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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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@8m5, Yes. LOTs. And you've already ruled out two treatments. Sciatic nerve pain can have various sources. One of your physicians, it seems, thinks that an enlarged ligament is causing the compression. You might get another opinion, before proceeding. Best luck!
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3 ReactionsYour post is rather dated, but it's possible that your piriformis muscle may be putting pressure on your sciatic nerve. One way to find out would be to go to a facility that has the capability to do MRI with 3D imaging which should show any interation. Some years back I had a gent tell me that this was what they found in his situation. He said that they ended up removing some of his piriformis muscle.`
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2 ReactionsI had an MRI of the spine that showed pinched nerve in last two vertebra.
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@8m5 I think you have your answer. Sometimes steroid injections are done to ease inflammation and that might help if it buys a little bit of space. PT would try to address strength and posture to avoid positional issues that may increase pressure on an already compromised nerve. If the pressure on the nerve as it’s leaving the spinal column is caused by arthritis and bone buildup around it that closes down the space, the remedy is usually surgical removal of the extra bone and/or removal of any bad discs, etc. When a disc herniates, the jelly like nucleus spills out causing inflammation. That can initiate bone spurs to grow in that area and that can be a cause of bone growth in the foramen which is the space where the nerves exit the spinal cord.
Have you tried traction?
Anyone tried a new SCS device called Sprint? It's supposed to work for 2 months then not be needed after that.
I had a “lumbar fusion L3-L5”.
Sciatic pain was unbearable and I walked like an 80 year old man. I met a man who said “I made him hurt when I walked”.
The year was 2011 when I had my procedure and I just turned 82 this November 2025. The only regret I have is that I never finished the rehab by walking a mile. I only walked 1/4 of a mile.
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