Sciatica. GRRRR!!

[hikenbike]

Since the problem was not going away (not that I helped it any by going on a 15 mile bike ride and playing a painful round of golf on Monday), finally went to a orthopedist yesterday and he heard my story and took some X-rays. Nothing too egregious was found other than bone spurs on the spine and some compression between two lower disks. He prefers to take it slow and basically wants me to completely rest for several days, stopped the Aleve, and put me on a steroid. We'll take it from there. He said the condition of my spine is about 5 years older than I am.....for whatever that's worth. Fortunately I'm off this week so I can rest but that will end next week. One thing that's been a big help is a zero gravity chair I have for the yard and brought inside. It completely relieves any stress on your back. All this resting is absolutely driving me nuts though when I should be biking, hiking, and kayaking. Not the week I hoped it would be.

 

[MyHigh]

Yeah that sucks man, them steroids are no joke! I hated every living minute being on them. But, if it gets the job done for you then it's worth it. As far as the disc looking like an old man, I'm starting to think they say that to every active person, simple fact we use our backs more then people that don't hike, bike, yak, and surf. Tell you what, I miss the water and can't wait to get wet.
Good luck! Enjoy the sleepless nights....:fear:

 

[JB.]

Far more medical intervention exists in the US than scientific evidence that backs it up.

Personally, I find this fact liberating, including as it applies to sciatica.

For the purposes of this thread, a book that documents that idea well would be "Stabbed in the Back" by Nortin M. Hadler M.D.

I haven't read that particular book, but think I can guess the gist of its message based on others by the same author.

 

[CXS]

He prefers to take it slow and basically wants me to completely rest for several days, stopped the Aleve, and put me on a steroid.
<snip>
All this resting is absolutely driving me nuts though when I should be biking, hiking, and kayaking. Not the week I hoped it would be.

What constitutes rest in his opinion? Regardless of how my old back (3 ruptured discs) is feeling I always try to take a good walk per my docs advice. biking, hiking, kayaking, etc has been off my list for a long time. Glad it's not more serious.

An aside. Anyone with ruptured discs needs to ignore any surgeon that wants to fix them for the simple reason it may not work and then you're screwed. They have a term called "Failed Back Syndrome" which is really "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome" but the docs leave their contribution out of the name.

 

[hikenbike]

What constitutes rest in his opinion? Regardless of how my old back (3 ruptured discs) is feeling I always try to take a good walk per my docs advice. biking, hiking, kayaking, etc has been off my list for a long time. Glad it's not more serious.



An aside. Anyone with ruptured discs needs to ignore any surgeon that wants to fix them for the simple reason it may not work and then you're screwed. They have a term called "Failed Back Syndrome" which is really "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome" but the docs leave their contribution out of the name.

Rest is lying on your side or on your back with supported knees bent. Knowing that's impossible all day everyday, then simply being the least active as possible. The more rest, the better. Then we'll see how it goes. Along with the steroid, it's feeling a somewhat better. I'd rather take my medicine and be bored and get this nipped in the butt now.

 

[hikenbike]

As an update, Over two months later now, some improvement but not tremendous. Been to an orthopedist, taken steroids, rested, had an MRI (which expectedly showed 4 bulging discs and spinal stenosis ), and now I'm starting acupuncture and phys therapy. I'm back to riding my bike since that was never a problem and the position takes the pressure off my spine similar to swimming. Rest doesn't work but need to be smart about activity but must remain active otherwise weight gain will likely make it worse. Long distance walking is probably the worst thing as it creates the most pressure and pain due to the upright positioning and pounding. Had one acupuncture treatment so far and I found it interesting. Have 8 more sessions scheduled over the next 3 weeks. The Orthopedist recommended an epidiural but I'm not in agreement with that until I've tried all other non-invasive treatments first. Patience, patience, patience.

 

[Jernik]

I've had good luck with chiropractors. Had a disc bulge around L2 or L3 I think a few years back that was pinching my sciatic nerve. If you can find a good one that doesn't try to automatically sign you up for a never-ending string of adjustments... The good ones will consult with you before doing anything, explain exercises/stretches that will help the affected area, and will tell you to come back if it still bothers you.

In bad cases, like mine initially was, it can take a few visits. But now I only go when it flares up (usually when I overdo it with work/play), and usually one visit fixes me up for a while.

I know a lot of people consider them quacks (a lady I used to work with called them "Witch Doctors"), but for people like me that despise popping pills or getting sliced and diced, their treatments can be effective.

I'm not a chiro, nor am I related to one. Just had good experiences with them - without the use of surgery or prescription meds. They won't cure heart disease or even a common cold, but for aches and pains they can be effective.

Good luck, sciatic pain is really no fun (and that's a huge understatement).

 

[Jamobi]

I feel your pain. I had two ruptured discs that felt like my back was on fire basically 24/7. Disturbed my sleep, work and personal life. I was like an injured pit bull that would just snap at anything and anyone for absolutely nothing. Non-invasives didn't work and after a year and having my left leg atrophy from lack of nerve stimulation, bit the bullet and had a double microdiscectomy.

It changed my life. I can do whatever I want now, without limitations, and more importantly without pain. My physical health now at 37 is better than at 27 for the sole reason that I know what it's like to not be able to do physical tasks and not a day goes by that. I ever take that for granted. Personally, professionally, everything is better. It sounds corny, but it's like the dark cloud was lifted.

If you do decide to go that route make sure you completely trust your surgeon and go over the surgical plan in very fine detail. Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep us posted.

 

[4x4mike]

If you experience any saddle numbness (numbness in the groin area), difficulty transitioning from a seated to standing position, or vice versa (typically noted when using the toilet), constant numbness or loss of sensation, or notable weakness in your lower extremities, loss of bowel or urine, or episodes or paralysis; immediate seek emergency medical attention.

Out of the blue I had these symptoms. No prior back issues or pain, I'm active daily and was 31 YO at the time. There was no pain but weird discomfort that was keeping me from sleeping one night. I called the advise nurse the next day at lunch, the lack of pain reduced my urgency, and they said I needed to get to the ER for further assessment. Three hours later I was having back surgery for cauda equina. I had a disc that had ruptured at some earlier date, I guess I had always ignored or worked through discomfort, and the pieces were pressing into the nerves of my spine.

I was back at home within 48 hours and told to rest for 6 weeks. The most pain was from the incision but otherwise I felt ok. A few days later I started getting really tight muscles, I think from inactivity. I cycle about 6 days a week and average 25 miles a ride.

Now a year later I have some sciatica issues that started prior to the surgery. I am still as active and my spine has healed but the discomfort, tightness, etc is an everyday issue. I wake up tight and sore, cycling feels the best and I want to stay as drug free as possible. I stretch everyday and try to do some core strengthening activities everyday.

To the OP, as you can see it's pretty common so hopefully you can find some relief out there.

 

[MyHigh]

I feel your pain. I had two ruptured discs that felt like my back was on fire basically 24/7. Disturbed my sleep, work and personal life. I was like an injured pit bull that would just snap at anything and anyone for absolutely nothing. Non-invasives didn't work and after a year and having my left leg atrophy from lack of nerve stimulation, bit the bullet and had a double microdiscectomy.

It changed my life. I can do whatever I want now, without limitations, and more importantly without pain. My physical health now at 37 is better than at 27 for the sole reason that I know what it's like to not be able to do physical tasks and not a day goes by that. I ever take that for granted. Personally, professionally, everything is better. It sounds corny, but it's like the dark cloud was lifted.

If you do decide to go that route make sure you completely trust your surgeon and go over the surgical plan in very fine detail. Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep us posted.

Wow!! [MENTION=113294]Jamobi[/MENTION]

You give me hope, I've been on the border of depression for damn near 6 months now. Just trying to find any bit of hope for a good future. Injured on March 2012, tried a year of non-invasive finally had surgery but 3months after my left side ruptured same disc, and am going through it all over again. Thank you so very much for posting your success, I know it sounds stupid but I'm happy for you, I'd not wish this nerve pain upon my worst enemy.

 

[Jamobi]

Wow!! [MENTION=113294]Jamobi[/MENTION]

You give me hope, I've been on the border of depression for damn near 6 months now. Just trying to find any bit of hope for a good future. Injured on March 2012, tried a year of non-invasive finally had surgery but 3months after my left side ruptured same disc, and am going through it all over again. Thank you so very much for posting your success, I know it sounds stupid but I'm happy for you, I'd not wish this nerve pain upon my worst enemy.

Tough break man, that really stinks and I feel for you. Just remember that you're better than any injury out there and that you're going to get through this. Literally one step at a time, one day at a time one, breath at a time. Stay strong and remember what keeps you going and get there.

 

[MyHigh]

Hey thanks!

It's good to hear of success stories though, and it's amazing how the little things are what matter the most, they are the things that get you through the tough times. :cheer2: wahoo walked down the street!!! ....lol

 

[Ricky2Martin]

SO has it and she can hardly walk sometimes so I can empathize. Buy a heating pad the kind you plug into a wall (will save you money in the long run) Place in on the left butt cheek. After that, once the muscle is loose you'll want to do trigger pressure point massages Massage Therapy for Back Pain, Hip Pain, Sciatica

Had it done at the chiropractor's office and felt amazing afterwards, not a cure but more of a type of management.


Not a Dr, former pre-med, now just a hippie of sorts (biologist).

BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you for your valuable opinion..

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

Maybe look into an inversion table, Teeter's are popular but there's others. I had one for quite a while and they are very nice/healthy even if one doesn't have back issues. These are unusual to use and take a use or two to get it adjusted right and to learn to "trust" them but it takes no time to get comfortable with balancing and finding your ideal position. I think the teeters are still setup to allow you to free hang also without the safety strap installed.

https://teetertv.ca/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvP2WoKrb3QIVh_hkCh3mJAgXEAAYAiAAEgJP1vD_BwE

Check with your doctor and see if it may be beneficial, they help a whole lot of people...