Sciatica nerve

[VILLAGERBB]

What do you use to stop the nerve pain (especially in the calf muscle)? Pressing on the nerve helps a lot. Has anyone had any luck using a TENS pulse machine?

[anothersteve]

It may sound funny but I found these guys on you tube.
Absolute Best Exercise for Sciatica & Herniated Disc- McKenzie Approach. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/clfpWjqVP6U)

I had sciatica really bad and these guys really helped. When I do get the pain now it's very minor. When it used to get really bad I saw somewhere that you should sit on a tennis ball. You need to work the ball to find the right spot. That really worked well when driving. I feel your pain!
Steve

[VILLAGERBB]

Thank you Anothersteve.

[NotGolfer]

I have a TENS...and it's a very short-term "solution" (it doesn't do anything long-term). I tried the PEMF treatment with The Villages Health (you don't have to be a member...it's out of pocket and they do seminars from time to time). It helped but their unit isn't in our budget. A friend told me about OSKA Health, which is much/much less expensive AND it's also where you can take it with you. I ordered one. I've been doing PEMF for well over a month and many of my pain issues are either better or gone.

Also will add...it's not a snake-oil solution. Been there, done that so did my research before going this route.

Also didn't look at the video the other op gave you...but it may be your perifimis muscle (maybe that video addresses that) and there are stretches you can do.

[retiredguy123]

There is another thread on this website about the PEMF treatment. If you research the FDA website, you will find nothing on it that approves that device for sciatica. And, there is a letter from the FDA posted on the FDA website to a company that sells the device threatening them with legal action for making false claims about the device.

[wincherr]

Google “yoga pigeon pose”. It’s easy and gets easier. A few good stretches a week and mine has disappeared.

[VILLAGERBB]

Thank you all for your input. I do a series of stretches every day/evening but struggle to maintain a pain-free calf. The piriformis kicks up now and then plus I have plantar faciitis which requires stretching, taping, ice/heat/massage and acetaminophen. It is exhausting but I know one day this misery will end.

[leftyf]

I have been using an inversion table for about 30 years.

[Bellaboy]

I'm so confused! And sad. It's been a month. Dr. Said arthritis, hospital said sciatica, osteoarthritis. Physical therapist, sciatica. I have done everything they said. I'm realizing I'm basically on my own. It helps to know I am not alone, but I can't help wondering about the future.

[Nucky]

What do you use to stop the nerve pain (especially in the calf muscle)? Pressing on the nerve helps a lot. Has anyone had any luck using a TENS pulse machine?

Tommy Copper Compression Sleeves work miracles for both of us.

I am in crisis this very moment with pain from the knee down. I've done about 50 laps around the inside of the house. The Pool is very helpful also. Good Luck. :pray:

[retiredguy123]

I think the term "sciatica" refers to any pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The nerve extends from the brain stem all the way to the foot. The pressure can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, or by bone deposits caused by arthritis. The pain can be felt anywhere along the nerve, even remotely from where the pressure occurs. I had a herniated disc in my lower back years ago that caused severe leg pain. It was diagnosed with an MRI. I had surgery, and the pain is gone, but I really don't know if the surgery was the cure, or just time. But, I don't think physical therapy will help much. If you can get an MRI, it may show where the nerve is being compressed. Good luck.

[Boomer]

Only an MRI can detect a synovial cyst.

A synovial cyst can grow quite large in the lumbar spine and can cause excruciating nerve pain in the legs.

These things are sometimes called "rare," but I have reason to believe they are underdiagnosed because insurance companies do not want to pay for MRIs.

Your back can look OK on an x-ray, but the soft tissue of a synovial cyst will not show up except on an MRI.

I hope you will Google synovial cyst lumbar spine and see it the information you find there might apply to your situation.

I wish you well.

[VILLAGERBB]

My situation is slowly improving but still requires daily stretching. The back is much better but my calf muscle seems to be the biggest pain right now....plus my strength issue which drains my stamina but has increased my healthy food intake which will help speed up my recovery. Never before have I had to add calories to my diet but muscle strength requires lots of nutrition for energy. Things are looking up!
Thank you all for sharing your experiences and suggestions.

[VILLAGERBB]

Highly recommend watching Classical Stretch by Essentrics (https://www.essentrics.com/classicalstretch.html) on PBS. Miranda Esmonde-White is fantastic!
She explains each exercise and how the stretch will help improve flexibility.

[Gulfhills]

I had a synovial cyst, and the pain went down my leg was unbearable!!! They operated and 2 years later I got another one. This wasn't as bad as the first one. My surgeon said I would eventually need back surgery to tighten things up and not have the fluid build up. 2 years after that I had back surgery.....and have never had another problem. I suggest you see a nuero surgeon.

[Madelaine Amee]

Highly recommend watching Classical Stretch by Essentrics (https://www.essentrics.com/classicalstretch.html) on PBS. Miranda Esmonde-White is fantastic!
She explains each exercise and how the stretch will help improve flexibility.

I was just about to suggest this program to you ...... I get sciatic pain in the left back cheek, it's like being kicked in the rear. I handle mine with yoga stretches which I got off the internet and especially YouTube.

[eweissenbach]

I think the term "sciatica" refers to any pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The nerve extends from the brain stem all the way to the foot. The pressure can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, or by bone deposits caused by arthritis. The pain can be felt anywhere along the nerve, even remotely from where the pressure occurs. I had a herniated disc in my lower back years ago that caused severe leg pain. It was diagnosed with an MRI. I had surgery, and the pain is gone, but I really don't know if the surgery was the cure, or just time. But, I don't think physical therapy will help much. If you can get an MRI, it may show where the nerve is being compressed. Good luck.

I too had a herniated disc that was leaning against the sciatic nerve and causing excruciating pain down my left leg. I was also experiencing foot drop which is a condition where the foot and ankle don't support the weight and basically "flop". I had two epidural shots to relieve the pain, but they didn't do much, so was referred to a neurosurgeon who examined me and said the cause was the bulging disc and said surgery was necessary and quickly before permanent damage resulted. I had the surgery three days later and have had zero problem since. I am sure there are many causes for sciatic nerve pain, but in my case surgery did the trick.

[John_W]

I have been using an inversion table for about 30 years.

My Villages Medi-care doctor wanted to refer me to a back surgeon in Ocala, he said I was a good candidate for fusion surgery. I couldn't stand in one place or walk through a grocery store or mall without looking for a place to sit within five minutes. I had extreme lower back pain.

Before I saw the surgeon I tried a chiropractor and after 9 sessions found no improvement. I bought a Teeter Inversion Table at Dick's in Ocala and within six weeks all my pain was gone. I've been using it about 5 minutes a day for over two years and no more pain.

[Viperguy]

Had severe pain from my back, thigh, hamstring, calf,all the way through my big toe. Got so bad I couldn't walk. Had the epidural shots, went to chiro guy (bad idea) and finally spinal surgery from a brain/spine guy in Orlando. Instant relief and three months of rehab with zero pain.

[VILLAGERBB]

Too all who have suffered from this excruciating agony I thank you for posting.

[CFrance]

I'm so confused! And sad. It's been a month. Dr. Said arthritis, hospital said sciatica, osteoarthritis. Physical therapist, sciatica. I have done everything they said. I'm realizing I'm basically on my own. It helps to know I am not alone, but I can't help wondering about the future.
You have been through it all, except for a chiropractor. I know that many people swear against them, but many swear by them, including me. I went through physical therapy twice, which each time made my sciatica worse. Dr. Kuhn on 301 in Wildwood got me to be able to walk again.


Also, I have found that since we moved from a three-story condo to a one level Villages house (2011), my situation flared up out of nowhere (it had gone away in 1997 Oh duh... that's when we moved from a one-story to a three-story). Since then, half the year since 2016 we live in a two-story house and I do walking trails that are rocky and uneven. My problem during this time disappears. I think the back-and-forth motion somehow eases everything. Perhaps you could find a stair stepper or some other form of exercise that puts your back in different positions.


Or try Dr. Kuhn. He's old-fashioned very good.

[valuemkt]

OP .. Here are three suggestions, all pf which I used over the past 6 months:

1. Talk to your GP about Gabapentin - It is used for nerve pain - I take 300mg 2x daily - it does have some minor side effects - I would best describe it as a "cloudy head" - I have also found that it accelerates the effects of alcohol, if you are a drinker. It did wonders for my lower leg pain.

2. Daily magnesium supplement - My calf was knotted up so bad I could hardly walk - After striking out w ortho, GP, MRI, I made my first ever visit to a chiro, who recommended the magnesium. I take that daily after breakfast

3. Consider a visit to a licensed massage therapist (also a first for me). I told her I needed her to work for an hour solely on the calf, which she did.. She found all sorts of knots and patiently and professionally found the pressure points and worked them out..

Bottom line, I can walk two miles again ..

Good Luck !

[John_W]

OP .. Here are three suggestions, all pf which I used over the past 6 months:

1. Talk to your GP about Gabapentin - It is used for nerve pain - I take 300mg 2x daily - it does have some minor side effects - I would best describe it as a "cloudy head" - I have also found that it accelerates the effects of alcohol, if you are a drinker. It did wonders for my lower leg pain...



I started using Gabapentin in 2005 for diabetic neuropathy in my feet. I have diabetes 2 and my feet would only hurt when I slept. It worked great for a dozen years and then about two years ago I started sleepwalking. The last time about a year ago I was standing on the bed and walked off, I woke up with a bleeding head. I had hit my head on the metal frame. I had to stop using it and the dreams and sleepwalking went away. I've eliminated all sugar from my diet and for the most part, no more pain.

[VILLAGERBB]

I spent 3 weeks in physical therapy which seemed to make things worse. Massage and heat help plus plenty of stretching.
I now follow this PBS television program and find Miranda to be excellent for explaining the best exercises for strengthening and flexibility.
Classical Stretch by Essentrics (https://essentrics.com/classicalstretch.html)

[VILLAGERBB]

The sciatica saga continues....it is a terribly painful seemingly never ending tale of suffering. To all who are experiencing this condition please know I know what you are feeling. Hang in there and please send me an update about your treatment. Thank you.

[Boomer]

If you have not had an MRI, it might be time to think about doing so to find out what is going on in the lumbar spine. Even though your back itself might not hurt much, or not at all, you seem to be suffering from radiculothopy (pain radiating along the sciatic nerve from the lower back.) An MRI can show if there is a herniated disc or a synovial cyst that is compressing the nerve at a point in the lower spine.

[VILLAGERBB]

Dear Boomer,
Your suggestion is definitely a good one. I've been sitting on a "doughnut" pillow and support my back with a pillow in the car and have tried my best to pad my bed in the spot that seems to be giving me the most discomfort. My alignment is key to having a day with or without pain or numbness. Thank you for giving me your advice.

[Boomer]

Dear Boomer,
Your suggestion is definitely a good one. I've been sitting on a "doughnut" pillow and support my back with a pillow in the car and have tried my best to pad my bed in the spot that seems to be giving me the most discomfort. My alignment is key to having a day with or without pain or numbness. Thank you for giving me your advice.


You are very welcome. :) When I saw that you had started this thread 4 months ago and are still enduring the pain, I decided to follow through with my MRI advice.

Before ordering an MRI, your doctor probably will do an x-ray. Insurance is known to require an x-ray first. If the cause is a synovial cyst, an x-ray will not show it, but an MRI will.

I wish you well.

[VILLAGERBB]

Dear Boomer,
Thank you so much. I have been suffering for one year. It seems to have started with walking/standing and has spread up the sciatic nerve now affecting my back. I remain hopeful the exercises will strengthen my back and I will align properly but if not - I'll ask my doctor to do an MRI. The support you've provided has given me such comfort. I'm always amazed how little follow-up care the medical profession provides. Not even a phone call to ask how I'm doing. Guess I'll have to wait for my scheduled 6 month follow-up visit. Florida Blue offers 24 hour doctor access as part of my plan...I'm considering it.

You are very welcome. When I saw that you had started this thread 4 months ago and are still enduring the pain, I decided to follow through with my MRI advice.

Before ordering an MRI, your doctor probably will do an x-ray. Insurance is known to require an x-ray first. If the cause is a synovial cyst, an x-ray will not show it, but an MRI will.

I wish you well.
Last edited by Boomer; Today at 09:01 AM. Reason: Added info

[VILLAGERBB]

Bellaboy...how are you feeling?I'm so confused! And sad. It's been a month. Dr. Said arthritis, hospital said sciatica, osteoarthritis. Physical therapist, sciatica. I have done everything they said. I'm realizing I'm basically on my own. It helps to know I am not alone, but I can't help wondering about the future.

[rjcataniajr]

I have had several of these and they can be excruciating. The first one, I had to go to the emergency room at 3:00 am. You never know when you are going to get them and there is nothing you can do about it except getting a shot for pain immediately. Had the MRI and that's where it reared it's ugly little head !

[rjcataniajr]

Had all the shots, did absolutely nothing for me. Now trying the Pigeon Pose. Lot of people did get relief from this exercise. Will see how it goes !

[VILLAGERBB]

rjcataniajr,
Sciatica is sooo painful. The pigeon pose is a good stretch but be prepared for soreness. Hang in there.


Had all the shots, did absolutely nothing for me. Now trying the Pigeon Pose. Lot of people did get relief from this exercise. Will see how it goes !

[CFrance]

Bellaboy, you seem to have tried all the conventional routes. Now I would recommend trying David Kuhn on 301, a chiropractor. After physical therapy made my problem worse, I went to him and he gave me relief. He is an old-fashioned chiropractor with only a few bells and whistles, but magic hands with your back. If you have an MRI and take it to him, he can set up a series of corrections that medicare will cover (if you are of that age).

One other thing... My sciatica problem had gone away after I quit the tennis team in 1997, but it reared its ugly head again when we moved down here permanently in 2013. (We had been living in a three-story condo up north.) After a few years in a one-story house here, I could barely walk. That's when I went through PT and on to the chiro. Now we have a summer home that is two stories, so must do stairs a lot (the one bathroom is upstairs) and it's in a spot where we do a lot of hiking on uneven ground. Lo and behold, my back problem has disappeared. I think the unevenness of terrain plus going up and down stairs again has realigned my back to alleviate the problem. Of course, that is my non-medical-degree guess. However, Anytime Fitness has a stair stepper, if maybe that would help you. Good luck; I know the pain.

[BobnBev]

I used the most powerful CBD cream I could find. I woke up one morning and found I had no pain-----WONDERFUL !!!

It also cured my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

[Barefoot]

I would recommend trying David Kuhn on 301, a chiropractor. I went to him and he gave me relief. He is an old-fashioned chiropractor with only a few bells and whistles, but magic hands with your back. I've also gone to David Kuhn for sciatica, and he helped me.

[rjcataniajr]

was wondering who your neurosurgeon was and did someone recommend him.
thank you

[VILLAGERBB]

I finally took a chance and went to see Chiropractor, Dr. Kuhn in Wildwood. He could tell there was extreme tightness in my lower back causing pain on the sciatic nerve. He relieved some of the discomfort but I think it is still too soon to tell how long before this condition will heal. The pain and soreness continues.

Thank you all for your input. I do a series of stretches every day/evening but struggle to maintain a pain-free calf. The piriformis kicks up now and then plus I have plantar faciitis which requires stretching, taping, ice/heat/massage and acetaminophen. It is exhausting but I know one day this misery will end.

[retiredguy123]

I finally took a chance and went to see Chiropractor, Dr. Kuhn in Wildwood. He could tell there was extreme tightness in my lower back causing pain on the sciatic nerve. He relieved some of the discomfort but I think it is still too soon to tell how long before this condition will heal. The pain and soreness continues.
Thanks for the update. I really hope you are able to get relief from your pain. But, mark me down as highly skeptical that a chiropractor can permanently cure any medical condition.

[Barefoot]

***

[Boomer]

Dear OP,

i hope you will get an MRI if you have not already had one.

Somewhere in this from-a-while-ago thread I wrote about the possibility that a synovial cyst could be causing your issue. Synovial cysts will not show up on an x-ray and can cause excruciating pain, compressing nerves to the point where even walking can become agonizing.

[retiredguy123]

Dear OP,

i hope you will get an MRI if you have not already had one.

Somewhere in this from-a-while-ago thread I wrote about the possibility that a synovial cyst could be causing your issue. Synovial cysts will not show up on an x-ray and can cause excruciating pain, compressing nerves to the point where even walking can become agonizing.
I agree with the MRI. It will very likely show you what is causing the pain. A chiropractor will tell you to keep coming back again and again and keep charging you money. And, if you happen to get better, he will claim that he cured you, even though what really cured you was your own body and time, not the chiropractor. Just my opinion.

[rjcataniajr]

CHIROPRACTOR QUESTION:

Need to see a chiropractor and went to see Compton to make an appointment. I had all the notes from MRI of lower back along with disk. They told me there is a $228 evaluation fee. I never heard of this before and neither did my insurance company , Florida Blue. Do all the chiropractors have this type of fee? Florida Blue agent said they and most other insurances only cover "manipulation".

Your thoughts?...and thank you

[CFrance]

CHIROPRACTOR QUESTION:

Need to see a chiropractor and went to see Compton to make an appointment. I had all the notes from MRI of lower back along with disk. They told me there is a $228 evaluation fee. I never heard of this before and neither did my insurance company , Florida Blue. Do all the chiropractors have this type of fee? Florida Blue agent said they and most other insurances only cover "manipulation".

Your thoughts?...and thank you
I went to Dr. David Kuhn. He's got two offices, one on 301 in Wildwood and one off 441 somewhere. No consultation fee, and if you have an MRI he will set it all up with Medicare. He really helped my Sciatica after two physical therapists just made it worse.

[VILLAGERBB]

I have been trying to figure out the best way to stay in alignment by not putting a lot of pressure on my back or feet when I stand and lie down in bed; This curse is exhausting but little by little I pray it will end soon. Thank you for your comments.


Thanks for the update. I really hope you are able to get relief from your pain. But, mark me down as highly skeptical that a chiropractor can permanently cure any medical condition.

[Boomer]

I have been trying to figure out the best way to stay in alignment by not putting a lot of pressure on my back or feet when I stand and lie down in bed; This curse is exhausting but little by little I pray it will end soon. Thank you for your comments.

Hi VILLAGERBB,

Please forgive me if I appear to be badgering you by repeatedly saying to please get an MRI.

You have been in pain for a long time. A nerve compressed from the spine can cause excruciating pain that can feel like electric shocks, lightning bolts, bugs crawling, bees stinging, and can eventually make walking difficult and sleep impossible.

I once read something on a neuro’s website that said after a nerve has been compressed for a long time and the source of the compression is removed, it can take a long time for the nerve to find its way back to normal. It was compared to what can happen to carpet fibers when heavy furniture is moved. Sometimes those carpet marks bounce back, but sometimes not all the way or it takes a while.

True story:

One day, in — dare I say it — Costco — a conversation was overheard. A man was saying to another man, “Yeah. I FINALLY got an MRI and found there was a cyst in my spine pressing on my sciatic nerve.”

I have known of others, too, who ended up with a synovial cyst. I am not anything medical, but as I understand these cysts, they are made of synovial fluid that hardens. Not sure, but it might come from the back pouring out extra synovial fluid, trying to make a better cushion as we get shorter with age. (I don’t know for sure, just a theory.) Sometimes the cyst can be aspirated, but that does not always work, especially when it has had time to turn into what is basically a rock. The surgery to remove them can be done out-patient through a tiny incision. Of course, anything near the spinal cord comes with risk, as does any surgery. It’s the old “Risk vs. Benefit” thing.

I hope you will find out the source of your sciatic pain so you can then decide how to proceed, based on an actual diagnosis of the root of the cause of your pain.

I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Bossy Boomer

[retiredguy123]

Hi VILLAGERBB,

Please forgive me if I appear to be badgering you by repeatedly saying to please get an MRI.

You have been in pain for a long time. A nerve compressed from the spine can cause excruciating pain that can feel like electric shocks, lightning bolts, bugs crawling, bees stinging, and can eventually make walking difficult and sleep impossible.

I once read something on a neuro’s website that said after a nerve has been compressed for a long time and the source of the compression is removed, it can take a long time for the nerve to find its way back to normal. It was compared to what can happen to carpet fibers when heavy furniture is moved. Sometimes those carpet marks bounce back, but sometimes not all the way or it takes a while.

True story:

One day, in — dare I say it — Costco — a conversation was overheard. A man was saying to another man, “Yeah. I FINALLY got an MRI and found there was a cyst in my spine pressing on my sciatic nerve.”

I have known of others, too, who ended up with a synovial cyst. I am not anything medical, but as I understand these cysts, they are made of synovial fluid that hardens. Not sure, but it might come from the spinal discs trying to make a better cushion as we get shorter with age. (I don’t know for sure, just a theory. Sometimes the cyst can be aspirated, but that does not always work, especially when it has had time to turn into what is basically a rock. The surgery to remove them can be done out-patient through a tiny incision. Of course, anything near the spinal cord comes with risk, as does any surgery. It’s the old “Risk vs. Benefit” thing.

I hope you will find out the source of your sciatic pain so you can then decide how to proceed, based on an actual diagnosis of the root of the cause of your pain.

I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Bossy Boomer
I agree. OP, you need a real medical doctor to diagnose your condition. If you actually have sciatica, an MRI will show you what is causing your pain. A chiropractor cannot cure sciatica.

[rjn5656]

Chiroproctor up north helped me immensely.

[CFrance]

Chiroproctor up north helped me immensely.
Me too, after two physical therapists made it worse.


There are good & bad chiros just as there are good and bad doctors. Dr. David Kuhn is one of the good ones.

[VILLAGERBB]

To those who recommend an MRI...I will mention it when I see my Primary Care Dr. in March. Her PA diagnosed me and then had two other medical consultants in the room at the time they determined Plantar Faciitis and Sciatica. I've since called to update her regarding my painful condition but the only thing she recommended was muscle relaxers/tylenol/ibuprofen. I don't want to walk around like a zombie. Folks have recovered from worse (I know) so I am hopeful I will do the same and help others too- SOON!

[CFrance]

To those who recommend an MRI...I will mention it when I see my Primary Care Dr. in March. Her PA diagnosed me and then had two other medical consultants in the room at the time they determined Plantar Faciitis and Sciatica. I've since called to update her regarding my painful condition but the only thing she recommended was muscle relaxers/tylenol/ibuprofen. I don't want to walk around like a zombie. Folks have recovered from worse (I know) so I am hopeful I will do the same and help others too- SOON!
I found my PCP to be useless in terms of my sciatica. Same thing--attack the symptoms and not the cause. I finally asked for an MRI. The radiologist who read it said Oh, nothing out of order. I got it on a cd & took it to a chiro, who read it, immediately found the problem and showed it to me on the screen. I have no faith in Lake Imaging--won't even go there for my mamo.


I took the cd to Dr. Kuhn (did not care for the first chiro), and the rest is history--or should I say pain free.

[Boomer]

Hi VILLAGERBB,

Please forgive me if I appear to be badgering you by repeatedly saying to please get an MRI.

You have been in pain for a long time. A nerve compressed from the spine can cause excruciating pain that can feel like electric shocks, lightning bolts, bugs crawling, bees stinging, and can eventually make walking difficult and sleep impossible.

I once read something on a neuro’s website that said after a nerve has been compressed for a long time and the source of the compression is removed, it can take a long time for the nerve to find its way back to normal. It was compared to what can happen to carpet fibers when heavy furniture is moved. Sometimes those carpet marks bounce back, but sometimes not all the way or it takes a while.

True story:

One day, in — dare I say it — Costco — a conversation was overheard. A man was saying to another man, “Yeah. I FINALLY got an MRI and found there was a cyst in my spine pressing on my sciatic nerve.”

I have known of others, too, who ended up with a synovial cyst. I am not anything medical, but as I understand these cysts, they are made of synovial fluid that hardens. Not sure, but it might come from the back pouring out extra synovial fluid, trying to make a better cushion as we get shorter with age. (I don’t know for sure, just a theory.) Sometimes the cyst can be aspirated, but that does not always work, especially when it has had time to turn into what is basically a rock. The surgery to remove them can be done out-patient through a tiny incision. Of course, anything near the spinal cord comes with risk, as does any surgery. It’s the old “Risk vs. Benefit” thing.

I hope you will find out the source of your sciatic pain so you can then decide how to proceed, based on an actual diagnosis of the root of the cause of your pain.

I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Bossy Boomer

To those who recommend an MRI...I will mention it when I see my Primary Care Dr. in March. Her PA diagnosed me and then had two other medical consultants in the room at the time they determined Plantar Faciitis and Sciatica. I've since called to update her regarding my painful condition but the only thing she recommended was muscle relaxers/tylenol/ibuprofen. I don't want to walk around like a zombie. Folks have recovered from worse (I know) so I am hopeful I will do the same and help others too- SOON!


Aaaaaaaaugh! Oh, BB, I must finally confess. It was ME! ME! I! I was the one with the synovial cyst and had I not been an advocate for myself, I hate to think where I could have ended up.

(The conversation overheard in Costco as mentioned above was heard by Mr. Boomer. I wasn’t there —- probably a good thing because I would have needed to restrain myself to keep from interrupting the stranger’s conversation so we could commiserate. :) )

Anyway, I am fine now. Later I probably will regale you with the details, but for now, I have to stop procrastinating — and get the tax stuff together.

[ColdNoMore]

Aaaaaaaaugh! Oh, BB, I must finally confess. It was ME!. ME! I! I was the one with the synovial cyst and had I not been an advocate for myself, I hate to think where I could have ended up.

(The conversation overheard in Costco as mentioned above was heard by Mr. Boomer. I wasn’t there —- probably a good thing because I would have needed to restrain myself to keep from interrupting the stranger’s conversation so we could commiserate. :) )

Anyway, I am fine now. Later I probably will regale you with the details, but for now, I have to stop procrastinating — and get the tax stuff together.

The underlined above, is actually the best advice anyone with medical issues, or has loved ones with issues...could ever receive. :thumbup:

Which is a great segue into why we are truly living in wondrous times, with the vast knowledge available...at our fingertips.

[VILLAGERBB]

Boomer...your support definitely gives me hope. I agree with you that an MRI seems to be the next step. Why are doctors so reluctant to recommend this procedure?


Aaaaaaaaugh! Oh, BB, I must finally confess. It was ME!. ME! I! I was the one with the synovial cyst and had I not been an advocate for myself, I hate to think where I could have ended up.

(The conversation overheard in Costco as mentioned above was heard by Mr. Boomer. I wasn’t there —- probably a good thing because I would have needed to restrain myself to keep from interrupting the stranger’s conversation so we could commiserate. :) )

Anyway, I am fine now. Later I probably will regale you with the details, but for now, I have to stop procrastinating — and get the tax stuff together.

[retiredguy123]

Boomer...your support definitely gives me hope. I agree with you that an MRI seems to be the next step. Why are doctors so reluctant to recommend this procedure?
Have you seen a neurologist or an orthopedic surgeon? I cannot imagine that they would not want you to have an MRI.

[Boomer]

.........

[Debbeeg]

Try Etheridge Chiropractic. Dr Ethedrige took mine completely away after years of pain & Botox injections!

[VILLAGERBB]

Boomer...as always - thank you. I hope one day to start a group for folks who suffer with this condition. All the pain will be worth it if I can help others.


VillagerBB, I obviously have no way of knowing if your longtime pain is from the same thing. Also, letting someone cut near your spinal cord is a scary choice, I know. That was the personal choice I made when I felt like I had no other. Your situation might be completely different. I would never give medical advice. I am just sharing my personal story in case it might help. But, I hope you will choose to ask about an MRI. It seems like it is time to try to know the cause, not just the effect.[/QUOTE]

[Boomer]

[QUOTE=VILLAGERBB;1716564]Boomer...as always - thank you. I hope one day to start a group for folks who suffer with this condition. All the pain will be worth it if I can help others.


Mine was not a permanent condition. As my full-page saga said, I was fixable, still fixed. It has been almost 9 years since the neurosurgeon fixed me and I am ever thankful. Mine was not something I could fix myself. Had that thing occupied more space for even longer, who knows what could have happened.

This thread started many months ago. You have been in pain for a long time. I hope you can get more help from your doctor soon. I wish you well.

[VILLAGERBB]

These guys seem a bit goofy but they know what works!:thumbup: Proceed with caution.


It may sound funny but I found these guys on you tube.
Absolute Best Exercise for Sciatica & Herniated Disc- McKenzie Approach. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/clfpWjqVP6U)

I had sciatica really bad and these guys really helped. When I do get the pain now it's very minor. When it used to get really bad I saw somewhere that you should sit on a tennis ball. You need to work the ball to find the right spot. That really worked well when driving. I feel your pain!
Steve

[CandB]

What do you use to stop the nerve pain (especially in the calf muscle)? Pressing on the nerve helps a lot. Has anyone had any luck using a TENS pulse machine?
I have been using the Tens Unit for a couple of years now and for me it works great on those painful and stiff areas. Depending on your areas in need of stimulation to releve pain and stiffness you can check out the web for best pad placement. Happy to share my info on use if you want to cantact me

[VILLAGERBB]

Went to my Primary Care Dr.; I had an x-ray (lower L3/L4) age degeneration...I am scheduled for a MRI in April...and bone density. Both will probably be rescheduled due to CV. In the meantime have been trying to align thru exercise. Back, hips and feet are daily sources of pain but thanks to BobandBrad (https://bobandbrad.com/) I am learning so much about alignment and the possible cause of my pain. My thanks to all who continue to post on this forum!:)


To those who recommend an MRI...I will mention it when I see my Primary Care Dr. in March. Her PA diagnosed me and then had two other medical consultants in the room at the time they determined Plantar Faciitis and Sciatica. I've since called to update her regarding my painful condition but the only thing she recommended was muscle relaxers/tylenol/ibuprofen. I don't want to walk around like a zombie. Folks have recovered from worse (I know) so I am hopeful I will do the same and help others too- SOON!

[karostay]

Sure it's not back related ?