Dealing with Sciatica pain - any input?

I think your best bet is with the PT. I have had good results with similar issues: hip flexor, piriformis/sciatica and lower back degeneration. Online, you can look up Dr Jo for those items and find similar movements--but your PT is likely to look at your entire body system and help alleviate things you didn't even notice that affect your lower body. I like the mat stretches best and they can be done in bed vs machines. Water exercise is also helpful.

I was told to have a surgery called
PARTIAL FACETECTOMY FORAMINOTOMY
for SCIATICA pain and numbness in the left leg and foot, (actually both legs) Has anyone had this? It is for a pinched nerve from degenerative disc at L5 - SI.

Surgery only as a last resort!

I agree and I said I would never do a spine surgery. I’m 80 also. But my legs are in so much pain and numb. I’ve done so many injections. Medications.
I’ve research sciatica and finding exercises. I e all received a new brace today but have not tried it. It’s a NOORO goes around lower hip and another attached brace goes on upper leg.
Will try it and respond about it
Also starting ginger poultice patch on lower back.
I am hesitant. But he says only a one inch incision. And scraping

@kathymj, I'm not sure if you have heard about Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) but it might be worth checking into to see if it might help. There is another discussion on MFR.
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Also, you might want to scan through the list of discussions and comments by other members who have experience with a Foraminotomy procedure - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

I am researching MFR it sounds like great alternative to surgery.
I cancelled the surgery. Feel so much better with that decision.
Thank you for all the info. This site is unbelievable

@robinc1 Welcome to Connect. Do you have spine patient experience you wish to share?

I have endured Sciatica Nerve Pain for over 3 years now. Pain is coming from L5-S1, primarily S1. The Pain manifests itself in the lower calf of my right leg into my ankle. My right foot is always numb, but I can live with that. I have been through 3 surgeries, a fusion at L5-S1, shots, PT, and every pain medication there is. I have been on opioids for almost 3 years to endure the pain, with increases in dosage as I become more tolerant. Nothing has worked. I want to get off the opioids.
Other than a Spinal Cord Implant, I was told because of the location, I could not do an ablation. Are there other options for me?

FDA JUST APPROVED NON OPOID PAIN PILL ------JOURNAVX HAVE YOU TRIED IT?

@travelinman
Have you had a recent MRI ? What does it show? What spinal nerves are being compressed that are causing your leg/foot symptoms? Is your spinal cord being compressed (do you have spinal stenosis/neurogenic claudication)? What was your surgery supposed to address? Are you better or worse after the fusion? Did they injure a nerve?

Have you been to a neurologist for EMG/nerve conduction studies and seen other spine specialists for 2nd and 3rd opinions? Have you ever had a MRI of your pelvis/hips to see what nerves or blood vessels may be compressed? Have you ever had MRI or ultrasound of your calf/ankle to see if a nerve or blood vessel is pinched, blocked or damaged? Have you ever seen a vascular specialist? Have you ever had an ankle brachial test?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ankle-brachial-index/about/pac-20392934