I have ongoing back issues with documented sciatic. Does RLS happen because of sciatic nerve damage?

Interestingly, the piriformis muscle http://www.flickr.com/photos/danthechiropractor/417226712/ can compress the sciatic nerve, causing both sciatica and possibly restless leg syndrome (Wittmaack-Ekbom's syndrome).

This article discusses the connection:
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Sciences/LifeScience/GeneralBiology/Physiology/Humanbody/Muscle%20Menu/The%20Butt/Piriformis/Piriformis.html

Even more interestingly, the peroneal nerve derives from the sciatic nerve. Peroneal nerve compression ("entrapment") or damage is also thought to cause RLS. The peroneal nerve also goes through the piriformis muscle.
http://www.tarsaltunnelcenter.com/assets/deep.shtml
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000791.htm

No, RLS isn't directly caused by sciatic damage. But in the human body, nerves and muscles are closely interwoven and damage/inflammation to one structure can cause symptoms in another structure.

I have sciatica. I also have occasional restless leg syndrome. Thank you for an interesting Question!

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