Peripheral neuropathy and sciatica: What helps with the pain?

Hello @yeoj, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear you haven't found a treatment that helps with the pain. If I am understanding correctly the pain you are having is related to sciatica or the spine? Compressed or damaged nerves in the spine can cause neuropathic pain. Is your ortho doctor suggesting spinal surgery?

I have 2 bulging disc's in lumbar and S1. A herniated disc midback. I have a bone out of place and surgery is not an option because I smoke. Then he suggested a spinal cord stimulator. I have 3 nerve roots.

I started smoking when I was 9 years old and quit 30 years later. It only took a million times before I quit for good. Its difficult because your cells are signaling for the nicotine drug every hour (or as often as you normally smoke) for each puff you take is administering a drug so its that often your body is anticipating a fix. Eventually it tapers down; the longer you go, the easier it gets until one day you forget you ever smoked. — trust me, it does happen. For more motivation I googled about the ill effects of cigarettes. There is a ton of information about all the ill effects of smoking and pictures to really scare you into quitting. I also kept asking myself, why can’t you quit? There were lots of different answers but one day the biggest holdback came to mind. From that day forward, I understood and was able to let go of smoking.

1. Stop Smoking
2. Did you get an MRI for your Sciatica?
Pain shots can help certain things, especially if they know what is causing the problem. Get an MRI or any other tests to be sure what the problem is.
3. Get well

Hello!! I have a similar issue. Toroidal isn’t helping. Are you having any spasms from the pain? I only ask due to I fell down 6 steps a few weeks ago and noticed the inflammatory medication naproxen has been helping lessen the strain on my back and neck which causes more severe pain. Was testing done? Blood results? I have to way until July to see a neuro at their office because mine is booked until Sept.. I know how it is😭 praying you find some help and relief…

Hi friend in pain. ..

Not a Dr nor am I telling you what not to do ok .
I have been warned before;)

So ..tramadol, as you know is a very addictive
med.
some of us tolerate well , not I.
Hope your trip goes well.,
Let me , us know what to do ///

Blessings always?

I have sciatica. My pain started suddenly while emptying my dryer. Severe constant pain from my right hip to my foot.
The pain and weakness prevent me from driving and walking the first 6 months. I had a 3 series of steroid injections L 3-5 over the last 18 months and three PT sessions. Also Norco and Motrin. I was never out of pain until my PT tried Mackenzie Maneuver. I noted an improvement the first week and over several more weeks the pain decreased to the point that I have pain relief with 400mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day and doing the Mackenzie Maneuver at home.
I pray you find the treatment you need.

Thank you so much!!! I know it is.. sadly my doctors tell me it isn’t addictive- which is horrific to know it is. I’ve tried telling them that it doesn’t help and I don’t want to be on this medication- but I haven’t been taken off of it.. I appreciate the warning!! I actually did not even know toroidal could be addicting. Blessings back at you!!!!

I had horrible sciatic pain for about 5 years. The only thing that helped was PT prescribed stretches. At least I could sleep. The chiropractor couldn't help it. Only the ice pack at his office helped ease the pain. But right before Covid I went back to the chiropractor with other pains and aches. He adjusted my hip and the pain WENT AWAY! It has never come back. I know you have a lot of back problems so maybe a chiropractor is too much for you but I don't even have to do my stretches anymore. Just wanted to share.

Hello @yeoj and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wasn't sure if you've been diagnosed with PN or if you are experiencing like symptoms, however, I wonder if you've tried chiropractic care for your sciatica? It is listed as one of the alternative treatments on Mayo's website.

- Sciatica:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377441