Hi mimibelle,

I'm sorry for what your husband, and you, are going through. I read through all the comments here, and it sounds like you've tried just about everything.

I have had sciatica that affected the back of my left and right legs, each on different occasions. The first time it resolved on its own, and thank god because it was soooooo painful. Felt like an ice pick in my calf.

The second time I had a ruptured disc fragment at S1/L5. The first surgeon I saw would only do a fusion of S1/L5/L4. I got another opinion, and that Dr. did lamintomies on those three vertebrae. Basically he drilled holes in the back of the vertebrae to 1) get access to the spinal canal and remove the disc fragment, and 2) provide more room to take pressure off my sciatic nerve. I still have scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, and overall degeneration from arthritis. But this minimally invasive surgery worked well, and it's been 10 years now. I am also in the gym everyday and focus on core and cardio the most.

I would ask the surgeon if a laminotomy could be used to relieve pressure caused by stenosis. I also suggest icing the lower back frequently - and please do not use heat as it only increases inflammation.

Another way to protect the lumbar spine is by maintaining a very strong set of core muscles. A good trainer at a local gym can help with this, although relieving your husband's pain is priority #1.

So I'd check with a good spine surgeon about laminotomy. And use ice, a lot.

I'm truly sorry I don't have more to suggest. I've been through this, twice. The first time I had horrible shooting pain in my buttocks, hamstrings, and calf - and the second time I could not remain in a standing position for more than 30-60 seconds. I had to sit down.

I certainly wish you and your husband the best, and hope you find answers.

Joe