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Replies to "This may be what happened to my mother, I never heard a technical diagnosis, she suffered..."
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Aug 4 1:31pm | Replies (10)
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This may be what happened to my mother, I never heard a technical diagnosis, she suffered horribly for six months, doctor just drugged her to the gills waiting for improvement that never came. Finally had a laminectomy (?) that was apparently quite successful, but it took a couple of months and a new doctor to get her off the pain-killers.
Replies to "This may be what happened to my mother, I never heard a technical diagnosis, she suffered..."
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It's very unfortunate your Mom's first Dr thought long-term pain meds was an appropriate course. If sciatica doesn't resolve in a few weeks, it's best to get an xray to see if the spinal canal is clear with room for the sciatic nerve.
Your Mom may have had a laminectomy - a removal of a significant part of the vertebrae. That makes more room for the sciatic nerve and relieves pain. The difference with a laminotomy is that the structure of the vertebrae is maintained. But both are superior to fusion if they work.
Hope you and your Mom are well!
Joe