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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bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Aug 29, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "@bustrbrwn22, First, May I add my Connect welcome to you. I can feel your suffering and..." + (show)

Thanks so much! Any links for how to do on my own are appreciated!!!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 29, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "I am trying myofascial release massage. Has anyone had luck with or tried that?" + (show)

@bustrbrwn22 See this discussion
Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

It is chock full of knowledge and experiences from fellow patients.

Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Aug 29, 2020

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

@marple

My wife had the same kind of pain you described. A scan showed that there was a narrowing in her spinal canal, putting pressure on her sciatic nerve. She had a minimally invasive surgery to clean out that area, giving more space for the nerve, and her pain was pretty much gone within a day.

Jim

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Aug 29, 2020

In reply to @jimhd "@marple My wife had the same kind of pain you described. A scan showed that there..." + (show)

Thank you. That is so helpful!

lilypaws | @lilypaws | Aug 30, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@marple I understand sciatica pain I just had a bout with it . I have always..." + (show)

@marple@lioness Yes ,Chiropractors can be great for some people. It's something you could try. I was told by my primary doctor to not let a Chiropractor tough my neck it was so bad, so I just let him do my thoracic and Lumbar. It ended making me worse, but my husband goes all the time. I'm the person that had the 9 hour fusion surgery, from T-10 to my pelvis and also stenosis that was trapping a nerve or nerves. I wear a brace now and doing very well. I had the surgery on June 9th, so it's almost been 3 months. I walk 1/4 mile this morning, which my surgeon wants me to do. I will go out again, I'm suppose to go out often.

lilypaws | @lilypaws | Aug 30, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "I should add that it is the S1 nerve causing the problem according to MRI's. I..." + (show)

@bustrbrwn22 Good for you! My primary care sent a request for me and I got in pretty fast. I'm sorry you are in so much pain. Which Mayo are you going too? I went to the one in Rochester, MN. I had a 9 hr fusion from T-10 to my pelvis. On L-4 & 5 I had stenosis, which my surgeon also fixed. It was very painful at first,but they kept me comfortable with pain pills, but almost 3 months (on Sept. 9th) I wear a brace and my bones are soft so I have to give myself injections in my stomach every day, but the needle is so small you can hardly see it. I walk 1/4 to 1/2 mile every day in several walks, Think I will go further today. I had the most fantastic surgeon.

lioness | @lioness | Aug 30, 2020

@lilypaws I know Dr,s don't believe in them but I've gone to that new schedule nice I was just n my 20,s I have a sacrolisation and he is the only one that can fix it .Seen to many failed back surgeries so unless it's absolutely necessary I,LL stick with my Chiropractor

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Aug 30, 2020

Has anyone ever used or known anyone to use Kadian (not sure of generic name) to alleviate the 24x7 pain?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 30, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "Has anyone ever used or known anyone to use Kadian (not sure of generic name) to..." + (show)

Hi @bustrbrwn22, You will notice we merged your post into the Sciatica pain discussion where you had previously posted so that members who have been following your discussion will be able to respond and share any experience or knowledge they have for your question. Here's what I found on Kadian...

Kadian Oral (Generic name: Morphine) ..."This medication is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain (such as due to cancer). Morphine belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain." Kadian Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1509/kadian-oral/details

Has Kadian (morphine) been prescribed or suggested to treat your pain from Sciatica?

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Aug 30, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "Does anyone else have debilitating "sciatica" - can only walk 15 min at a time rest..." + (show)

@bustrbrwn22 Plantar fasciitis or a stress fracture in the foot can cause a lot of pain. I have had plantatar fasciitis and done a lot of stretching of my foot and calves for this. I also got custom orthotics from a podiatrist and all of that helped. Have you considered something like that? If your foot alignment is off just a little bit, it will cause lots of other pain. This links about pelvic issues may also be of interest. https://mskneurology.com/identify-treat-lumbar-plexus-compression-syndrome-lpcs/