Sciatic nerve issues

[cajun]

Has anyone found a non surgical way to treat the pain? I've had it off and on over the years but it's getting really bad. Stretching, heating pad and ibuprofen usually helps but not this time.

 

[Bucklowery]

I finally went to a chiropractor and has helped quite a bit.

Thwnks

Buck

 

[VinceMule]

Get an MRI, find out the real problem. Consult a world-class back surgeon (neurologist, not orthopedic), just to find out the problem. Often, the very best back surgeons work with chiropractors. I would rather know the facts than make decisions. Just because you go to a back surgeon, does not mean that you HAVE to let them cut on you. The very best surgeons will advise you to get injections for pain, which may help for 3-6 months, or they may not do good at all.

If it gets unbearable, an electro stimulator can be incredible in reducing pain. My wife has been through a living hell on this issue. Neproxin and Tramadol for pain eat up your kidneys, BE AWARE! Tylenol 650 MG is much safer.

Best wishes to you in your pain management. Please heed my advice on how Neproxin and Tramadol eat up your kidneys.

 

[crashlanding]

Acupuncture? Some of that far eastern procedures do work.

 

[Rick Richard]

It is a MUST to have an MRI performed to see where the issue is located and why. Prolonging can create greater issues if left untreated such as nerve damage leading to neuropathy and a condition called Drop Foot. Ask me how I know. Been there done that.

 

[memtb]

An MRI taken with newer state of the art machine, and results read by a very good surgeon.

If there is truly an issue requiring surgery……everything else is a waste of time, money, and a risk of your future health.

I did all of the chiropractic, ibuprofen, acupuncture steps. Then went to a "supposedly" good Dr. with less than great MRI imaging. Worse after surgery, trimmed a bulging disc.

Suffered for 2 years until I had built-up my sick leave to a point to risk another surgery.

This time, better MRI, a very highly regarded DR! He saw that I had a vertebrae misalignment….the only fix……a spinal fusion!

Best thing in my life….felt great after surgery with minimal pain, and a quick recovery. 9 months later, I was dragging a moose about 1/3 of a mile, down a steep grade, to the 2 track and my vehicle at the bottom.

That was 2012….life was great until I did something really stupid about 2 years ago and re-injured it!

If it can't be fixed with non-surgical methods, don't wait too long…..once the nerve is damaged, it's likely permanent damage! JMO. memtb

 

[cajun]

Getting old sucks lol. I was about to get carpal tunnel and elbow surgery for a pinched nerve. Now this. Oh and my neck sounds like a box of rice krispies.

 

[VinceMule]

Also, New state of the Art MRI machines give much more detail than the Older units. Many of the hospitals use the older units. The older units may take up to an hour to complete the MRI, while the new machines may get it done in 15 minutes.

Around here, American Health Imaging has the state of the Art MRI machines. Their tec told me that she had been working in hospitals for 20+ years and their new MRI took incredible images, compared to the Hospital's.

 

[LDHunter]

I'm a massage therapist with 14 years experience and the majority of sciatic nerve issues are simply piriformis syndrome and can be treated by a good massage therapist with the strength and experience to do it. Google piriformis syndrome. It's easily treated.

I've literally treated what must be way over a hundred people with this type of issue and only about 5 of them ended up with the issue being in the lumbar spine area and only two of those required surgery. Get an MRI by a reputable orthopedic spine surgeon that isn't "cut happy" if the massage doesn't work.

Also a very good physical therapist that uses the McKenzie Method can likely help and often diagnose the problem quite well.

 

[Gnu2023]

My experience: P/T for 8 weeks was not successful. injection for sciatic after surgeon said best 1st option for my diagnosis: 1st injection failed, 2nd injection-2 years later (surprisingly) pain free. Good luck

 

[cajun]

I'm a massage therapist with 14 years experience and the majority of sciatic nerve issues are simply piriformis syndrome and can be treated by a good massage therapist with the strength and experience to do it. Google piriformis syndrome. It's easily treated.

I've literally treated what must be way over a hundred people with this type of issue and only about 5 of them ended up with the issue being in the lumbar spine area and only two of those required surgery. Get an MRI by a reputable orthopedic spine surgeon that isn't "cut happy" if the massage doesn't work.

Also a very good physical therapist that uses the McKenzie Method can likely help and often diagnose the problem quite well.

There is a stretch designed for this and it does help.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Inverting machine, go slow.
Injections, theses suck but works temporarily. And as mentioned Chiropractors But be careful again.
As Vince mentioned the new MRI will show the Dr. exactly where the issue is.

Fill for you I have had spinal stenosis for about 25yrs, when the Sciatica nerve is pinched it can make a grown man cry.

 

[LDHunter]

Inverting machine, go slow.
Injections, theses suck but works temporarily. And as mentioned Chiropractors But be careful again.
As Vince mentioned the new MRI will show the Dr. exactly where the issue is.

Fill for you I have had spinal stenosis for about 25yrs, when the Sciatica nerve is pinched it can make a grown man cry.

Spinal stenosis is a very serious issue and nothing except pain management or surgery can help. I feel your pain!

I have several friends with it. <sigh>

 

[Buzzsaw]

I'm 73, been fighting Spinal Stenosis for a long time. I lost 101 pounds over the last year and a half. My siatica has flared up pretty bad. My back doctor has me in PT for it. Its helping I'm stuck with it forever.

I guess pain management is key or surgery.