Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Back pain can complicate a number of daily activities, including your time in the bathroom. That is especially true for certain back conditions and sciatica in particular. But why do sciatic nerve compression and bowel issues sometimes go hand in hand? In today’s blog, we explore some of the reasons why sciatica can oftentimes lead to issues with a person’s bowels, and perhaps more importantly, how to treat the issues.

Sciatic Nerve Compression And Bowel Issues

Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine and down each leg, becomes compressed, irritated or damaged somewhere along its path. This can lead to pain and disruptions with larger parts of the nervous system, which plays a critical role in bowel movement. More specifically, here are a few different ways that sciatica can complicate bowel movements.

1. Pain – Your sciatic nerve passes through some tight windows as it works its way down your leg, and these spaces can narrow when you’re in a seated position, like you are when you need to pass a bowel movement. This position can lead to increased pain, and it can make the entire bathroom process incredibly uncomfortable and difficult. Pushing during a bowel movement can lead to increased pain, and when pushing becomes difficult, constipation can develop.
2. Related Nerve Issues – Sciatic nerve issues can also lead to problems with nearby nerve relays that control your bowels, bladder, pelvic floor and anal sphincter. This bundle of nerves is called the sacral nerves, and if they become compressed, it can affect your ability to have normal or uncomfortable bowel movements. Irritation of these nerves can lead to constipation, diarrhea or incontinence.
3. Connected Spinal Issues – Sciatica can sometimes be connected to other issues in your spine that can interrupt the bowel process. Sciatica could be connected to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, both of which can irritate important nerve relays and lead to discomfort in the bathroom.

Treating Sciatica-Related Bowel Issues

If you want to put an end to your woes in the bathroom, you need to focus on resolving your sciatic nerve impingement, as the two conditions are interconnected. We go into greater detail on some specific treatment options for sciatic nerve impingement on this blog, but some of the most common treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can help to restore comfortable movement in your back, hips, pelvis and legs. PT and general exercise can help strengthen muscle groups in your back and buttocks, manage inflammation and take pressure off the impinged nerve.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Medications can work to limit inflammation that could be further compressing the irritated sciatica nerve.
• Ice/Heat – Ice and heat can also be harnessed to help provide some nerve pain relief. Heat can relax muscle groups, in turn taking pressure off the nerve, while ice can limit swelling and inflammation, also taking stress off the nerve.
• Injections – Corticosteroid injections can provide localized inflammation relief, which can make it easier to perform active interventions like physical therapy or exercise.
• Surgery – Finally, if none of these conservation methods provide relief, a minimally invasive decompression procedure can free the irritated sciatic nerve and take pressure off your sacral nerves.

Don’t let an unaddressed issue with your sciatic nerve complicate matters in the bathroom. Instead, take proactive steps to manage your connected spine and bowel problems. If you’re wondering where to turn for assistance, look no further than Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. For more information, reach out to our team today at (651) 430-3800.

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