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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does Lupus have effects to cause sciatica? I also have Fibromyalgia so could this be a possible culprit too?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Palm Bay, FL

Ive been experiencing pressure and a aching pain in my lower lumbar, as well as inflammation on the outsides on my legs all the way down to my feet with neuropathy. I spoke with my doctor today and she's sending me to have and X-ray of my back to check and see for potential sciatica.

September 1
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A MyLupusTeam Member

It's possible, Camille, and it's also possible you have a herniated disc or osteoarthritic spurs in the spine pinching nerves, though I suspect you're too young for the last one. Please be sure to have a good neurological exam of your leg strength, sensation, and reflexes. A good internal medicine doctor/PCP, or a rheumatologist, can do this, or you can see a neurologist.

PT can help, and an MRI will show if there's nerve impingement. That won't show up on X-ray.

September 2
MyLupusTeam

Yes, lupus can absolutely be connected to sciatic nerve pain. Lupus causes widespread inflammation, which can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. When the peripheral nerves are involved, it can produce symptoms very similar to sciatica — burning, tingling, shooting pains, and numbness running down the Show Full Answer

Yes, lupus can absolutely be connected to sciatic nerve pain. Lupus causes widespread inflammation, which can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. When the peripheral nerves are involved, it can produce symptoms very similar to sciatica — burning, tingling, shooting pains, and numbness running down the legs.

The symptoms being described — lower lumbar pressure, aching, and inflammation running down the legs to the feet — are consistent with what many MyLupusTeam members experience. Fibromyalgia is a known comorbidity of lupus, with around 25% of people with lupus also having fibromyalgia. It can cause:

- Widespread muscle and bone pain
- Tingling sensations
- Stiffness
- Skin and soft tissue sensitivity

So yes, fibromyalgia could also be contributing to these symptoms, making it tricky to pinpoint one single cause. Getting the X-ray is a great first step. It's worth having an open conversation with both a rheumatologist and the referring doctor about how lupus and fibromyalgia may be playing a role — because as many MyLupusTeam members have found, getting clear answers can sometimes take persistence and input from multiple specialists.

September 1

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