Can Depo Medrol injection cause sciatica?

[LuckyJC]

I had my first Depo Medrol injection on Friday, into the top of my bum. On Sunday I started with a flare of back pain and sciatica. Is it possible that the injection has caused this? I did slip two discs a couple of years ago, but it seems such a coincidence that it's flared up now...grateful for any advice X

[cuttysark]

I have those injections every ten weeks. Usually I have no bother but one time I got just like you describe. It was like sciatica down the leg on that side of buttock I got the injection.

I just was very very careful to do very little and it did settle down no bother after a week or so.

Next time it didn't happen at all. Maybe sometimes the injection irritates a nerve,

Hope you get relief soon x

[LuckyJC in reply to cuttysark]

Thanks very much, is helpful to know. Thought it was too much of a coincidence!

[PMRpro]

The depot-Medrol itself shouldn't cause that sort of problem - but the injection could if the needle went too close to the nerve. It is one of the things care is required for and part of the teaching of giving i.m injections in the buttock - avoid the track of the sciatic nerve!

[LuckyJC in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, yes that makes sense. It was the consultant who did the jab so I wonder if she was out of practise and doing it in a rush! It is easing now so makes me think it was the jab. It has helped my other pain so a success I think!

[Hidden]

I agree with PMR pro, the medication itself should not be the problem, but the needle close to the nerve is. As a nurse we were always advised where possible to find an alternative area. Mention your problem next time you go. The upper outer quadrant is the place but our anatomy can differ slightly.