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Dealing with Sciatica pain

Posted by junebug15 @junebug15, May 1, 2017

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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lioness | @lioness | Jul 25, 2018
In reply to @jo54 "I have chronic pain with siatica from lumbar section of back. Have been on therapy for..." + (show)
@jo54

I have chronic pain with siatica from lumbar section of back. Have been on therapy for six weeks and it has improved but not disappeared. See doctor next week. Has anyone had the operation that stretches the column away from the nerves ?

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@jo54 no ,no operation you see your chiropractor let him work on you then you go home simple as that for me this avoids a operation.Insurance pays if the chiropractor takes it.since I'm so familiar with his procedure ,I use my Tens unit at home and ice if needed I go to him.

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 26, 2018
In reply to @jo54 "Thank you for your input. It’s a difficult decision when you are hurting. I finished therapy..." + (show)
@jo54

Thank you for your input. It’s a difficult decision when you are hurting. I finished therapy but still doing exercises. Unfortunately a chiropractor cannot help me. Have already had same problem in cervical area due to tightening of vertibrae on nerves and bone spurs. I am used to pain as it’s ever present. Have scoliosis and extreme stenosis. I am researching as I really would prefer no surgery. I lost the use of my hands prior to cervical. I don’t want to lose the use of my legs. Thanks to all for sharing. Jo

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@jo54 I'm so sorry to hear of your pain I had a back injection 2days ago fill rotten today but how do you keep going ? God does nt give us more then we can handle but I ask for a break at times to recup.Prayers for you sweet Jo.

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jo54 | @jo54 | Jul 26, 2018
In reply to @jo54 "Thank you for your input. It’s a difficult decision when you are hurting. I finished therapy..." + (show)
@jo54

Thank you for your input. It’s a difficult decision when you are hurting. I finished therapy but still doing exercises. Unfortunately a chiropractor cannot help me. Have already had same problem in cervical area due to tightening of vertibrae on nerves and bone spurs. I am used to pain as it’s ever present. Have scoliosis and extreme stenosis. I am researching as I really would prefer no surgery. I lost the use of my hands prior to cervical. I don’t want to lose the use of my legs. Thanks to all for sharing. Jo

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Praying your back is better today. Thank you for your prayers. How often do you get an injection and how long do they last? Rest.

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mlross4508 | @mlross4508 | Jan 23, 2020
In reply to @marple "I have sciatica and the nerve pain goes down back of thigh and around the knee..." + (show)
@marple

I have sciatica and the nerve pain goes down back of thigh and around the knee and down the shin. Sometimes my foot falls asleep. Is this normal? Waiting on an SI shot but in tons of pain. Can't take nsaids.

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I too had sciatica pain more than once and saw specialists, and PTs. The consensus is if you are diligent in stretching those hamstrings, the pain will usually go away in its own, as long as you are consistent in doing the exercises. This will take some time, a few weeks before you hope to see results, but is always better than having a more radical approach. Having epidurals for this condition usually are not effective for very long, if at all, and you want to avoid injections in your spinal area at all costs due to possible scarring. Of course this is based on you not having any other issues that are more serious.
Good luck and hope this helps.

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1 reply
marple | @marple | Jan 23, 2020
In reply to @mlross4508 "I too had sciatica pain more than once and saw specialists, and PTs. The consensus is..." + (show)
@mlross4508

I too had sciatica pain more than once and saw specialists, and PTs. The consensus is if you are diligent in stretching those hamstrings, the pain will usually go away in its own, as long as you are consistent in doing the exercises. This will take some time, a few weeks before you hope to see results, but is always better than having a more radical approach. Having epidurals for this condition usually are not effective for very long, if at all, and you want to avoid injections in your spinal area at all costs due to possible scarring. Of course this is based on you not having any other issues that are more serious.
Good luck and hope this helps.

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Thanks for your help. I will be starting pt after the SI shot and will ask about stretches. I want relief in a safe way.

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suerc | @suerc | Jan 23, 2020
In reply to @marple "I have sciatica and the nerve pain goes down back of thigh and around the knee..." + (show)
@marple

I have sciatica and the nerve pain goes down back of thigh and around the knee and down the shin. Sometimes my foot falls asleep. Is this normal? Waiting on an SI shot but in tons of pain. Can't take nsaids.

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I have sciatica also. However my last bout I think is from my l4 burst lumbar fracture. I am going to try another epidural. Usually works and lasts for quite some ti.e.

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marple | @marple | Jan 23, 2020

I have sciatica and the nerve pain goes down back of thigh and around the knee and down the shin. Sometimes my foot falls asleep. Is this normal? Waiting on an SI shot but in tons of pain. Can't take nsaids.

REPLY
4 replies
bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Aug 28, 2020

Does anyone else have debilitating "sciatica" - can only walk 15 min at a time rest of time in bed? Pain from lower right back, through right hamstring, outside of both calves and burning, knife-life pain in the bottom of both feet. I have progressed to this point over a 10 year period. Tried cortisone injections, accupuncture, dry needling, physical therapy, myofascial massage, TENS, chiropractor and now looking for supplements.

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6 replies
bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Aug 28, 2020
In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "Does anyone else have debilitating "sciatica" - can only walk 15 min at a time rest..." + (show)
@bustrbrwn22

Does anyone else have debilitating "sciatica" - can only walk 15 min at a time rest of time in bed? Pain from lower right back, through right hamstring, outside of both calves and burning, knife-life pain in the bottom of both feet. I have progressed to this point over a 10 year period. Tried cortisone injections, accupuncture, dry needling, physical therapy, myofascial massage, TENS, chiropractor and now looking for supplements.

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I should add that it is the S1 nerve causing the problem according to MRI's. I just submitted a request for an appt to the Mayo Clinic. In desperate pain and need help.

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2 replies
sparklegram | @sparklegram | Aug 28, 2020
In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "I should add that it is the S1 nerve causing the problem according to MRI's. I..." + (show)
@bustrbrwn22

I should add that it is the S1 nerve causing the problem according to MRI's. I just submitted a request for an appt to the Mayo Clinic. In desperate pain and need help.

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@bustrbrwn22, I'm so sorry that you're having to endure this level of pain. I hope you find relief immediately.

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