What’s going to the toilet got to do with my sciatica?
If you’ve gone to the doctor or chiropractor about sciatica, you might have wondered why we ask if you’ve experienced any changes to your toilet habits, but how is that related to your leg pain?
People with sciatica experience pain down the leg, often due to the sciatic nerve being compressed by a bulging disc. Very rarely (thought to be between 1 in 33,000 to 1 in 100,000) the nerves that control your bowel and bladder can be affected, causing symptoms such as incontinence or reduced sensation in your genitals. This is called Cauda Equina Syndrome.
If you experience this you need to tell your healthcare provider straight away. The nerves need to be decompressed as soon as possible - ideally within 24 hours, to avoid permanent damage.
What to look out for:
Pain radiating down one or both legs
Loss of sensation in genitals or perianal area - think: can I feel the toilet paper when I wipe?
Changes in toilet habits - any bladder or bowel incontinence or feeling or not fully emptying your bladder?
Progressive weakness in the feet or legs - try this: can you stand on your tip toes or heels?
Changes in sexual function - e.g. erectile dysfunction
What happens next:
Tell your healthcare provider right away
Go to A&E - they will perform an examination and MRI
If necessary they will perform a surgery to decompress the nerve