There is usually no shortage of advice to be had here from sufferers of virtually any medical malady, so how about those unlucky enough to have experience with sciatica? Some background - I have a badly arthritic hip grinding away bone-on-bone, a twice-repaired knee following ligament tears, and several fractures, cracks, and dislocations from an enthusiastic youth, so I am no stranger to pain...I would normally place myself very high on any measure of tolerance to pain. Recently, however, while simply standing up, I was struck with a bolt of pure electrical raw scorching pain - seemingly originating deep inside the left buttock area and flashing down the entire left leg and foot with no less enthusiasm than a full-scale lightning bolt. A real attention-getter, I promise you.


Due to the previously mentioned maladies, I am normally fully armed with some of the most potent painkillers available, but NOTHING in my possession would touch this...I could rest comfortably, but virtually any movement brought the pain on the full blast -all or nothing it seems. I found a way to survive a couple days at home, hoping that a regimen of rest/ice/heat/etc would help, but eventually I gave up and had to be carted (literally) off to the hospital...couldn't even manage the 6 steps down to the garage or even think about driving - not even crawling into the back seat.

I do have some degree of previously-diagnosed spinal stenosis - a bony narrowing of the channel that the spinal cord runs through - that can create pressure points on the nerves and create numbness and tingling issues, but this seemed way too sudden and way too severe to be caused by that. (Surgery may be needed someday, but it has some risks I would prefer to avoid at this time). So, I have the experts tell me that the worst thing to do is sit - the body prefers to move. OK, but I can't even begin to move without unleashing this truly unearthly pain. After 4 days in the hospital I NEED to go home - despite receiving first-class treatment, I NEED to go home (this was just days before Christmas), just can't stand a hospital. I somehow manage to pass the test -(I had to prove I could negotiate a flight of steps before being allowed to leave) -with a hideous grimace and minus about 5 pounds or so of pure pain sweat, I managed an ugly circuit up and down a flight of steps, and off I go to home-sweet-home.

And, finally, along with some at-home physical therapy, something began to help. Turns out it was a stiff regime of the steroid Prednisone, creating some actual sweet relief and allowing me to begin making laps (with walker)around the house...I began to hope. BUT, they immediately began a "taper" - a gradual lowering of the dose of the Prednisone, and with each reduction of dose the symptoms began ratcheting back up. With the last of the steroid now gone, I was perilously close to being all the way back to square one, so I received an emergency prescription extension until next week's re-evaluation. Predictably, now even the higher dosage seems to be losing effectiveness, and any attempts to mobilize, with stretches or exercises, has begun to bring on that full-burst "flare" of truly memorable pain. I have also tried the TENS therapy (an attempt to block pain signals through electrical stimulation), so I guess the next step is some steroid injections directly into the spine... I can tell you, once having tasted some relief from this nuclear-level pain, then feeling it coming back, building and building up worse and worse by the day...kind of like a version of the "Flowers for Algernon" short story....

Assuming I can regain some mobility, does anyone have any experience with anything that might serve to help avoid a relapse? I have been told by more than one individual that yoga has proven helpful...any personal experience with that, or other alternative treatments? Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, anything? Alternately, are there issues anyone is aware of with high doses of something like Prednisone over the long term? Thanks for sharing any experiences...

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Do or do not. There is no try.

My husband had tried Chiropractors all over the country (we lived in 19 states), and most offered some relief. Then he met a NY Chiropractic College professor at the college clinic, who worked magic. He's retired, but the guy he sold his practice to is excellent as well.

My sister was almost crippled with a condition that "regular" MD's and surgeons couldn't help. This chiropractor fixed her after about several months of thrice weekly treatments. That was at least 12 years ago, and she's still good.

Unfortunately, if your in that much pain, traveling for treatment will be a problem. If your able to get extended treatment in Levittown NY, PM me for his info. I've sent 26 friends and relatives to his practice, and they've all gotten relief beyond their expectations.

I feel for you, and pray for a resolution to your condition.

PS, I had participated in an Acupuncture study at Sloan-Kettering, for pain relief related to major surgery. It worked wonders, but I'm unable to recommend any practitioners.

I had sciatica about 20 years ago. Not as bad as you describe yours,
but bad enough. I was referred to a neuro-surgeon. As it happened
he was very smart and honest.

He told me he could operate on me or I could go home and go to
bed and rest for at least a week, continue to take things easy,
and in a year I wouldn't even remember it. He was right.

Maybe you stated your solution in the 2nd paragraph: "I could rest
comfortably." If you can rest comfortably why not do it for a week
or so?

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In Omnia Paratus

I've had it for about 10 years.The best and longest relief had come from seeing a chiropractor when a flare up had finally calmed down.It really seems to work as a preventative by going monthly.Anything that strengthens your core muscles seems to help .In my case,lots of miles hiking .A therapist friend recommended gently stretching my hamstrings whenever I felt my back start to tighten up,that seems to help too.Good luck!

I had a very bad sciatica experience about 5 years ago. I feel very bad for you, because I know what that pain is like. I wouldn't wish pain like that on my worst enemy. I couldn't even walk for a couple weeks. It got so bad that to this day, that section of left leg nerve that goes from the outside of my left heel to my pinky toe is numb...the episode killed that section of nerve. I tried chiropractors and opioid pain meds and the standard prerequisite regimen of pre-surgery tests. One of these tests is called an EMG where they shoot electrical impulses down the affected nerve to look for I don't know what and let me tell you, it was torture. DO NOT DO AN EMG if you have any say in the matter---it will just aggravate the nerve and make it even worse!!! Later that day I HAD to go to the ER for a pain med cocktail because I was crying from the pain.

My mom told me about a back pain Doctor/specialist in this area. Long story short I saw the Dr who put me on a months-long regimen of decompression therapy and non narcotic pain and anti-inflammatory meds. I was also provided by my insurance company a DDS decompression belt. I still to this day have to be very careful but I did not need surgery thank goodness. Good luck to you I really hope you find permanent relief!!

I could have written my experiences with sciatica and it would literally be identical to yours. I'm sitting here waiting for the doctor (Nurse Practitioner). I had surgery two years ago, when they fused C2, C3, C4 and C6 with little to no improvement. Spent 5 weeks doing in-patient rehab. I've taken everything from Tylenol to Dilaudid but the side effects were terrible. I live with different levels of pain everyday, but never without.

You have my prayers

Have you tried inversion therapy? I have stenosis and other low back issues but not sciatica specifically. My inversion table does wonders when I use it. Given your hip and knee issues I'd check with an MD before hanging upside down. Maybe go to a chiropractor who has an inversion table and try it out to see if it helps. Inversion takes the weight pressure off your back.
I'd also advise you to look into taking Curcumin supplements daily. It has done wonders for the arthritis in my neck and upper spine. I used to take Ibuprofin 2-3 times a day and now take it maybe once a month. That stuff will burn up your kidneys. Curcumin is a spice with no side effects, but is a well studied anti-inflammatory. You have to take it all the time and won't feel anything for at least a week or two.

A TENS unit has been helpful after my fusion.

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- Post No Bills -

Thanks so much for the replies sometimes it just helps to know others have gone through the same thing (not to wish anything on anyone). It helps to have some ideas to run by the doctors at my upcoming appointment - just waiting for them to have an idea doesn't seem to work. Inversion or at least some type of decompression makes sense to me, I intend to suggest that direction. Also, I have read a bit about the Curcumin supplement, and that seems worth a try - thanks everyone for your thoughts.

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Do or do not. There is no try.

I had the exact same pain experience from sciatica while working construction in Alaska. I traveled to Seattle and the Swedish Hospital looking for relief. I spent four days in traction being pulled 'gently' apart by weights attached to my feet and a harness around my chest. It helped considerably. I still had a lesser degree of sciatica for several years, but it gradually diminished and then thankfully went away.

IMHO, Prednisone is a wonderful pain relieving drug, but be very careful in its use. Over use can cause side affects that can be severe and some permanent damage to the body might occur.

My sciatica was caused by a herniated/bulging disc L4/5, protruding nearly 1/2" where it wasn't supposed to be. Tried chiropractic, spinal epidural, physical therapy, stretching, and nothing worked. I finally had the minimally-invasive surgery and it worked miracles. From the time I went in for prep until I was awake was less than two hours. Another hour and they wheeled me to my wife's car. I walked from the car into the house pain-free. I did have to wear a back support/brace/girdle for 4 weeks or so with no bending, lifting, or twisting. Bottom line... if you have a herniated disc and nothing works, don't be afraid of this type of surgery if you have a competent neurosurgeon. They've come a long way with this kind of surgery.

Disclaimer: Nothing I've said is intended as medical advice. I'm not a doctor, I've never played one on TV, and I did NOT stay at Holiday Inn Express last night. Find a doctor you trust and listen to him or her.

Surgical removal of S5-L1 cured me after 10 years of pain which impaired my use of my right leg and foot. After the surgury I got out of bed and walked, pain free.
Jim

L5 / S1 fusion L4-5 disc degenerative. Pills, injections, chiropractic etc. Tens is the only thing that works for me.

As a friend of mine once said, "Those who have no back problems don't know how lucky they are."

I had minor sciatica this past fall. I went to chiropractor, and she cured me of it in a few months.

Find a Doctor that specializes in treating pain.
I had a sciatica attack and my doctor just injected a long acting pain med into the nerve root and I was fine after that.
I'm no stranger to pain either.I had a herniated disk that pinched my spinal cord and developed into arachnoiditis and I developed epidural fibrosis from the surgery but that Sciatica drove Me crazy more than anything else.

I've been there too several years ago. Couldn't get away from the pain. A nurse friend of mine told me to google the periformis stretch and give it a try. I found a demonstation on youtube. I did the one where you start on your hands and knees. Within 10 minutes I got probably 40% relief. Kept doing the stretch and in a week the pain was gone. I still do this stretch in every work out or any time I feel any pain starting. Yes, yoga helps.

I have the same problem for over 40 years, I have had PT, steroid treatment and electro stimulus deep injections of steroid until i had reached the medical limits burned the nerve, I am now just doing Pt, it's helping but I have do each day, I learned to stand, sit, and get out of a chair, building muscles in my butt, hamstring, thighs and more, It helps but there are no guarantee.

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Carpriver.

Been there done that. Worst pain I've ever had. Last time I told the Dr. I cannot take anymore pain fix it. Awoke from surgery pain free. I take much more care of my back than I used to. Do exercise almost everyday. See the Chrio monthly. Best relief was from one physical therapist. He note my hips were crooked. He wadded me up and pulled my apart. I felt my back move. Most days I can get it to move just a tad. As said I'm much more careful these days.

I don't believe that chiropractors can cure allergies and ADHD but for necks, backs and joints one can do a great deal of good. You have my sympathy. Sciatica is horribly painful.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Got hit just like you did, after several Docs went for an MRI, then to great orthropod who found a bone spur stuck on my spinal cord. Instant and after 8 years permanent fix!! When the pain is gone all is beautiful!!

I am having injections in the sacrum joints on Thursday. Most ortho's don't even check those ever. I will let you know how it goes. He claims relief in 15 minutes....I am excited. Doc is no rookie but very few physicians know what he has seen. Shot is very difficult and very few physicians trained to give it. I am in Baton Rouge for this.VERY sharp doctor!

Posting a "Like" doesn't seem appropriate when I read all these experiences - but I sure want everyone to know how much I appreciate their sharing of similar experiences. Thankfully, many of you have been able to provide some different directions to explore some different things that might be helpful. I understand there are no guarantees, and what works for one may not work for another...but if it does come to surgery, it sure means a lot to hear from those who have found some relief through that process. Hopefully some less drastic action will help before it comes to that.

There are some amazing folks on this forum...

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Do or do not. There is no try.

A great doctor saved my life. He had to convince a cardiologist , who said that there was nothing wrong with me, to examine me. I almost died from cardiomyopathy right there in the hospital. My heart was really enlarged and only running about 30% of its capacity. It was racing to keep up and could have just stopped. It's happened to enough people. Thanks, Dr. Yalla (short for his Indian name)

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Yes, another sciatica pain recipient here. Mine was about 20 years ago, a combination of car wrecks and wrestling resisting suspects as an LEO.
Lived with it best I could for a couple of years, then started seeing a chiropractor. His treatments would bring relief for a few days, then back to where I was. He recommended me to see my G.P., and consider surgery.

G.P. wanted to first see what a few different meds would do. A regimen of back-strengthening exercises, a series of steroids (Prednisone?) and some pain killers.
Went through that and slowly but surely, the pain went away almost. Later, I found my right upper thigh muscle numb. To this day, I believe I could pound a finishing nail in it and not feel it. That's fine, I'll gladly trade a numb thigh for the searing sciatic pain.
Hope you get yours on the run.....

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

You need to locate a proper orthopedic MD that specializes in backs. You first need to be correctly diagnosed to pin down just what your problem is. Having had 5 back surgeries, and with now being fused from L2 to L5 I have had a little experience. a couple years ago my wife developed severe pain, and she also having had one previous back surgery for a bulged disc just know that was the problem. I had a follow up visit the next week with my Dr and called to see if we could get her in and we did. He asked a lot of questions, manipulated her legs, and determined her back was O.K. but she had a very inflamed sciatic nerve. He got the radiologist to do an MRI and identify the exact spot and administer an injection of cortisone at that spot. Within one day the pain was alleviated and she continued with the "stretching" exercises daily and has had no problem since. If you are within driving distance of Columbia MO PM me and I'll give you his name and info.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING FOR THIS(AND IM ABOUT TO SEE A SPECIALIST FOR THIS PROB ON FRIDAY) IS BACK-STRETCHING EXERCISES. All caps on purpose.

My prob is because I was hurt bad in a car acccident in 92 and two of my discs are still cracked. Ive suffered from constant back pain since the accidentt but, learned how to cope with it w/o drugs etc. Chiropractors DO work but get expensive. Doing back-stretching exercises--FREE. Good luck with your prob. I alkmost posted about this but-I simply forgot to.

May be mine is different from yours? mines a nerve prob-but same title.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^WHAT HE SAID. Im seeing one Friday.

A cracked vertebra can cause instability and can shift causing recurrent back pain. That happens to be the reason for my last surgery that fused L2, L3, to L4 (which was already fused to L5). Just like a crack in anything, there is the distinct probability it will shift, and cause the problem.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

OP's second paragraph He said he could rest comfortably.

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In Omnia Paratus

Suffered on and off from sciatica for a few years but about 25 years ago the effects of it compelled me to lay on my back in a gravel parking lot during a U Maryland v Dook football game. Exquisite pain.

First thing Monday morning I located a chiropractor in my town. ONE SESSION 'FIXED' IT! Though I had a series of follow up sessions and still require a bit of 'tune ups,' I am wholly convinced chiropractic medicine does work for certain ailments.

Hope you feel better soonest.

Be safe.