Sciatica sucks

[akelman]

I hate to intrude on the forum's all-Lance-all-the-time programming, but I'm wondering if any of you are afflicted with this bullsh*t malady? And if you are, will you please reassure me that the numbness will eventually go away? I ask because I'm sick and tired of feeling like my leg and foot are asleep. Not to mention, what isn't numb really hurts.

For what it's worth, yes, I've already been to the doctor -- it turns out that faculty meetings are much improved by a cocktail of Vicodin and muscle relaxants! -- and I'm going to see a PT this coming week. I'm hoping for the best.

[rbtmcardle]

Ari
My sciatica was helped tremendously by a combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy.. For me.. Both were necessary and after I was straightened out a boatload of guided core training to eliminate the weakness that was my cause.

Be well and hang in.

bob

[atl001]

For me, my sciatica is helped greatly by prescription-level doses of ibuprofen for a couple weeks each time it flares up. According to the neurologist, my sciatic nerve gets inflamed, and high levels of anti-inflammatories are necessary to put out the fire, after which I'm good for at least several months. Good luck

ps. I'd asked a number of doctors about my leg pain, and none of them were any help until the last one. (I asked my sister who is a doctor what kind of specialist I should see, and she said "a psychiatrist".) Luckily the neurologist suffered from sciatica himself and was compassionate.

[thegunner]

i had this after i herniated a disk from rowing -- over time it's gotten better, but PT and massages helped. the latter i would've never tried, but it did help (note: not a chiropractor)

[Louis]

In grad school (a looong time ago) I messed up my back a bit while weight lifting ("rowing" where you stand then bend forward at your waist and lift the barbell with both arms) and the result was a mild case of what I self-diagnosed as sciatica. Symptoms were primarily tingling down my left leg. I lived with it for a few years, then it disappeared after I started cycling on a regular basis. Not sure if that was a coincidence or not.

Bottom line for me is that every back / leg / hip issue I have had in the last 25+ years (other than sore knees) is aggravated by not exercising. Sitting or lying around only makes things worse.

[Smiley]

Ari
My sciatica was helped tremendously by a combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy.. For me.. Both were necessary and after I was straightened out a boatload of guided core training to eliminate the weakness that was my cause.

Be well and hang in.

bob

this therapy works for me each and every time too + 10000

[harryblack]

Sorry to hear this, Akelman. Are you fairly sure of the diagnosis?

I had sciatica symptoms which turned out to be high hamstring and also (perhaps) piriformis issues (piriformis often a catch-all for back/ass/hammie issues).

For immediate relief, I did acupuncture and though I'm a proponent of acu, it's best for the symptoms... massage & PT fixed me up + foam roller + better posture while at computer + various core exercises. (I was v. fit before but bike racer + desk job fit, which leaves imbalances.)

re: leg tingling, that was my first symptom in all this, which I noticed when shaving my left leg. I blew it off for months before my LMT hipped me to the foam roller and after working that for weeks (esp. hips and IT band), it never came back.

I've been doing running races this year, from 5K to 1/2 marathon, and a bout of left foot plantar (going to chiro for now, ART + Graston) aside, have had no issues so it's definitely possible to come back stronger AND in much less pain than you are... Hanging out at PT you see/hear other stories to confirm this too. (I'm 41 btw.)


I hate to intrude on the forum's all-Lance-all-the-time programming, but I'm wondering if any of you are afflicted with this bullsh*t malady? And if you are, will you please reassure me that the numbness will eventually go away? I ask because I'm sick and tired of feeling like my leg and foot are asleep. Not to mention, what isn't numb really hurts.

For what it's worth, yes, I've already been to the doctor -- it turns out that faculty meetings are much improved by a cocktail of Vicodin and muscle relaxants! -- and I'm going to see a PT this coming week. I'm hoping for the best.

[akelman]

My doc is pretty sure of the diagnosis, and I have no reason to think she's wrong. My symptoms seem to be a pretty classic presentation for sciatica. I'm looking forward to going to the PT this week. As for exercising, I'd love to do it, but until I talk to my Doc or the PT, I think I should hold off (actually, my wife thinks I should wait, and I'm not sure she's wrong, so it's not worth annoying her). Finally, I'm 43 and have dealt with lower-back problems for years and years now. But this is the first time I've had numbness, and I hate it. It's good to hear that it should go away.

[akelman]

Also, thanks for commiserating, everyone. I appreciate it.

[CNY rider]

I feel your pain.
I had my first episode of disc related pain about a year go, at age 41.
I've never felt pain like that before, and hope I never do again.
I can distinctly remember 2 nights just laying in bed, sleepless, sweating from the pain.
The Physical Therapist fixed me.
It took several weeks.
I turned out to be a pretty "typical" cyclist per his analysis. Aerobically fit, strong quads.
Completely lacking in hamstring flexibility and core strength.
I learned a set of exercises as part of my rehab. They take about 15 minutes every morning. I do them every single day without fail.
I'm a much better cyclist as a result, and have not had back issues since.

[Seramount]

BTDT.

it really sucks to have sciatica...took me over 8 months to be symptom-free.

root cause was sitting on a two-inch thick wallet. changed sides and all I carry now is driver's license and one credit card.

went thru several sessions of massage, NSAIDs helped a little, and found a few yoga postures that seemed to provide a little relief.

but, based on results obtained from a similar nerve condition in my neck, I'd recommend chiropractic as a first line of treatment.

[false_Aest]

Just went to PT for some issues last Thurs.
Most likely i'm dealing with sciatic issues myself (but a little different)

Along with some basic exercises to start with I was told that I'm not allowed to go to the gym and only allowed to ride my bike short distances and slowly.

The things I'm doing, leg raises, glute squeezes, etc are stooopid hard.

Everyone that knows what they're talking about (GP, chiro, trainer, etc) has said the following to me, "Do exactly what he says, as many times as he says. Don't do any less and don't do any more."

[tiretrax]

I hope the PT gets you well soon. It sucks. Take it easy on the pain pills.

[Peter P.]

Stretching the back and hamstrings, core strengthening, and bike riding alleviate any symptoms for me.

Seramount's suggestion about the wallet; medically recommended and spot on-get any wallet out of your back pocket if you're gonna sit on it.

[SoCalSteve]

Stretching the back and hamstrings, core strengthening, and bike riding alleviate any symptoms for me.

Seramount's suggestion about the wallet; medically recommended and spot on-get any wallet out of your back pocket if you're gonna sit on it.

Plus 1,000,000.00!!!

Also, rest and ice seem to do wonders when other avenues fail...

[Sandy]

I have over the last few months had major problems with my sciatica nerve. I am unable to walk my dog as my right leg will start to ache and even feels weak at times. The condition seems somewhat debilitating as I am very limited in how much I can do.Unfortunately, I have osteoarthritis in both hips and my back-My left hip being quite bad.

Over the last month of so, I have seen a chiropractor and two orthopedists and had x-rays taken of my back and hip. The chiropractor, Dr. John Dandelski, a triathlete,who I met at Smiley's at a Kelly Bedford bike presentation, was superb. He gave me a full hour of time, listening carefully to my history and giving an excellent physical. He was caring and compassionate. I strongly recommend him.

The two orthopedists gave me a remarkably inferior physical, gave very little of their time, and were rather cold and business like in their approach. One wanted me to have me get a left hip replacement and come in the next day for a selective epidural injection of cortisone in my back for the sciatica. The second said to do nothing with my left hip at all as it was really not bothering me. He wanted me to take a one week regimen of a cortisone drug. The potential side effects of which could be dangerous, to say the least. The first orthopedist wanted me to receive physical therapy, but the second did not suggest it.

The chiropractor and the orthopedists wanted me to get a lumbar spine MRI which I am going to do on Tuesday morning, as one can see the nerves involved (probably stenosis) and identify the problem more precisely. Without a MRI, an accurate diagnosis and treatment is not as sure, especially if the condition is neurological. I do not like being confined in any way and I tried to choose the type of MRI very carefully to minimize confinement/claustrophobia.

Hopefully I can begin a physical therapy/chiropractor approach with no med and no invasive procedures such as epidurals. I can not walk very far, but can cycle 20 miles without much difficulty as the position on the bike takes pressure off my lower back in which the nerve is probably being compressed.

akelman-I hope your sciatica problem is resolved quickly and satisfactorily.




Sandy

[Bob Loblaw]

Good luck with this. There's no one size fits all solution, so I hope it all works out.

BL

I hate to intrude on the forum's all-Lance-all-the-time programming, but I'm wondering if any of you are afflicted with this bullsh*t malady? And if you are, will you please reassure me that the numbness will eventually go away? I ask because I'm sick and tired of feeling like my leg and foot are asleep. Not to mention, what isn't numb really hurts.

For what it's worth, yes, I've already been to the doctor -- it turns out that faculty meetings are much improved by a cocktail of Vicodin and muscle relaxants! -- and I'm going to see a PT this coming week. I'm hoping for the best.

[67-59]

Repeating what others have said...but a good PT changed my life with some core strengthening exercises. Took a few months before I was back to normal...and now I notice the difference if I miss even one day of my program. Still have a bit of soreness on really long rides, but nothing like it was before.

Good luck.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Ari,

Depending on how severe your nerve impingement is, you may not ever fully get rid of the numbness in your leg. During my first year of law practice due to sitting on my rear end all day and then carrying a three-foot high stack of documents for a partner to a deposition, I herniated a disc and severely pinched my sciatic nerve. I went from being able to do 100 lb. leg extensions on each leg singly to only be able to do 20 lbs. on my left leg after the injury. Since then I have regained strength in my left leg but have lost quite a bit of sensation. For example, when I used to run, I felt almost no feedback from the heel strike on my left leg, though I definitely would feel it on my right leg. It is hard to say if it has gotten better now over 16 years later, but I can definitely say I do not have anywhere near the feeling in my left leg that I do in my right.

Earlier this year I had some lower back issues (about which I posted) and went to a PT. When he saw me doing some hamstring stretches he noticed I had my wallet in my right rear pocket (I had SI joint impingement going on), he yelled over from across the room and asked "is that a wallet in your back pocket? I said "yes." He responded "well, take it out, I don't want to see anything in your back pockets." I bought a small credit/business card wallet that I stick in my front pocket and many of my back problems have been alleviated (not all, as I have degenerative disks (mild to severe) from L1 through L5). Amazing what a simple change like removing your wallet from your rear pockets can do for your pain.

I also agree with the comment that my back problems are usually exacerbated by period of prolonged inactivity. It seems every time I fall off of an active exercise regimen I start having back issues.

Ari, I hope your sciatic nerve recovers well. It's no fun dealing with this stuff, so remember that when deciding whether to skip doing those hamstring stretches or core work.

[Fixed]

I have no advise but I hope you recover fast and your pain leaves you quickly
Cheers & peace

[R2D2]

Stretching the back and hamstrings, core strengthening, and bike riding alleviate any symptoms for me.

Seramount's suggestion about the wallet; medically recommended and spot on-get any wallet out of your back pocket if you're gonna sit on it.

Likewise.
If I don't ride my sciatica acts up.
When I ride it seems to calm down.
I would think just the opposite, but riding must move back around I guess.

And boy does it suck when it hurts.

You gotta be tough to get old.

[sc53]

I feel your pain.
I had my first episode of disc related pain about a year go, at age 41.
I've never felt pain like that before, and hope I never do again.
I can distinctly remember 2 nights just laying in bed, sleepless, sweating from the pain.
The Physical Therapist fixed me.
It took several weeks.
I turned out to be a pretty "typical" cyclist per his analysis. Aerobically fit, strong quads.
Completely lacking in hamstring flexibility and core strength.
I learned a set of exercises as part of my rehab. They take about 15 minutes every morning. I do them every single day without fail.
I'm a much better cyclist as a result, and have not had back issues since.
What are the exercises? Core strength, abdominal?

[thwart]

it turns out that faculty meetings are much improved by a cocktail of Vicodin and muscle relaxants!Ah, there's a silver lining in every cloud...

Hope you feel better soon.

PT is likely to be very helpful. Lots of good comments above.

[GregL]

I feel your pain.
I had my first episode of disc related pain about a year go, at age 41.
I've never felt pain like that before, and hope I never do again.
I can distinctly remember 2 nights just laying in bed, sleepless, sweating from the pain.
The Physical Therapist fixed me.
It took several weeks.
I turned out to be a pretty "typical" cyclist per his analysis. Aerobically fit, strong quads.
Completely lacking in hamstring flexibility and core strength.
I learned a set of exercises as part of my rehab. They take about 15 minutes every morning. I do them every single day without fail.
I'm a much better cyclist as a result, and have not had back issues since.
CNY rider's experiences almost completely match my own, except I could not even sleep on a bed. I had to sleep on the floor for a while to get any relief. I too spend about 1/2 an hour, three times per week working on core strength. Thanks to a great physical therapist and sticking to my core strength exercise regimen, I have been back pain-free for six years.

Greg

[spamjoshua]

I did 10 plus years with hours a day practicing guitar, followed by 10 plus years of 80 hour work weeks sitting in front of a computer...

The damage/inflammation/problems were eventually resolved by chiropractic care and yoga.

"Yes" to anti-inflammatories where you now stand, and a definite "yes" to strengthening your core, but please know that the stretching, and correction of posture, recommended are the real "cure."

[FlashUNC]

If its any consolation, I have a bit of a perma tingle in my ring and pinkie fingers on my right arm, as a result of the elbow fracture/surgery.

I've learned that while the doc has, so far, really accurately described what my recovery timeline will be -- here's when the bone will heal, here's when range of motion will start coming back -- the nerve stuff he just kinds of throws up his hands. Everyone seems to respond differently.

Best of luck in the recovery.

[Andrewlcox]

Stretching the back and hamstrings, core strengthening, and bike riding alleviate any symptoms for me.

Seramount's suggestion about the wallet; medically recommended and spot on-get any wallet out of your back pocket if you're gonna sit on it.

I agree. I never would have guessed my tight hamstrings were to blame. I found out with PT in 10 days. Also other forms of stretching and swimming 1 mile a day helped in a big way. I have gotten away from the swimming and stretching and the pain is slowly coming back.

Hamstring stretches hurt for sure. I used to break a sweat at PT but it worked for me.

Good luck,
Andy

[CNY rider]

What are the exercises? Core strength, abdominal?

Yep, hamstring stretches and core muscle exercises.
In the 1 1/2 years since my injury, I have only missed doing them one day, and that's because my hogs got out and I had to corral them before going to work.