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Dealing with Sciatica pain
Am dealing with pain on my left side radiating down my leg with numbness and tingling, diagnosed as sciatica. MRI showed two bulging discs and spinal stenosis. Ironically, I question whether the sciatica is from the above, but may involve my piriformis muscle. I had this problem in 2009 and my neurologist injected a steroid into the prirformis and I had relief for all of this time. After taking steroids with no relief I asked for a shot in the piriformis (rather than an epidural) and this has helped a little. Am due for another shot soon. I am now also having severe muscle cramping in my groin and thigh upon standing and walking, which is very painful. Would appreciate anyone's input. I am going to look into PT and ART (active release technique). Thanks for your input.
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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.
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2 ReactionsThese stretches helped me with my sciatica pain. Mine was caused by prolonged sitting at my work desk:
Search for “Sciatica Nerve Stretches - AskDoctorJo” on YouTube (site won’t let me post the link)
The stretches feel good but the relief is only temporary at first. I had to do them 3-4 times a day for about a week before the pain actually went away. I use a standing desk now and it hasn’t come back (fingers crossed!)
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5 ReactionsHi!!!! I had the same symptoms. My doctor performed a M.I.L.D. procedure on me, and the pain is gone...ALL of it!!! I hope you can find success with whichever treatment plan you choose!!!
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1 ReactionI had physical therpy muscle relaxers, MRIs of both hip and spine shots of steroids in the piriformis muscle and shot of steroids in epideral shots twice.. so far no relief. pain goes down leg to knee Is thereany hope for me?
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2 Reactionswhat is M>I>L>D>?
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1 Reactionwhat is MILD?
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1 ReactionI use stretches too but be careful. I had thought a pain I was having was my sciatica, which has been a problem for several years, when in fact it was lower lumbar. Boy, I did a number on myself.
It’s been worse lately cuz I’m not working and not going out much since my income has become very limited. I know I should take walks but I’ve never been one to walk or bike just to walk or bike. I always do it for a reason or destination.
Trying to change habits in your 60s isn’t easy.
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2 ReactionsI’d go to PT right away, it made a huge difference to me. Don’t know if Med X machines are available to you at therapy but it strengthens the muscles that support your glutes and core. Also get your feet checked in case your over pronated or supinated since that can play a big part in sciatica, piriformous and si joint pain. If your walking gait is off it causes pain all the way up, orthotics help. I’ve got herniated discs, bulging discs and L1S1 spine issues on top of over pronation. I was in such awful pain I couldn’t walk, now I’m walking and have so much hope!! Just got orthotics tweaked and I’m off for a run! 😆 not really, but I’m hopeful and I hope you can be also!
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2 ReactionsHave groin and right thigh pain. They said it's sciatica. Have physical therapist. Has given me exercises and a cane.
Walking is extremely painful.
Don't know what to do. Any comments?
I have used an inversion table with huge success for decades now. When I feel any pain coming I get in and the traction allows the disc to pull back from contact with the sciatic nerve.
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