Sciatic Endometriosis: The Connection Between Endometriosis and Sciatica
Sciatica.
Every month, just a few days before your period, the pain kicks in.
Your low back and hip begin to ache.
Not only that …
... one leg feels numb and keeps cramping in painful knots.
Just last week you were talking with your doctor about some other symptoms you’ve been experiencing and she mentioned the word, “endometriosis.”
You already know you have sciatica.
Now you’re noticing that your pain really flares up around your period and you’re wondering if there could be a connection between endometriosis and hip pain.
Is it possible you have sciatica from endometriosis? And if so, what can you do to feel better?
In this guide, I’ll be sharing about sciatic endometriosis and how you can take action to find relief.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Sciatic Endometriosis?
- Sciatic Endometriosis Symptoms
- How Common is Sciatic Endometriosis?
- 5 Sciatic Endometriosis Treatment Options: How to Get Relief
- Surgery: The Necessary Option If At-Home Remedies Fail
What Causes Sciatic Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines your uterus grows outside your uterus. You can read all about my journey with endo here.
You may already know that when you suffer from endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue can grow on your:
- Ovaries
- Intestines
- Fallopian tubes
- Bowel
But did you know that endometriosis can also sometimes grow on your sciatic nerve?
Ouch!
It can be extremely painful.
But it’s also a really big deal because the nerves in your pelvis control all of the motor functions of your pelvic organs, pelvic floor, and legs, including:
- Bladder control
- Bowels
- Orgasm
- Balance
- Walking
Typically, "sciatica" refers to a condition where a herniated disc is compressing the sciatic nerve.
The symptoms of sciatic endometriosis, however, aren't the result of a herniated disc.
So what causes endometriosis on the sciatica nerve?
It works like this….
Your sciatic is a long nerve that begins in your low back and runs down your buttocks into each of your legs.
When endometrial tissue grows on the sciatic nerve fiber, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve causing:
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Eventual nerve damage
Sciatic endometriosis is literally a pain in the butt.
Sciatic Endometriosis Symptoms
You’re probably wondering…
“Do I have sciatic endometriosis symptoms?”
Many of the sciatic endometriosis symptoms are similar to what you experience with regular endometriosis:
- Painful periods
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain when using the bathroom
- Bloating and nausea
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain in the abdomen, back, pelvis, rectum, and vagina
Sciatic endometriosis combines endometriosis and hip pain, resulting in:
- Low back pain that radiates down your buttocks to one or both of your legs
- Muscle weakness in your legs
- Leg pain and numbness
- Tingling in your lower back, buttocks, and legs
- Difficulty walking
How Common is Sciatic Endometriosis?
A 2016 study showed that as many as half of all women diagnosed with endometriosis experience leg pain.
So if you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and suffer from symptoms of sciatica, you should investigate the possibility of sciatica from endometriosis.
5 Sciatic Endometriosis Treatment Options: How to Get Relief
So, let’s say you find out that the connection between your endometriosis and hip pain is indeed endometriosis on your sciatic nerve.
Now what?
Thankfully, there are several options.
#1 Pain Medication
Doctors frequently recommend over-the-counter medications to help combat the pain of endometriosis on the sciatic nerve.
Some common choices include:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Tylenol
But, while these meds can offer short-term relief, they aren’t recommended for long term use due to side effects.
If you experience any of the following side-effects, stop taking the medication and be sure to contact your doctor immediately:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Sweating
#2 Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives have been the go-to solution for managing the symptoms of endometriosis for the past 50 years.
And when it comes to treating endometriosis today, they are still commonly prescribed.
A 2017 study by Dr. Robert Casper found:
“progestin-only pills may be a better first-line treatment for endometriosis than combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills.”
Endometriosis is a disease that thrives off of estrogen.
And since progestin-only pills are free of estrogen, the endometrial-like tissue doesn’t thicken as much as it would with estrogen-based pills.
Of course, oral contraceptives aren’t without side effects, so be sure to let your doctor know if you experience:
- Nausea
- Spotting
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Mood Swings
- Depression
#3 Gentle Exercise
We’re used to hearing about the importance of exercise.
Exercise is often a big part of the equation when it comes to reducing the pain of endometriosis in general, as well as endometriosis on the sciatic nerve.
Just make sure that the exercises you choose are very gentle on your body.
This 2017 study concluded that an 8-week exercise program proved to be very effective in decreasing the pelvic pain and postural abnormalities accompany endometriosis.
To learn more, be sure to check out this fun video, Exercises for Endometriosis. I interview Dr. Brianne Grogan to find out some simple exercises that can help reduce your endo pain.
#4 Sciatica Stretches
When you’re dealing with the pain of sciatica, stretching can also be tremendously helpful.
These 9 stretches are a great place to start.
As always, be sure to listen to your body and stop if anything is painful.
While stretches are an important part of finding relief from endometriosis and hip pain, the relief you receive may only be temporary.
#5 Simple Life Changes
Be sure not to rule out lifestyle changes to help reduce your endometriosis pain long-term.
I have had great success by following my Endometriosis Diet, which includes an eating plan that is:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Sugar-free
If you’re inclined toward a holistic approach, explore the realm of natural supplements in your quest to find relief.
- Magnesium — Magnesium helps your nerves and muscles function properly, which can reduce symptoms of sciatic pain. There is even a magnesium gel you can rub directly onto painful areas.
- Vitamins — including Omega-3s and Coenzyme Q10, also play important parts in the endometriosis puzzle.
Surgery: The Necessary Option If At-Home Remedies Fail
Let’s face it.
Surgery is no one’s favorite option.
But since sciatic endometriosis can cause permanent nerve damage, if you continue to have debilitating pain, it may be wise to discuss your surgical options with your doctor.
Surgery for sciatica from endometriosis is performed using laparoscopy and, according to Dr. Marc Possover, about 80% of patients report a reduction of pain by at least 50% or more after 20 months, following laparoscopic nerve release surgery.
Endometriosis and Sciatica: How To Find a Support Group for Both
Managing endometriosis alone is challenging.
Pair endometriosis with sciatica and it can seem overwhelming.
But did you know that 1 out of every 10 women suffers from endometriosis?
Girl, you’re not alone.
You need support and it’s out there.
But where do you find it?
A quick online search may be all you need to find a local support group.
If that comes up dry, try calling your doctor and asking for a recommendation.
Don’t give up until you find a group of endo gals who can support you in your journey.
And remember, you’re a part of our endo community and Chiavaye is always here for you.