The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the back through the buttocks and down the back of the legs. This nerve can be compressed due to trauma either as it exits the spinal column or as it passes through the piriformis muscle in the gluteal area. The Cleveland Clinic states that steroids can be injected into the back to block sciatic nerve aggravation and relieve pain. This procedure can be effective, but also involves some risks.
Post-Injection Flare
The Pain Source website states that the most common side effect of a sciatic block is a post-injection flare-up, occurring in from 2 to 25 percent of treated patients. This occurs because the medication used for a sciatic nerve block can cause a small inflammatory reaction in the area of injection. This effect develops within a few hours after the injection and can last up to 2 to 3 days. If the effect is severe, a patient should not hesitate to seek medical treatment, as this may be a sign of infection.
Skin Dimpling
After a sciatic nerve block, a patient may notice dimpling of the skin in the area of the injection. This occurs because the steroid used to block the sciatic nerve may track through the skin as the needle is inserted or withdrawn into the back. The steroid can affect the fat in the skin, which causes dimpling. Skin dimpling typically heals on its own over 1 to 2 years. If the patient is concerned about skin dimpling, he should discuss treatment plans with his physician.
Skin Depigmentation
A patient may experience skin depigmentation after a sciatic nerve injection, states The Pain Source. This occurs because the steroid medication can affect the skin cells that produce pigment, or color. This can cause the skin to become a lighter color over time--about 2 months--but skin typically returns to normal color over a year's time. A patient should not be overly concerned about skin depigmentation, but should let her physician know that it occurred so treatment options can be discussed.
