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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Hi Lindy, welcome. I moved your question about how to get relief for sciatica pain to this existing in the Spine Health group:
- Dealing with Sciatica pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sciatica-pain/
I did this so you can read previous posts and easily connect with fellow members like @bernese53 @junebug15 @maryflorida @lioness @kaptainkat @lebanon100 @lmdavis @jenniferhunter
Has PT helped at all?
Nothing has helped. I go back to PT Monday. Doc. told me after injection yesterday that it might ,take 4-5 days to get better. I'm waiting.
PT has been an ENORMOUS benefit. Twice a week. I have been able to duplicate much of my 'gym' routines here at home.
When I began, I could not ambulate sans canes (2) or roll-a-tor. At my last session, I did TWO two-hundred foot loops without aids.
NO recovery is linear. I am doing MUCH better today after TWO days immobile.
I am on no pain med specific for my sciatica. I AM taking Gabapentin and Cymbalta. The C was prescribed for psychological benefit. It's pain relief is a serendipity.
I did a little Google-ing and found that depressants ARE periodically prescribed for lumbar disc issues because they WORK on the pain in ways pain relievers don't.
Apparently neural pain is an animal unto itself, and typical pain relief methods and meds are not effective.
@lindy12 Hi Lindy,
This is an article on a website that covers in depth many issues related to low back and pelvic dysfunction problems written for physical therapists. There may be some information related to your experience that may be helpful. There are many other information articles on this site as well.
https://mskneurology.com/identify-treat-lumbar-plexus-compression-syndrome-lpcs/
I see your post is old but I'm having the same issue. Groin pain horrific. Wondering if your issue has been resolved.
You must have sacroiliac Joint dysfunction
I have bilateral sacroiliac Joint dysfunction for 25 yesrs now I have tried almost everything. Any one has something new?
My new spinal dr. has recommended something called "Dry Needleing" , anybody tried this? It can be done by a physical therapist, or other medical professional. Possibly similar to acupuncture?
I have tried it and it hurt more
Well that's a real disappointment! I'm really sorry that it didn't help you as the pain is constant and limits you to have a normal life.