A ruptured lumbar disk may cause symptoms that simulate the symptoms of sciatic nerve dysfunction. Prevention varies depending on the cause of the nerve damage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks. Reflexes may be abnormal, with weak or absent ankle-jerk reflex. They may include various blood tests, X-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.
Treatment is aimed at maximizing mobility and independence.
The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous. If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by sudden onset, minimal sensation changes and no difficulty in movement, and no evidence on testing of degeneration of the nerve axon. Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve may benefit some cases. Various other medications may reduce the stabbing pains that some persons experience, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline.