I had terrible sciatica, I did have surgery and the pain down my leg was relieved. That was 13 years ago. So I think doing research on orthopedic spinal surgeons and consulting with them. I wish you well.

My non medical opinion is that she now has iatrogenic spondylolisthesis from a simple laminectomy

Final comment: Either removing the 3 interspinious spacers caused spondylolisthesis or just the fact that having a "simple" laminectomy for spinal stenosis caused spinal shift, in any case bottom line is now she has incredible
back and leg pain that did not exist before operation/ Spinal surgery no worth the risk in my opinion.

77 year old male. Both buttocks and both legs have aches, some numbness, difficulty hiking and walking. Sitting, even standing ok.
Had it for 10 months. Mri shows severe stenosis L3,L4 and L5.
However started a statin days before problems began, stopped statin twice during the period and both times, aches resolved after 1-3 weeks.
I'm trying to figure out if aches are from statin or stenosis.

My Right- sided sciatica, going from my butt all the way down to my ankle has now crippled me. The pain is excruciating and I am having difficulty sitting, standing and walking. My question is: Who do I turn to for treatment? and what treatment/procedures or surgery can be done to help this? My back condition is: Lumbar spinal stenosis which I believe is the cause of the sciatica and I have had an MRI. I'm scheduled to have an epidural steroid injection, but it's only a band-aid and don't think it will help. What treatments has anyone else had for this debilitating condition?

I think I had sciatica in my last years as a P.E. teacher. but not as terrible as everyone here describes. I have seen some great physical therapists on YouTube who explain in detail what is happening and how you can address the condition. I don't think doctors have a clue how to deal with this. I will try to come back with their names.

Dear Fellow Sufferer. ... I don't believe anyone can understand the unrelenting pain
of sciatica unless they have been troubled by it The pain from the buttocks down
the leg is unforgiving. The electric shock that you feel in the heel of the foot when
you 'try' to stand is a 'gevalt'. That's a Yiddish word that describes it well. When
pain is really intolerable ... I put an 'oy' in front of it. Of course, ice pack when
sitting 'can' help and afterwards try a heating pad. Eventually, hopefully, the
pain will subside. Try to be patient with yourself. I pray your/my pain will
disappear one day. Till then, I'll keep saying ..."Oy gevalt". It's better than crying.
Good wishes to all in the Chronic Pain Sufferers Club.

Try looking up the Department of Defense pain scale. It's from 0 - 10, but it gives it in terms that any human can understand. I've always rated my pain as around a 3, but on this pain scale, I learned that it's actually a 7.5-8 most days, sometimes reaching 9.

I just had surgery a few weeks ago, so the pain level isn't near that most days anymore.

Interested in additional sciatica stories