Anyone here ever suffer from Sciatica?

[Motor City Sonics]

Wow...........this suuuuuuuuuuuuucks. It's like having a toothache in my leg ......its that constant dull pain that flares up when I try to walk or straighten it up.

Any advice?

I got some Neurontin and Robaxin, but I can't take that stuff during the day.

[Gehringer_2]

not much advice, except to remember that the pain is not originating where it feels like it is. The point of origination (at least with high probability) is between your lumbar vertebrae, so don't bother trying to do anything to your leg to make it feel better, *it* really is not in pain. All your efforts have to be directed at your back.

Maybe one thing, if this is a transient episode due to a disc insult/compression (i.e, not a long term stenosis of the nerve channel by arthritis for example), hydrate the daylights out of yourself. They never tell you that but I've found it really does help. I haven't had "sciatica" per se, my issues have been similar but one vertebra up - at the femoral nerve.

[Joe Gahona]

Yes, I had it a year and a half ago. It took some steroids and physical therapy, but I got rid of it.

[Corky]

PT and core strengthening exercises for me when it hit. Seemed to help.

[IdahoBert]

Neurontin is strange stuff. Be careful.

I went to a chiropractor 25 years ago when I woke up and was unable to walk and it helped a lot. Took a while but it worked. May be a coincidence but not to me. Never had surgery.

[Gehringer_2]

PT and core strengthening exercises for me when it hit. Seemed to help.

For sure - core strength is usually the best long term answer - the trick is getting there once you are in pain!

[NeedMoreLike84]

Yes It is the worst thing in the orld and tht is being kind to it.

[Gehringer_2]

Neurontin is strange stuff. Be careful.

I went to a chiropractor 25 years ago when I woke up and was unable to walk and it helped a lot. Took a while but it worked. May be a coincidence but not to me. Never had surgery.

There are all kinds of depressing statistics about the success (or lack there of) of back surgery. But the most interesting thing I've read about 'bad backs' is that in one study, when docs actually compared the physical condition of the tissues and structures on post mortem of back pain sufferers and non-sufferers they could not reliably tell the groups apart! The basic conclusion was that some people tolerate extensive structural insults and hardly notice, while others are in great pain with the same physical conditions.

[hueytaxi]

Team Mom developed this delaying her 3rd knee surgery. Post surgical she sought the source of the pain that did not go away. She was scheduled to begin some strengthening therapy (which I personally believe will prove ineffective) and broke her ankle. So another month now to begin the therapy. In the meantime, her GP and her nuerologist have cut off her pain medication until they see the results of her 60 day delayed therapy. Gas clowns!

[Motor City Sonics]

Neurontin is strange stuff. Be careful.

What does that mean.............is it gonna make me freak out like Nick Cage?

(WARNING..........NOT SAFE FOR WORK........LOTS OF SWEARING)




No, seriously, whats up with Neurontin?

[shabba4detroit]

I was misdiagnosed with Sciatica for years. Turns out the pain was in my leg the whole time.

[Antrat]

I had this three years ago. The pain went straight down the leg and it was agony.
A friend gave me some pain pills to try (shhhh!) and it was the first time in weeks that I was not in pain.
Took them until whatever caused it went away.
Well, actually, I took the pills a little longer than needed because they were fun.

EDIT: I also tore my rotator cuff a year and a half ago. Pain pills did no good whatsoever. I am just now back to about 90%.
Getting old sucks.

[Joe Gahona]

I had this three years ago. The pain went straight down the leg and it was agony.
A friend gave me some pain pills to try (shhhh!) and it was the first time in weeks that I was not in pain.
Took them until whatever caused it went away.
Well, actually, I took the pills a little longer than needed because they were fun.

EDIT: I also tore my rotator cuff a year and a half ago. Pain pills did no good whatsoever. I am just now back to about 90%.
Getting old sucks.

I got a bunch of Vicodin when I had it. It did very little for the pain but made me feel awesome.

[Motor City Sonics]

The combination of Robaxin and Neurontin make me feel like a zombie. Totally vegged out and because of the leg pain I kind of walk all stiff and can't turn easily. Plus, strangely, I crave brain.........mmmmmmmm brain.

[Melody]

No, seriously, whats up with Neurontin?

MIL was given this for diabetic neuropathy in her feet and hands. It caused mood disturbances, so she was prescribed an SSRI antidepressant, Paxil. That interfered with her sleep patterns, so she was given Ambien.

She was literally a walking zombie most of the time and unable to function without adult supervision. After a hospitalization, my husband insisted on bringing in a new doctor who took her off most of her medications. That alone restored her ability to live alone for several years.

[hueytaxi]

MIL was given this for diabetic neuropathy in her feet and hands. It caused mood disturbances, so she was prescribed an SSRI antidepressant, Paxil. That interfered with her sleep patterns, so she was given Ambien.

She was literally a walking zombie most of the time and unable to function without adult supervision. After a hospitalization, my husband insisted on bringing in a new doctor who took her off most of her medications. That alone restored her ability to live alone for several years.

Good Gosh! My experience with relatives receiving either of those drugs has been similar. Same as the old says with Halcion. I don't recall the solutions, but certainly recall those medications.

[Motor City Sonics]

No more Neurontin.............felt like a zombie last night, then couldn't get comfortable sleeping and woke up in a ton of pain. This has to stop, the Tigers need me if that whole Infante thing doesn't work out.

[CMRivdog]

I agree with physical therapy and core exercises. That seems to be the only thing that works for me when it happens. The last round of back issues my doctor prescribed Ibuprofen (800 mg) and Flexeril ( a muscle relaxer).

You can find many of the core exercises on the web, I like the PT for the deep muscle massages afterward.

I did try a chiropractor during one nasty bout. I asked my doctor for a recommendation and he gave me the name of a guy in Birmingham. The chiropractor took one look at the x-rays and sent me to physical therapy.

A couple of years ago the back flared up again just before a trip to Ireland. Not looking forward to 7 hours on an airplane and the possibility of looking like Quasimodo when I got off the plane in Paris, I went back to P-T, the exercises helped. The kicker however was the long walk my wife and I took about a week before the flight. We put in about 3 miles along the Huron River in Ann Arbor, for some reason whatever stiffness I had in the back loosened.

[Lousluggage]

No more Neurontin.............felt like a zombie last night, then couldn't get comfortable sleeping and woke up in a ton of pain. This has to stop, the Tigers need me if that whole Infante thing doesn't work out.

Probably a wise move... do you have a reclining chair? I don't know if it would work but maybe it could help with finding a comfortable enough position to sleep.

I can't even take Percocet, so I doubt Neurontin would be anything I could handle.

[zimm]

with most musculoskeletal or chronic pain issues, the most effective solutions seem to be to reduce your body weight by 10-20% (or more if you're fatter) by any means necessary.

beyond that, take a look at everyday things in your life like your bed, the chair you sit in most, your shoes, etc and see if any are due for replacement. then i'd take a look at just how many hours a day you spend in different postures-sitting, laying, etc. my brother had severe low back issues involving multiple herniated disks and nerve impingement issues and he had success with a combination of reducing his sitting as much as possible (including getting a standing desk at work), weight loss and physical therapy. surgery also helped...

[jj04]

DEFINITELY check your shoes! If you walk on the outside of you feet, the heels of your shoes will show it. I have had this issue numerous times, and every time I tried a new pair of shoes or replaced the heels on the old ones, the pain dissipated fairly quickly. That said, if the issue continues even after this, I would get checked out.

It amazed me, though, how quickly just changing to better shoes made that pain go away.

[ballmich]

with most musculoskeletal or chronic pain issues, the most effective solutions seem to be to reduce your body weight by 10-20% (or more if you're fatter) by any means necessary.

In my opinion this. Plus either physical therapy or just self conditioning to strengthen your core.
Some types of chiropractic work can help, but most chiropractors just crack you. You really need to find one that wants to rehabilitate.

I eventually had surgery, but it really isn't a cure all. But it did make life bearable again.

As someone who took Vicodin and Oxy for like three years, I wouldn't recommend it as a long term pain management program. I seriously question a healthcare system that medicates it's patients like that now. Back then I just followed the program.

[Motor City Sonics]

Seeing the doctor tomorrow.

[zimm]

DEFINITELY check your shoes! If you walk on the outside of you feet, the heels of your shoes will show it. I have had this issue numerous times, and every time I tried a new pair of shoes or replaced the heels on the old ones, the pain dissipated fairly quickly. That said, if the issue continues even after this, I would get checked out.

It amazed me, though, how quickly just changing to better shoes made that pain go away.

adding on to this-something i neglected to mention in my post is that sometimes even just having the wrong shoes for your feet can cause serious issues.

i had a pair of shoes for a short time that were brand new but for whatever reason, whenever i wore them, i had terrible muscle pain along my left ankle that would last for a couple of days, even when i wore the shoes for a short period of time. the shoes never felt uncomfortable or on their own pain causing, but it did something to me that was terrible. as soon as i figured this out, the shoes went in the trash.

[Antrat]

Seeing the doctor tomorrow.

If you have any oxy leftover after all this, I'll meet you in a Denny's parking lot with a cigar box full of money.

[Lousluggage]

So, are you feeling any better? I thought of this thread after seeing something for Sciatica called Magnilife in CVS yesterday....

[Motor City Sonics]

So, are you feeling any better? I thought of this thread after seeing something for Sciatica called Magnilife in CVS yesterday....

I am going to try this. Thanks for the tip. Sorry Antrat, almost out of pain meds, and I still need them and I am sad about that.

[Walt]

I have had some problems in this department, but I haven't done much but ***** about it. Also I take sitting breaks while teaching labs.

[Motor City Sonics]

Very bad day today. Agony right now - absolute agony.

[ballmich]

Very bad day today. Agony right now - absolute agony.

Dude, maybe you should go get yourself one of those medical marijuana perscriptions?

[Walt]

Very bad day today. Agony right now - absolute agony.

I am driving back to Michigan tomorrow, and hope that 12 hours behind the wheel do not put me in a similar position.

[Lousluggage]

Ugh. That sucks. At this point I'd be tempted to look into acupuncture and/or acupressure. Only problem is that I wouldn't be surprised if insurance doesn't cover it.

[Joe Gahona]

I actually did acupuncture when I had this and it likely made it worse. My acupuncturist might've been a hack, but it left me with a terrible impression of the practice.

MCS: Have you gotten steroids and PT?

ETA: Insurance covered my acupuncture.

[Lousluggage]

I actually did acupuncture when I had this and it likely made it worse. My acupuncturist might've been a hack, but it left me with a terrible impression of the practice.

MCS: Have you gotten steroids and PT?

ETA: Insurance covered my acupuncture.

That's good to know. Maybe acupuncture is less effective when the pain originates in a different area than you feel it? Who knows. I remember having acupressure for sinus headaches and it ended up not working because it's something that can't unblock sinuses.

MCS, have you been to the dr. yet? You might need a specialist. Again, I hope you feel better soon. :(

[Motor City Sonics]

Dude, maybe you should go get yourself one of those medical marijuana perscriptions?

I don't think I can work at a hospital and do that. Plus, hasn't that pretty much been stopped by state officials that basically defied something that was voted into law - by EVERY SINGLE COUNTY in the state?

I saw an orthopedist - He really didn't do much - told me to find some exercises online. Yes, that is what I paid a bunch of money for (I am uninsured). God forbid I ask for a refill on paid medication - they treat you like you are a drug addict. Sorry folks, I need it. I don't like having to take it and I feel shame having to ask, but just because some people are dishonest it doesn't mean everyone is.

I am doing my own PT because of the cost. It doesn't seem to be helping. Payday is today (Friday) and I am buying one of those exercise balls you sit on. it helps with balance and core strength.

No steroids or shots yet. I am hoping to get that as an option. I need to see a neurologist and it's hard to get in to see one without a referral and insurance. I am getting more hours at the hospital - I am on more and more studies, so maybe I will get insurance before the year is out. I went through this for four years and I don't think I can handle this again.

[ballmich]

I don't think I can work at a hospital and do that. Plus, hasn't that pretty much been stopped by state officials that basically defied something that was voted into law - by EVERY SINGLE COUNTY in the state?

I saw an orthopedist - He really didn't do much - told me to find some exercises online. Yes, that is what I paid a bunch of money for (I am uninsured). God forbid I ask for a refill on paid medication - they treat you like you are a drug addict. Sorry folks, I need it. I don't like having to take it and I feel shame having to ask, but just because some people are dishonest it doesn't mean everyone is.

I am doing my own PT because of the cost. It doesn't seem to be helping. Payday is today (Friday) and I am buying one of those exercise balls you sit on. it helps with balance and core strength.

No steroids or shots yet. I am hoping to get that as an option. I need to see a neurologist and it's hard to get in to see one without a referral and insurance. I am getting more hours at the hospital - I am on more and more studies, so maybe I will get insurance before the year is out. I went through this for four years and I don't think I can handle this again.

Maybe in your state, not in California. Federal authorities do raids from time to time, but I don't think the state hassles those shops at all, from what I can tell. Though I admit I don't know a ton about it.

As far as being treated like an addict, I never got that sense. And they jammed me full of vicodin and oxy for three years. Frankly, the withdraws were not fun, and I certainly would not recommend this kind of medication for a long term pain management plan. Perscription or no, I found marijuana to be more effective at pain reduction. And if you are paying out of pocket for your prescriptions, maybe it is cheaper?

Have you looked into Egoscue? It helped my brother quite a bit. And I work with someone who has started doing it within the last 12 months and has significantly reduced their level of pain. You can google it and read more about it.

[Melody]

I know that this sounds weird, but sometimes the doctors give SSRI antidepressants (like Prozac) to relieve nerve pain like sciatica. You might ask about it.

[Antrat]

I've found that crack is also very good for this.

[Lousluggage]

I looked up sciatica on the mayo clinic website out of curiosity... and interestingly, it says that when you're in extreme pain you should start with lower impact exercises like water exercises or a stationary bike. Once you start getting better then you should add in weight training and stability exercises for your core. It also says to work to maintain good posture, so maybe the old model trick of walking around while balancing a book on your head might help.

And Melody's right, it also says that antidepressants can be used. It makes sense, as it targets a neurotransmitter that's involved in pain pathways.

[bigtenguy]

The exercise bike works for me. My Dr. has me on Ultram for the nerve pain. Medicine work well as it relieves the pain but, at the same time it doesn't alter you like Hydrocordone does.