pain management specialist Stephanie Clop, MD, and her team can provide conservative treatment to improve your symptoms at Integrated Spine and Pain Services in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. 

Are you feeling confused about sciatica switching sides? Read on to find out why it happens. 

Understanding the cause of your sciatica

Five spinal nerves bundle together to form your sciatic nerve. Any condition that irritates or pinches these nerves or the sciatic nerve itself can lead to sciatica symptoms. 

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. The discs in your spine provide cushioning, shock absorption, and support between the vertebrae (bones). A disc herniates when part of its soft inner center bulges out through the firmer outer section, which can press on nearby nerves. 

Sciatica can also develop because of:

• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal tumors or growths

You’re more likely to get sciatica if you’ve had a spinal injury in the past, are overweight, or have other conditions affecting your spinal health, like diabetes. 

Why your sciatica might switch sides

Sciatica switching sides isn’t typical, but it is possible. There are several possible explanations for sciatica switching from one side to the other: 

Multiple affected nerves

More than one of the five spinal nerves that form your sciatic nerve may be compressed or irritated. Injuries and inflammation can affect different parts of the spinal nerve or its branches, leading to symptoms that seem to shift. 

Multiple underlying causes

It’s possible to have multiple conditions causing sciatica on different sides of your body. 

Changes in position

When you change the positioning of your body, like shifting your weight from one side to the other while sitting, the sciatica pain may switch sides. 

Your best treatment options for sciatica

Integrated Spine and Pain Services specializes in conservative therapies for sciatica on one or both sides. Our recommendations for your sciatica might include:

• Transforaminal epidural steroid injections
• Nerve root blocks
• Spinal cord stimulation (with an initial spinal cord stimulator trial)
• Physical therapy and activity modification

Call Integrated Spine and Pain Services to schedule a sciatica treatment consultation today.