Sciatica Surgery

Does stretching help alleviate sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatica Surgery — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:26:38 +0000

Question by Ronnie: Does stretching help alleviate sciatic nerve pain?
I have a mild case of sciatica and i was wondering if stretching can help. What are some good stretches? Would stretching for splits and back bends help out or is it too much? I’m a very flexible person but i’ve stopped stretching because I’m scared of making it worse.

Best answer:

Answer by peanut
I know from personal experience the chiropractor can relieve the pain.

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Tailbone injury, Daily NSAID use?

Sciatica Surgery — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:25:36 +0000

Question by Cubed: Tailbone injury, Daily NSAID use?
So, I injured my tailbone (not sure how, probably by sitting wrong, as I slouch in my seat at class for long periods of time). It hurts to walk more than it hurts to sit, which I found odd. It can be completely numbed with NSAIDs like Ibuprofin and Advil, and i’m just wondering if it’s particularly “dangerous” to take 2 a day for 2-5 weeks or however long it will be until my coccyx heals on it’s own? Dangerous meaning tolerance, high blood concentration, close to overdose, etc. I have no symptoms of cysts other than pain and discomfort in the area. The pain does not shoot down my legs, I don’t have sciatica, etc. more than 8 years ago I was kicked in the tailbone, but I doubt it would just be delayed pain. I’m 19. It’s been hurting for about a week now.

Best answer:

Answer by matt
Little can be done or a broken tail bone. If you suspect it is something else then you should have it seen and x rayed. It is odd to me that you would injur it by sitting wrong, usually it takes a trauma to break it or injur it.
Taking NSAIDS longer than three weeks will put you at a high risk for gastric bleed, which can be fatall try to cut the pain meds out, and if you still feel it see a doctor.

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foot numbness & calf tightness?

Sciatica Surgery — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:37:18 +0000

Question by ac: foot numbness & calf tightness?
I woke up a couple days ago with my foot feeling a tingling sensation. I initally assumed my foot was asleep but after it did not get better I realized something else was wrong. I also noticed my calf was extremely tight to the point I could not walk normally (can not push off on toes). There is no actual pain, just discomfort when walking. A couple days later the tingling feeling in my foot is still there but not nearly to the extent it was. The issue I have now is mainly calf stiffness / weakness to the point that I can not stand on my tiptoes on that side. I previously had some back pain a couple of months ago but my doctor did not think it was sciatica as it was isolated in my lower back, and through stretching and core strengthening I have managed to eliminate that for the most part. Any idea what might be causing this? I have a doctor appointment later this week but I am wondering if this sounds like it might more serious, like a DVT, and I need to get to a doctor ASAP. Unlike a DVT I have not noticed any swelling, and other than a bit of minor soreness when I touch my thigh (feels more like a sore muscle) no other major symptoms. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by Damien
My first question would be have you done any new exercise or movements that may have caused this? Everybody favours one side when doing certain exercises like jogging and you may have simply overstrained one particular muscle on one side so I wouldn’t rule out that this isn’t movement induced purely because you are only getting it on one side.

It is my understanding (and I must stress that I am not a doctor) that DVT rarely presents symptoms below the calf. I can’t imagine why you are getting the tingling sensation in the foot unless blood flow to the area is being occluded, and if there is no swelling then that doesn’t appear to be the case. Then again I do know that DVT often presents no symptoms at, so I don’t want to rule out the possibility that you might have it regardless.

Immediate treatment of suspected DVT involves a referral for a blood d-dimer test, which tests for presence of a degradation of fresh venous thrombus. A positive test will indicate medium to high likely the individual has DVT, and further testing will be undertaken to confirm or deny the its presence. Treatment will generally only commence after this second positive test result is received. What I am trying to say is that this is a lengthy process so getting to the doctor a couple days sooner probably won’t get you treatment that much sooner in the grand scheme of things.

If you start getting fever, pitting oedema, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sweating, chest pains or start coughing up blood (more serious signs of DVT) then I would consider seeing a doctor much sooner. Otherwise if you are stable I would just keep your appointment, but that’s me, if you are overly concerned don’t let some random over the internet stop you from seeing a doctor.

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Q&A: What can I expect from the first visit at a pain management center?

Sciatica Surgery — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:31:33 +0000

Question by rainyday1626: What can I expect from the first visit at a pain management center?
I have been having low back pain for about six months now. At first I thought it was tied to some “female” issues I was having, however, after having surgery for those “female” issues, and fully recovering for that, the back pain is still there. I have been to my primary care doctor for this pain, and after trying muscle relaxers and mild pain medications, anti-inflammatory medicines, and x rays, she has referred me to a pain management clinic and also diagnosed me with sciatica. I am just curious as to what to expect at my first visit. Will they help with the pain initially while ordering and waiting on MRI? Will they just refer me to have an MRI done? What options are out there to manage the pain? I do not want to be one of those people that they put on pain medications, and do not address the cause of the problem. I do not want to treat the symptoms only, I want to find the cause of the back pain and resolve it. It is interfering with daily life.
One other thing, if they do refer me out for an MRI, am I going to have to just keep dealing with the pain until those results come back or can they help me with the pain that day thru when the MRI comes back?

Best answer:

Answer by mahalkita12983
I work for a neurologist so we refer to pain management often. They are all different, but the first visit is just usually a consultation to gover your history and test results. The norm for treatment is usually pain injection shots that you would have to get every couple of months. I would suggest you get an MRI done first though b/c those are the best way to figure out what is going on. They are more complex than just x-rays or CT’s. So they would prob order that first before deciding how to treat your pain. Hope this helps!

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Sciatica. Problems sleeping to the point of being unable to walk in the morning.?

Sciatica Surgery — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:31:34 +0000

Question by george1234: Sciatica. Problems sleeping to the point of being unable to walk in the morning.?
I had a discecomy 3 years ago. Minor issues since then, but in the last couple of days, I have had major problems. I wake up 3 hours into sleep with extreme pain in my leg to the point of barely being able to get out of bed and walk this morning (had to take baby steps using chair as walker). Just rolling over at night is excruciating. Going to see a doctor, but any advice would be appreciated. I sleep on my side or back with my legs 90 degree angle w/ pillow between or under my legs. Maybe sleeping on the floor would help? I just need to be able to sleep through the night and be able to function in the morning. I am in good physical condition otherwise and stretch twice daily. I have been taking ibuprohen before bed as well as using Tiger balm, a compression bandage and stretching immediately before sleep. Even advice directing me to support groups for this issue would be appreciated as I am at my wits end trying to keep functioning.

Best answer:

Answer by All the Best
Go visit an osteopath, not a doctor. The osteopath can treat far more effectively.

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you go to emergency with back and leg pain you think it’s a sciatic nerve shouldn’t they take x-rays?

Sciatica Surgery — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:25:55 +0000

Question by Diane E: you go to emergency with back and leg pain you think it’s a sciatic nerve shouldn’t they take x-rays?
my boyfriend went to the ER with severe pain- they said they couldn’t check him if he wasn’t lying on his back. He had tremendous pain but somehow got on his back so they could check him out. No x-rays were done and they said he had lumbar something or other to do with the sciatica nerve then gave him a pain shot and said nothing else could be done- they knew he didn’t have insurance- how can they diagnose this – what if its a bad disc on his nerve- bulging disc etc. He can hardly walk and is in so much pain. Has anyone had these symptoms and what was their experience.

Best answer:

Answer by ladydye_5
sciatica does not show on a xray. as for the others well if he answered some questions about his pain and symptoms they can tell if there is a slipped disc. trust me i have been to the er many times for back pain, and they usually think im there for the drugs,,most of the things i have wrong do not show on an xray. in the er if they can not see it on an xray or diagnostic machine it isnt there. have your boyfriend find a chiropractor or other dr that deals with backs. i never knew you could have a rib out of joint till it happened,,,i thought i was having a heartattack as it hurt to breathe, move, etc. nothing showed on the xray they gave me drugs and sent me home. family doctor touched my back found the rib out of joint and fixed it. the back is a tricky thing to deal with and some of it dont show on xrays.
best advice find a new dr or a chiropractor

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Q&A: Could I have Endometriosis?

Sciatica Surgery — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:26:07 +0000

Question by ϐѕϐ Φ ωιƒє and mommy!: Could I have Endometriosis?
After TTC I have come to the realization that there may be something wrong with me… Do these symptoms sounds like I could have Endometriosis?

-Extreme pain the day before and of my AF to the point where I can’t stand, feel nauseous/vomit, get cold sweats, and basically can’t function.
-Irregular. Here are my cycles; 47days, 42 days, 33 days, 32 days, 32 days, 56days, etc.
-Bloating
-Cramping during ovulation
-Sciatica pain
-Fatigue
-Even some painful sex

If anyone with Endometriosis or experience with this could help me it would be much appreciated! Thanks!

(I plan on bringing this up with all my notes and charting to my Dr at my next check up)

Best answer:

Answer by Sharon
Endometriosis is a very likely cause for your symptoms but you do not give your age or your history of pregnancy. If you are past even 35 there is a chance that this is something much more serious. If you are younger or have not started or completed your family this is an urgent problem to me as endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility and should be addressed as quickly as possible to protect your ability to conceive. If your regular check-up has not been scheduled or is more then 2-3 months off please schedule 1 as soon as possible. Don’t let anyone tell you not to worry or it is normal as I lost my fertility at 24 due to an endometriosis that was cancerous. We woman still have a problem with showing concern about menstruation or not wanting to seem weak or a problem because of our periods but I encourage ALL women to look at this as as important as if we were bleeding out of any other orifice. Do not neglect your health in this area. If it is not normal get it checked out and this is definitely abnormal.

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Do I have a herniated disc or piriformis syndrome?

Sciatica Surgery — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:23 +0000

Question by : Do I have a herniated disc or piriformis syndrome?
I was just wondering if you guys knew what my symptoms were before I go and get an MRI of my spine.
It started off as lower back pain that lasted for about a week at the beggining of October and that went away but now it’s my right buttocks area that hurts really bad in my piriformis area it’s hard for me too get out of bed sometimes and get out of a car. it’s kinda like going down my leg alil. I’m a 19 year old guy and I don’t wan to be having to deal with this at such Young age.
so I was just wondering would it still be a herniated Disc if my back doesn’t hurt just my butt area and sciatica down my right leg it’s all on one side.
it’s been since the beginning of October what can I do??

Best answer:

Answer by Stacy C
absolutely you can have a herniated disk with little to no back pain but still have leg issues. I KNOW!! I lived it!

Mine was a herniated L5-S1 disk. I had no real back pain. However, the back of my right thigh (a strip about 2 inches wide) felt like it was on fire & tingling about bone deep. Waited a few days…just thought it was a weird feeling. I then started having tingling in the right buttock, calf & foot kept feeling like it was going to sleep. After 3 months of these odd feelings I had an MRI & it showed the herniated disk. I even had a CT Myelogram done which, in itself, was a living hell!!!

Another 9 months later (after doing physical therapy, spinal injections and medications) I had a micro-diskectomy where they went into my back and scraped off the herniated part of the disk (day surgery)…when I woke up I was as good as new. Doc said there was a 1% chance it would happen again. 3 months later the weird feelings were back & 6 months to the day of the 1st surgery they went back in & did the very same thing again & I was told since it DID happen again there was now a 5% chance of it happening again. When I woke up from this surgery I knew there was a problem, as the feelings were the very same as before the 2nd surgery.

I held out 7 months & lived with HORRID pain issues in the leg & piriformis area. I finally had to quit my job & apply for disability as I could NOT walk, lay, stand sit for any period of time. I was taking 30 some pills per day for pain, inflammation, nerve issues, anxiety, etc. One day I went in for a spinal injection & the doc even shot one directly into my piriformis and OMFG! It set into motion the worse hell a human can ever go through (& I went through natural childbirth TWICE & this was SOOOO much worse!)

1 1/2 years after surgery #2 I finally could only sit in a chair and ball all day… Many ER trips etc. I went back tot he back doctor & had my L5-S1 fused with screws & rods. Extensive 12+ hour long surgery. Through my stomach & back. Was in hosp. 5 days & after being home the recovery is a very long, slow process & all you do is feel helpless & hopeless!

My advice to you is to go to the doctor & get the ball rolling. I pray to God that yours is a simple matter & you don’t have to go thru anything like i did (or hell on earth as my kids called it). as long as it took to get to where I am….it totals just shy of 5 years. It all started when I was 33 & I will be 38 in 2 weeks.

You’re young, you can heal quicker now better than later on. FYI: If you are a smoker STOP as a LOT of the spine docs won’t touch you if you have to have this surgery!!

Good Luck to you!!

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Sciatica connected to upper back also?

Sciatica Surgery — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:22 +0000

Question by jurdonna: Sciatica connected to upper back also?
Yesterday eve. a bad pain grabbed me in my back on the L, and for a few das. I’ve had it behind my L. knee a few times. I tried to stretch different ways and it went away. I had sciatica yrs. ago in the R. leg but can the upper back affect the leg? It doesn’t pain in between. And the pain is back just in a small area of my back. Thanks in advance.

Best answer:

Answer by sokokl
Yes, the pain of sciatica can radiate (move) to the upper back as well for some people.

I would recommend checking with your doctor as well to see what they say.

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Q&A: How am I going to get treatment for my injured back?

Sciatica Surgery — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:30:51 +0000

Question by I-Ryan: How am I going to get treatment for my injured back?
I’m a 24 year old male that has been suffering with sciatica for 7 years. It started out as episodes that would come maybe once a month that caused painful spikes to shoot down either of my legs. I always just pressed on through the pain. I quit working Dec. 2008 and since, my condition has worsened. My pain is now very evident in my lower back/spine. My back seizes up in pain I cannot describe. Walking is often not an option but it still hurts to sit or lay down, as the slightest movements cause alarming pain–almost like all the muscles in my lower back get a charlie-horse at the same time and my kidneys feel like they were just hit with golf clubs. I’ve had multiple doctors and MRIs. I’ve received perscriptions for naproxen in the past that had no noticable effect on my sciatic pain. I was recommended for physical therapy when I was 20 but was unable to attend as the place was two counties away from where I worked. I believe my DDD (Degenerative disk disease) has gotten worse and is now the main cause of the pain I deal with from my lower back/spine. The pain is unbearable and hinders me from living. I cannot go to public places like the grocery store, I cannot put my own socks on, I can’t pick up my neices, and now struggle with supporting my own torso. I cannot get another job in my physical condition. I do not have insurance. I currently see an acupuncture specialist once a week but it’s not treating the problem as the pain and symptoms continue to increase. What can I do to get help? I know that I cannot live like this. I don’t know how much longer I can cope with such severe and debilitating pain. I want to live past 25; do I have any options?

Best answer:

Answer by John Whittington
i’m shocked that an acupuncturist did not send you to a chiropractor! it sounds like you have a pinched nerve, have your acupuncturist give you some lobilia (an herb for internal skin), and then see a chiropractor. this is not a push button fix. it will take a while to get better.

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