Revere, MA
A 24-year-old female asked:
Could diabetes be the cause of cause sciatica?
5 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Melissa Younganswered
Endocrinology 11 years experience
No, neuropathy : Diabetes wouldnt cause sciatica, but it can cause neuropathy(nerve damage) and the symptoms can be similar. A nerve conduction study, sort of like an ekg for nerves, can differentiate between the two.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph De Santianswered
Family Medicine 31 years experience
Doubt Diabetes Does: Sciatica refers to an intermittently symptomatic condition involving the sciatic nerve, a large nerve in the buttock region. Since it is derived from many nerve "roots" from the spinal cord and traverses a very long distance, it is subject to irritation in many locations. All of these can produce similar symptoms. It is unlikely diabetes is the culprit as it usually affects much smaller nerves.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Quang Nguyenanswered
Specializes in Endocrinology
Affected, not cause: Diabetics have higher rates of developing sciatica compared to the general population but diabetes shouldn't cause sciatica.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Leanswered
Pain Management 19 years experience
Diabetes & sciatica: There might be no relation between diabetes and sciatica. The back pain can be caused by muscle strain, spinal stenosis, ruptured disc, nerve impingement ...
The treatment depends on the cause of the pain.
If your pain persists, you should seek help from a pain specialist. You might benefit from a comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Qamar Khananswered
Pain Management 19 years experience
No: Generally not. Although you can develop a neuropathy that can be similar to sciatica due to the diabetes. I would suggest seeing a pain/spine specialist to address your concerns.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 29, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
