Sciatic Nerve Injury from Injection
BlackRose202 posted:
2 months ago, I went to the ER complaining of back and neck pain. For treatment, I was given an IM injection of a muscle relaxer. I believe this injection caused some kind of inflammation or injury to my sciatic nerve. I bled quite a bit and became pretty swollen in the area after my injection.I'm experience numbness and pain down the back of my legs, significantly worse in my right leg, the same side that I was given the injection. This started immediately after the injection. My PCP referred me to a neurologist, who gave me an EMG, but EMG came back normal.
I'm not sure why my EMG came back normal. I'm not convinced that the needle itself hit the nerve, as the injection itself didn't cause any significant pain. It was just a few minutes later, after it swelled that I experienced pain and numbness in my legs.
I returned to the ER a few days later with a bad rash on my back, and complaining of numbness/tingling down my legs. It was then determined that I had a drug allergy to the medication. I was given a CT scan of my lower back, but that was normal.
Where do I go from here? I'm seeing a pain specialist. I'm on Lyrica, Cymbalta, Klonopin, and Meloxicam. I've also tried Tramadol, and Gabapentin, but I had strong side effects to both. I think a steriod like Prednisolone might help, possibly given as an injection.
I'm not sure why my EMG came back normal. I'm not convinced that the needle itself hit the nerve, as the injection itself didn't cause any significant pain. It was just a few minutes later, after it swelled that I experienced pain and numbness in my legs.
I returned to the ER a few days later with a bad rash on my back, and complaining of numbness/tingling down my legs. It was then determined that I had a drug allergy to the medication. I was given a CT scan of my lower back, but that was normal.
Where do I go from here? I'm seeing a pain specialist. I'm on Lyrica, Cymbalta, Klonopin, and Meloxicam. I've also tried Tramadol, and Gabapentin, but I had strong side effects to both. I think a steriod like Prednisolone might help, possibly given as an injection.
11 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from Injection2 months ago, I went to the ER complaining of back and neck pain. For treatment, I was given an IM injection of a muscle relaxer. I believe this injection caused some kind of inflammation or injury to my sciatic nerve. I bled quite a bit and became pretty swollen in the area after my injection.I'm experience numbness and pain down the back of my legs, significantly worse in my right leg, the same side that I was given the injection. This started immediately after the injection. My PCP referred me to a neurologist, who gave me an EMG, but EMG came back normal.<br /> <br />I'm not sure why my EMG came back normal. I'm not convinced that the needle itself hit the nerve, as the injection itself didn't cause any significant pain. It was just a few minutes later, after it swelled that I experienced pain and numbness in my legs. <br /> <br />I returned to the ER a few days later with a bad rash on my back, and complaining of numbness/tingling down my legs. It was then determined that I had a drug allergy to the medication. I was given a CT scan of my lower back, but that was normal. <br /> <br />Where do I go from here? I'm seeing a pain specialist. I'm on Lyrica, Cymbalta, Klonopin, and Meloxicam. I've also tried Tramadol, and Gabapentin, but I had strong side effects to both. I think a steriod like Prednisolone might help, possibly given as an injection.
annette030 responded:
I would stop seeing ER doctors and let your own pcp be in charge of your workup.
If the problem occurred in both legs then I rather doubt, with my basic anatomical knowledge, that an injection in one side caused the problem. It might have made it worse on the side of the injection. I have had sciatica due to IM injections twice in the past. It goes away. I took oral steroids once for it, but do not really think it helped much in hindsight.
It is good news that the EMG and the CT came back normal.
Steroids like prednisolone need to be used very cautiously. I would only use them for a brief time, one to two weeks, no more often than once or twice a year. The side effects can be really awful if overused.
Why are you taking klonopin? The others made sense with what you are complaining of.
Take care, Annette
If the problem occurred in both legs then I rather doubt, with my basic anatomical knowledge, that an injection in one side caused the problem. It might have made it worse on the side of the injection. I have had sciatica due to IM injections twice in the past. It goes away. I took oral steroids once for it, but do not really think it helped much in hindsight.
It is good news that the EMG and the CT came back normal.
Steroids like prednisolone need to be used very cautiously. I would only use them for a brief time, one to two weeks, no more often than once or twice a year. The side effects can be really awful if overused.
Why are you taking klonopin? The others made sense with what you are complaining of.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionI would stop seeing ER doctors and let your own pcp be in charge of your workup.<br /><br />If the problem occurred in both legs then I rather doubt, with my basic anatomical knowledge, that an injection in one side caused the problem. It might have made it worse on the side of the injection. I have had sciatica due to IM injections twice in the past. It goes away. I took oral steroids once for it, but do not really think it helped much in hindsight.<br /><br />It is good news that the EMG and the CT came back normal.<br /><br />Steroids like prednisolone need to be used very cautiously. I would only use them for a brief time, one to two weeks, no more often than once or twice a year. The side effects can be really awful if overused.<br /><br />Why are you taking klonopin? The others made sense with what you are complaining of.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
BlackRose202 replied to annette030's response:
In hindsight, it was probably a mistake to go to the ER, but my back was hurting quite badly, and I thought it needed looked at. Even though the pain I'm in is quite severe, I'm trying to avoid the ER. How long does the pain last? I'm on month two, without much improvement. It's burning and numb down my right leg.
The klonopin is an old prescription for anxiety, I've been off and on it since 2009, it's not for my current pain.
The klonopin is an old prescription for anxiety, I've been off and on it since 2009, it's not for my current pain.
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionIn hindsight, it was probably a mistake to go to the ER, but my back was hurting quite badly, and I thought it needed looked at. Even though the pain I'm in is quite severe, I'm trying to avoid the ER. How long does the pain last? I'm on month two, without much improvement. It's burning and numb down my right leg.<br /> <br />The klonopin is an old prescription for anxiety, I've been off and on it since 2009, it's not for my current pain.
cweinbl responded:
What's glaringly missing from your post is a diagnosis. "Back and neck pain" represent symptoms, not a diagnosis. What caused it? Do you have spinal nerve root compression secondary to degenerative disc disease? Were you injured in an accident? Do you have a tumor pressing upon a spinal nerve root?
Diagnosis precedes treatment. It is pointless to discuss anything further until you can provide a reason for the pain. You say that you are seeing a pain specialist. But why? What is causing the pain?
IM injections of steroid or opiate almost never impinge a spinal nerve root. They typically never penetrate that deeply. Besides, you mentioned that you were already "seeing a pain specialist," which suggests a pre-existing condition.
I doubt if anyone here can assist you until you provide us with an accurate diagnosis, not pain symptoms. Can you work with a neurologist to determine the cause of your pain?
Diagnosis precedes treatment. It is pointless to discuss anything further until you can provide a reason for the pain. You say that you are seeing a pain specialist. But why? What is causing the pain?
IM injections of steroid or opiate almost never impinge a spinal nerve root. They typically never penetrate that deeply. Besides, you mentioned that you were already "seeing a pain specialist," which suggests a pre-existing condition.
I doubt if anyone here can assist you until you provide us with an accurate diagnosis, not pain symptoms. Can you work with a neurologist to determine the cause of your pain?
cweinbl
csw2@bex.net
csw2@bex.net
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionWhat's glaringly missing from your post is a diagnosis. "Back and neck pain" represent symptoms, not a diagnosis. What caused it? Do you have spinal nerve root compression secondary to degenerative disc disease? Were you injured in an accident? Do you have a tumor pressing upon a spinal nerve root? <br /> <br />Diagnosis precedes treatment. It is pointless to discuss anything further until you can provide a reason for the pain. You say that you are seeing a pain specialist. But why? What is causing the pain? <br /> <br />IM injections of steroid or opiate almost never impinge a spinal nerve root. They typically never penetrate that deeply. Besides, you mentioned that you were already "seeing a pain specialist," which suggests a pre-existing condition. <br /> <br />I doubt if anyone here can assist you until you provide us with an accurate diagnosis, not pain symptoms. Can you work with a neurologist to determine the cause of your pain?
BlackRose202 replied to cweinbl's response:
Well, to clarify, the injection was neither a steriod or an opiate, it was a muscle relaxer.
I've had an MRI scan of my back and neck, nothing was found wrong with it.
I've seen 2 neurologists, neither of them could help.
I only started seeing the pain manager after the injection, and he's confirmed that non of the several scans I've had of my back have anything wrong at all with them. So I'm on medication to keep the pain at bay until the nerves heal. It's just still excruciating sometimes, and I'm quite sensitive to medication, most all of them cause me to have a number of side effects, as well as several drug allergies.
I started some prednisone for the imflammation, and physically therapy, but the doctor I saw yesterday said this could still take a few more months to heal.
I've had an MRI scan of my back and neck, nothing was found wrong with it.
I've seen 2 neurologists, neither of them could help.
I only started seeing the pain manager after the injection, and he's confirmed that non of the several scans I've had of my back have anything wrong at all with them. So I'm on medication to keep the pain at bay until the nerves heal. It's just still excruciating sometimes, and I'm quite sensitive to medication, most all of them cause me to have a number of side effects, as well as several drug allergies.
I started some prednisone for the imflammation, and physically therapy, but the doctor I saw yesterday said this could still take a few more months to heal.
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionWell, to clarify, the injection was neither a steriod or an opiate, it was a muscle relaxer.<br /> <br />I've had an MRI scan of my back and neck, nothing was found wrong with it.<br /> <br />I've seen 2 neurologists, neither of them could help. <br /> <br />I only started seeing the pain manager after the injection, and he's confirmed that non of the several scans I've had of my back have anything wrong at all with them. So I'm on medication to keep the pain at bay until the nerves heal. It's just still excruciating sometimes, and I'm quite sensitive to medication, most all of them cause me to have a number of side effects, as well as several drug allergies. <br /> <br />I started some prednisone for the imflammation, and physically therapy, but the doctor I saw yesterday said this could still take a few more months to heal.
annette030 replied to BlackRose202's response:
It doesn't really matter what was in the injection, usually sciatic pain from an injection is from the needle itself. I have had this twice and that is how my doctors explained it to me.
The prednisolone might help, are you taking it orally? It could still take a couple of months to heal completely.
Did the doctors say the injection caused the pain you are having down both legs, the right more than the left? In your initial post you said that it was what you thought the pain/numbness was from.
I have personally never heard of an IM injection causing sciatic pain in both legs, I don't understand physically how that could happen. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, just that I have never run into it.
Take care, Annette
The prednisolone might help, are you taking it orally? It could still take a couple of months to heal completely.
Did the doctors say the injection caused the pain you are having down both legs, the right more than the left? In your initial post you said that it was what you thought the pain/numbness was from.
I have personally never heard of an IM injection causing sciatic pain in both legs, I don't understand physically how that could happen. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, just that I have never run into it.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionIt doesn't really matter what was in the injection, usually sciatic pain from an injection is from the needle itself. I have had this twice and that is how my doctors explained it to me.<br /><br />The prednisolone might help, are you taking it orally? It could still take a couple of months to heal completely.<br /><br />Did the doctors say the injection caused the pain you are having down both legs, the right more than the left? In your initial post you said that it was what you thought the pain/numbness was from.<br /><br />I have personally never heard of an IM injection causing sciatic pain in both legs, I don't understand physically how that could happen. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, just that I have never run into it.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
annette030 replied to BlackRose202's response:
I would personally avoid the ER for chronic pain issues, and stick with my pcp.
I would personally avoid mixing klonopin with any opioid. That is my thing, just make sure your doctors are all aware of this prescription.
Take care, Annette
I would personally avoid mixing klonopin with any opioid. That is my thing, just make sure your doctors are all aware of this prescription.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionI would personally avoid the ER for chronic pain issues, and stick with my pcp.<br /><br />I would personally avoid mixing klonopin with any opioid. That is my thing, just make sure your doctors are all aware of this prescription.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
tfawnpeter responded:
I found this interesting because I had something similar happen but with my left arm. I ended up having to have surgery to have the nerve released and have permanent damage numbness in the ring finger and pinkie on my left hand. My injection was the pneumovax to treat chronic sinusitis. I was months and various tests etc. before they found out what was going on. So I know have numbness and a 3 inch scar on my elbow all because of a shot..
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionI found this interesting because I had something similar happen but with my left arm. I ended up having to have surgery to have the nerve released and have permanent damage numbness in the ring finger and pinkie on my left hand. My injection was the pneumovax to treat chronic sinusitis. I was months and various tests etc. before they found out what was going on. So I know have numbness and a 3 inch scar on my elbow all because of a shot..
MommaOrth responded:
I had the same situation happen after my tonsilectomy. I get sick with anesthesia and received a shot in my left hip to stop the nausea. The next day, and for the next few months after, I had numbness in a 4 inch diameter centering around the injection point. It wasn't until 4 months later as I was running a 100M Dash in college that I pulled my piriformis muscle on the left side which lead to intense sciatic pain. After all of the doctors and tests, my diagnosis was that the shot went in wrong and damaged my piriformis causing it to tear after straining it in the race. There was nothing I could do but PT and actually, PT helped tremendously!! However, it was the end to my sprinting career.
FYI - I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago so it is usually what gets blamed for situations such as these.
My advice: Physical Therapy!!
FYI - I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago so it is usually what gets blamed for situations such as these.
My advice: Physical Therapy!!
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionI had the same situation happen after my tonsilectomy. I get sick with anesthesia and received a shot in my left hip to stop the nausea. The next day, and for the next few months after, I had numbness in a 4 inch diameter centering around the injection point. It wasn't until 4 months later as I was running a 100M Dash in college that I pulled my piriformis muscle on the left side which lead to intense sciatic pain. After all of the doctors and tests, my diagnosis was that the shot went in wrong and damaged my piriformis causing it to tear after straining it in the race. There was nothing I could do but PT and actually, PT helped tremendously!! However, it was the end to my sprinting career. <br /> <br />FYI - I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago so it is usually what gets blamed for situations such as these.<br /> <br />My advice: Physical Therapy!!
Anita532 responded:
Suggest you see a chiropractor. Might cost $45-50 but worth it. Might take two sessions. They are magicians at treating sciatic problems. Regular doctors cannot treat sciatic pain.
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionSuggest you see a chiropractor. Might cost $45-50 but worth it. Might take two sessions. They are magicians at treating sciatic problems. Regular doctors cannot treat sciatic pain.
BlackRose1000 responded:
Update,
I've been going to physical therapy. Also, I had a lumbar steroid injection, but I think there was some confusion behind there. The thought was that the steroid would help the nerve heal in my leg, but my leg is still numb. And my back is still spasming from the injection. I called my pain manager back, but he claimed that since my back was fine, he didn't know why I'm experiencing pain.... I think I'm going to try and find a new doctor. I clearly told him on my first visit that it was from an injection.
I'm now seeing a chiropractor as well. I'm only 22, so this is pretty traumatizing and depressing to me, since all my peers are out and about enjoying themselves, and I can hardly walk some days.
Also, I'm still having very sharp pain right in my butt where the shot originally was, and I keep gettinlg this feeling of a tear, as if my leg might tear off.
I've been going to physical therapy. Also, I had a lumbar steroid injection, but I think there was some confusion behind there. The thought was that the steroid would help the nerve heal in my leg, but my leg is still numb. And my back is still spasming from the injection. I called my pain manager back, but he claimed that since my back was fine, he didn't know why I'm experiencing pain.... I think I'm going to try and find a new doctor. I clearly told him on my first visit that it was from an injection.
I'm now seeing a chiropractor as well. I'm only 22, so this is pretty traumatizing and depressing to me, since all my peers are out and about enjoying themselves, and I can hardly walk some days.
Also, I'm still having very sharp pain right in my butt where the shot originally was, and I keep gettinlg this feeling of a tear, as if my leg might tear off.
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionUpdate,<br /> <br />I've been going to physical therapy. Also, I had a lumbar steroid injection, but I think there was some confusion behind there. The thought was that the steroid would help the nerve heal in my leg, but my leg is still numb. And my back is still spasming from the injection. I called my pain manager back, but he claimed that since my back was fine, he didn't know why I'm experiencing pain.... I think I'm going to try and find a new doctor. I clearly told him on my first visit that it was from an injection. <br /> <br />I'm now seeing a chiropractor as well. I'm only 22, so this is pretty traumatizing and depressing to me, since all my peers are out and about enjoying themselves, and I can hardly walk some days.<br /> <br />Also, I'm still having very sharp pain right in my butt where the shot originally was, and I keep gettinlg this feeling of a tear, as if my leg might tear off.
annette030 replied to BlackRose1000's response:
Steroids do not help anything heal, they just mask pain and other symptoms until they either go away of the steroid wears off.
I have no experience with lumbar steroid injections, so I really can't help you there.
Since you were seen originally in the ER for back and neck pain, before you got the muscle relaxant injection, I would have the ER send your records to the pain management doctor. They have hundreds of patients so don't concern yourself with him not remembering who you are over the phone.
I am not sure how an injection in your hip would cause back spasms either, or a feeling like your leg was tearing off, but my anatomy is really old, and I may well have forgotten some of it.
Take care, Annette
I have no experience with lumbar steroid injections, so I really can't help you there.
Since you were seen originally in the ER for back and neck pain, before you got the muscle relaxant injection, I would have the ER send your records to the pain management doctor. They have hundreds of patients so don't concern yourself with him not remembering who you are over the phone.
I am not sure how an injection in your hip would cause back spasms either, or a feeling like your leg was tearing off, but my anatomy is really old, and I may well have forgotten some of it.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Sciatic Nerve Injury from InjectionSteroids do not help anything heal, they just mask pain and other symptoms until they either go away of the steroid wears off.<br /><br />I have no experience with lumbar steroid injections, so I really can't help you there.<br /><br />Since you were seen originally in the ER for back and neck pain, before you got the muscle relaxant injection, I would have the ER send your records to the pain management doctor. They have hundreds of patients so don't concern yourself with him not remembering who you are over the phone.<br /><br />I am not sure how an injection in your hip would cause back spasms either, or a feeling like your leg was tearing off, but my anatomy is really old, and I may well have forgotten some of it.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
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