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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Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Jun 8, 2021

In reply to @nascar1978 "Anyone having Sciatica problems...." + (show)

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @nascar1978. Sciatica can be so painful and makes it hard to get comfortable.

You will see that I moved your question to this discussion talking about sciatica pain. I did this so that you can share your experience with members who have also had the same issues.

How long have you been dealing with the pain?

lioness | @lioness | Jun 14, 2021

Last night I spent in hospital E.R Dr diagnosed my sciatica was what popped I never heard of this It has put me flat on my back and painful Anyone know or heard of this Colleen does Mayo know anything about this I'd appreciate any information

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @lioness "Last night I spent in hospital E.R Dr diagnosed my sciatica was what popped I never..." + (show)

Hi Lioness, I'm so sorry to hear that you are in such pain. I'm sure when you felt that pop, you knew something wasn't right.

I've moved your post to this existing discussion where you've connected with other sciatica pain sufferers like @junebug15 @bernese53 @maryflorida @suerc @bustrbrwn22 to name a few.

Here is a Q&A from Mayo Clinic about options for relief:
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Sciatica Treatment Options https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-sciatica-treatment-options/

Are you able to move? What treatment or relief was suggested to you?

lioness | @lioness | Jun 14, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Lioness, I'm so sorry to hear that you are in such pain. I'm sure when..." + (show)

Thanks for information P. T Dr ordered Ibuprofen for pain and Flexiril My pain hasn't let up since I went to ER I know Dr,s can't prescribe anything harder ,med, but this just isn't helping My Ins will send someone on to help me O can walk so am doing this not anything else right now

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 15, 2021

In reply to @lioness "Thanks for information P. T Dr ordered Ibuprofen for pain and Flexiril My pain hasn't let..." + (show)

@lioness I am also so sorry to hear about this terrible pain. I have recently have had bouts of lower back pain and it really is miserable.

Have you ever taken Gabapentin for pain? If not, you might ask for the lowest dose available of Gabapentin and see if that helps. If it does your doctor can increase the dosage or the frequency.

Will you keep me updated on how you are doing?

lioness | @lioness | Jun 15, 2021

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@lioness I am also so sorry to hear about this terrible pain. I have recently have..." + (show)

@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa I was on gabapentin and it didn't do anything for me at all Lyrics helps to a certain degree I'm trying to get someone to assist me Ins will pay for it My Dr ordered me Tramadol 50 I have some here but it doesn't touch it Last night my son fixed me a drink slept till 10 a m You take care of yourself

lioness | @lioness | Jun 15, 2021

In reply to @lioness "Thanks for information P. T Dr ordered Ibuprofen for pain and Flexiril My pain hasn't let..." + (show)

@colleen Dr is sending a home therapist and I.K.,d a helper for me It's a little better then yesterday but not much

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 16, 2021

In reply to @lioness "@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa I was on gabapentin and it didn't do anything for me at all..." + (show)

@lioness,

I am glad to hear that you have some support in place. I've also taken 25 mg of Trazodone to help with both pain and sleep. It might be worth a try.

Some types of nerve pain just take time to resolve. Get plenty of bed rest and you might try laying on an ice pack to see that helps.

Wishing you all the best. Will you keep in touch and provide updates on how you are doing?

lioness | @lioness | Jun 16, 2021

@hopeful33250 Yes I have used ice The pain instead of being all over is centralized in back area now so I take that as a good sign Right now I have the TENS unit on to relax the muscles Today is the first day I've been up to my bkft table Thanks for your concern