Sciatica

[marti]

I started having a case of Sciatica about 5 weeks ago. It started out light and has progressed to unbearable. I've been in and out of the e/r and urgent care then I was sent to a spine center. Have had several xrays and am scheduled for a mri in 2 weeks. I hope I can wait another 2 weeks! This has been the most severe pain I've ever had. No comfort from drugs or body positions or ice or heat.

I'm wondering if anyone here has gone through this and has any suggestions. When the Sciatica really hit hard it traveled to my knee where it pretty much has stalled. The pain didn't really go all the way down the back of my leg, but kind of went backwards up through my thigh and of course is still in my groin and back and knee. In the last week it did run down my leg to my ankle but just a little.

Yesterday I took one Hydrocodone and in an hour I was in trouble. Had a bad reaction. We figured out it was because I took the med on an empty stomach. It was almost like getting a double dose like a drug addict might have. By the time the emt's finished checking me out I started to feel better. Like "coming down". This has been a tough 5 weeks and I seem to be having a lot of odd things happening. When I was on Copaxone (for years) I started having a lot of reactions to the shots that were like this double dose thing. I kept hitting the vein and ended up in the fetal position for about 30 minutes after the injection.

Well, I've heard that MS can complicate things like Sciatica and thought someone here might have some information. Be well friends!

Thanks

[Seasha]

I'm so sorry to hear about your challenging (an understatement!) for the past 5 weeks marti. I had a really bad case many years ago that traveled down to my toes. The MRI showed I had an bulging disc between L4 and L5 (lumbar) I too was given drugs, did light yoga exercises and did some PT. It eventually went away.

Now I occasionally get mild sciatica although I can ease it by doing yoga, taking baclofen and going to my chiropractor.
I feel your pain; it;s the worst!

Rest up and let us know how it's going with the MRI and any treatment that is suggested. Take care!

[loopey]

Oh Marti,
I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I don't have any experience with sciatica but wanted you to know I hope you get some relief soon.

[marti]

I'm so sorry to hear about your challenging (an understatement!) for the past 5 weeks marti. I had a really bad case many years ago that traveled down to my toes. The MRI showed I had an bulging disc between L4 and L5 (lumbar) I too was given drugs, did light yoga exercises and did some PT. It eventually went away.

Now I occasionally get mild sciatica although I can ease it by doing yoga, taking baclofen and going to my chiropractor.
I feel your pain; it;s the worst!

Rest up and let us know how it's going with the MRI and any treatment that is suggested. Take care!

I have the same mess at L4 and L5 as you. I've never done yoga... not sure I can get up and down. Right now my biggest problem is that I'm getting different advice from several doctors. One says use Amitriptyline, the other says Baclofen or Hydrocodone or Advil or Tylenol. No one is agreeing on which is best. The spine clinic said that Baclofen was not used for nerve pain. But I can see where it might help. Of course, some doctors poo poo chiropractic. I actually tried to talk to one first, but he was out and never got back to me. UGH! Well, thanks for telling me your story. I'll remember it and try to incorporate it into my treatment.

[Pistachio]

Sorry you're dealing with such pain. Sciatica is terrible. I would visit a chiropractor and get adjusted.

[pennstater]

Sorry to hear Marti. No experience here, but my Mom and husband have experienced it. Most of the time, managed with meds and rest, but occasionally, nothing would help. Hope you get relief soon.

[marti]

Oh Marti,
I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I don't have any experience with sciatica but wanted you to know I hope you get some relief soon.

Love you Loopey! Hope you are getting along better!

[Seasha]

I have the same mess at L4 and L5 as you. I've never done yoga... not sure I can get up and down.

marti- here is a 23 min. youtube video of chair yoga exercises to help with sciatica. You don't have to get down and up from the floor! It starts with warmup exercises and all are very doable and slow. Hope you can try them out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REWAkkQuk2c

[Seasha]

Hi marti! Are you feeling better and have gotten any relief from the sciatica? Wonder if you tried the chair yoga exercises yet? Thinking of you.

[marti]

Hi marti! Are you feeling better and have gotten any relief from the sciatica? Wonder if you tried the chair yoga exercises yet? Thinking of you.

Thanks so much for asking. I reached week 7 and finally went to a chiropractor. He did more good in just 30 minutes than any of the hospitals, urgent care facilities, medicines, spine specialists etc did ever! I'm walking upright again and back to doing some of the usual things I always did before. I am starting PT next week and will continue with the back-cracker. I tried some exercises, but for most of the time I had too much pain to get anywhere with it. But now I'm taking my daily walks and moving so much better.

[Seasha]

Thanks so much for asking. I reached week 7 and finally went to a chiropractor. He did more good in just 30 minutes than any of the hospitals, urgent care facilities, medicines, spine specialists etc did ever! I'm walking upright again and back to doing some of the usual things I always did before. I am starting PT next week and will continue with the back-cracker. I tried some exercises, but for most of the time I had too much pain to get anywhere with it. But now I'm taking my daily walks and moving so much better.

That's wonderful news! My chiro does wonders too. After falling 3 times since last month, I am due. Have an appt in 2 days.
Keep on moving, marti and hopefully with PT and chiropractic care can keep the sciatica away for good!

[loopey]

Great news, Marti !!

[Pistachio]

Thanks so much for asking. I reached week 7 and finally went to a chiropractor. He did more good in just 30 minutes than any of the hospitals, urgent care facilities, medicines, spine specialists etc did ever! I'm walking upright again and back to doing some of the usual things I always did before. I am starting PT next week and will continue with the back-cracker. I tried some exercises, but for most of the time I had too much pain to get anywhere with it. But now I'm taking my daily walks and moving so much better.

I'm sooooo happy to hear this! My husband is a chiropractor and sees plenty of people with sciatica. I'm glad you are feeling better.

[oceanpride]

Marti . I’m happy to hear this.
It comes and goes with me. It affects my right side which is my good side. When it happens I’m completely in trouble.
Seasha I’m sorry to hear of your falls.
They are no fun and hope you didn’t get hurt. I’ve been bruised up a few times but it’s mostly my feelings that get hurt… so far.