Sciatic Nerve Help

[Michael G.]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

[Bill14564]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

Through different bouts I've used a chiropractor, prescription pain meds, and OTC meds. In every case it has gotten better in three or four weeks. Seems like for me, nothing really helps much.

[retiredguy123]

If it only involves 1 or 2 discs, surgery is the way to go.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

friends and i have disc issues, and heat is the best which I have found to relax the muscles if they start to tighten and spasm. Not sure what the MRI indicated, but for me, the MRI indicated narrowing between vertebrae, . . I can feel when the discs are compressing, and could herniate. . and I keep working on back stretches to keep any muscles looser and less prone to being tight and contracting. also work daily on keeping a stronger core.

What exercise did the MRI indicate and what did the PT have you do?

[UpNorth]

You might want to give a SI hip belt a try. You wear it low across your hips. Search Amazon for "SI belt. About $10 and worth a try. Works for many people.

[justjim]

I use a tens unit for pain relief when needed on my leg and or lower back.

[villagetinker]

I must be lucky, I went to Dr. David Kuhns, chiropractor, Wildwood for several weeks, that was 3 years ago, and the pain is gone. Now I will add that it occasionally comes back (very mild) and I have some exercises to do and then it is gone again. Never went through the Xray or MRI procedures.

[retiredguy123]

The problem with sciatic nerve pain is that it is often caused by a bulging disc that recedes over time and the pain goes away. So, any treatment people try seems to have worked even if it didn't do anything. So, they end up spreading a lot of bogus treatment information. In my opinion, people wth sciatic pain need an MRI to document the cause of the pain.

[PJ_Smiley]

Certo with grape juice (Google it)
Turmeric for inflammation

[Sensei]

Acupuncture can be especially helpful for sciatic pain. There are two acupuncturists who frequently advertise in the Daily Sun. Stretching as well as chiropractic both provide relief.

john

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

[La lamy]

You might want to give a SI hip belt a try. You wear it low across your hips. Search Amazon for "SI belt. About $10 and worth a try. Works for many people.

Totally agree.

[sdeikenberry]

Over the course of 30 years dealing with hip/leg pain I’ve found daily stretching works the best. Prevents tightening which pinches nerves. The key to to be diligent and hold a stretch for 2 minutes each.

[La lamy]

For me, it took 2 weeks of rest from pickleball and not tweaking it best I could. SI belt helped but sitting, getting up and stairs were very difficult to do without tweaking the area. Mine was muscle strain, hopefully yours is muscle and not bone related. Good luck.

[markcooper]

Time is really the only cure. It took almost 4 months for my latest bout to diminish.
Best pain management during this time: Marijuana edibles.

[retiredguy123]

Time is really the only cure. It took almost 4 months for my latest bout to diminish.
Best pain management during this time: Marijuana edibles.
I agree, but surgery can sometimes eliminate the pain by removing some disc material and/or bone that is pressing on the sciatic nerve.

[TeresaA]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2373527]What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

Have you ever heard of dry needling? I had extreme shoulder pain, the doctor at our Army Clinic offered it. It reminded me of acupuncture, but it’s not. It goes into the muscle, but could help with nerve pain too. I had immediate relief. Do a google search on dry needling. Good Luck!

[Angelhug52]

Massage,and accupunture helped me.

[Sandancer]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

Get a Deep Tissue Massage!

[retiredguy123]

Get a Deep Tissue Massage!
If you have a herniated disc, a deep tissue massage could make the pain worse.

[Bay Kid]

I've had this for 3 months. They started me w/drugs, ugh. Physical therapy has been my best help for me after the month of drugs. I'm having a shot on the 11th. I hope this will eliminate this problem.

[motherflippinpicker]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

Hi.

I'm so sorry you're going through that miserable pain. I've had sciatica pain since 1993. What finally brought me relief was an inversion table. The Teeter brand is the only FDA approved table. I discovered this relief when I had a ruptured disc several years ago. I used this table as a last resort for the pain I was in. I continue to use it intermittently but it's really given me my life back. (No pun intended)

Please check with your doctor before buying or trying a table, as people with certain health issues cannot use them. I do not do full inversion, I only need about 20% to keep me moving.

I hope you can find relief soon.

[jcreason5616]

CBD Gummies or oil helped me and it was awful. Took down twice a day for about three weeks and the arthritis in my fingers disappeared and so did my sciatic nerve pain. Worth a try.

[Laurel Maryland]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

A relative of mine just underwent a procedure called INTRACEPT. The Intracept procedure is a nerve ablation procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the basivertebral nerve in the spine. This disrupts the nerve's ability to send pain signals to the brain. My relative had back pain for years, tried numerous other therapies, but never got pain relief from any of them. She did receive relief following the Intracept procedure, which is done as an outpatient and takes about 2 hours. That said, I do not believe that Intracept is considered a first-line therapy; it is usually reserved for people who have failed at other treatments. I hope you never fall into that category, but this may be something to keep in your back pocket and discuss with your doctor as a last resort.

[Miboater]

I had to have a L4-L5 fusion when I was 50 and started getting sciatic pain again about 5 years after. I did a year long, 3 times a week physical therapy called Pure Healthy Back up in Michigan. No drugs involved and just strengthening the core muscles and flexibility. 9 years later and my back is still good, not great, but I can still golf 3 times a week. So I suggest as others have said is to strengthen your core muscles and stretching which was a lot of yoga poses. I also have an inversion table that I use after golf to really stretch the lower back.

[oneclickplus]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

Two words: Inversion Table

[Girlcopper]

The problem with sciatic nerve pain is that it is often caused by a bulging disc that recedes over time and the pain goes away. So, any treatment people try seems to have worked even if it didn't do anything. So, they end up spreading a lot of bogus treatment information. In my opinion, people wth sciatic pain need an MRI to document the cause of the pain.
I’ve never heard of a bulging disc receding. Any sciatic pain I agree needs an MRI to see exactly what discs are involved. It’s usually due to a narrowing of the discs which pinches the nerves. They have minimally intrusive procedures to solve the problem. But unless you really can’t tolerate the pain, don’t have any back surgery. Theres many many alternatives.

[Sgt Ed]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers I have been dealing with this and back pain for over 40 years. Injections over 80 bi lateral, Surgeries 3, 2 roto router types to open up and clear pinched nerves, and 1 to remove 6 discs that bulged to the nerves. I have refused any mor injections and not interested in more surgeries. I have found 2 items that "Work" One is The KAILO Patch. Google it. it interferes with the pain signal to the brain. IT WORKS. The other is for the knees but claim to be useful for shoulder, elbows back etc. I have a left knee that "Blew" out. Village ortho Dr shot it with steroid, then sent me to x ray Ass backwards, with the steroids noting can be done for 90 days. It is being evaluated by Florida Orthopedic Insitute in Tampa. In the mean time i sent away for the WELLKNEE patches. They also work, I can now walk on the knee an even better yet get some sleep. I can let you try it, give me a PM. I am also 83 .

[Jheath]

My husband had pain on-and-off for years. The nerve goes through laminate (hoes in the bone) of each vertebrae. If the nerve is swollen and touches the bone it is painful. Solution is enlarging the affected holes. He had it done on L3, L4, L5. It was in-and-surgery. Several years ago. No pain. His neurosurgeon has since retired

[nn0wheremann]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers
You have used all the conservative routes. Good luck with the neurosurgeon

[ellenwelsh]

I did all the remedies suggested to no avail. Dr James Paraiso saved my life. The pain was excruciating and it was instantly gone and has not returned.

[CFollansbee]

I started having hip and leg pain and tried a knee pillow at night and that helped some. But what has really taken away the pain and discomfort is water exercises. I go everyday for 1 to 1.5 hours and do various exercises for my hips, legs, core, and arms. I initially went to tone my body and soon realized that the pain was fading and now gone. Doing this keeps the muscles relaxed and more blood flow to the area. Many medical personnel will tell you that water exercises are the best for you. I hope you find relief.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

I finally got relief by going to the “Stretch Zone” in Pinellas Plaza. It took a couple visits, but it was what I needed to release the tension in my back. I now go on an ad needed basis.

[kendi]

Take a trip up North to
Mayfield Brain & Spine | Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky (https://mayfieldclinic.com/)
Nationally recognized, excellent care

[Margefrog]

I slipped a disc 30 years ago. Could barely move. Finally, a highly reputable chiropractor fixed me so quickly it was amazing. (in California or I'd recommend) The very first visit gave some relief. About 6 visits and I was good. It did include physical therapy in between and learning proper way to stand, sit etc. No trouble since. My car was rear ended and whipped my neck very badly 20 years ago in New Mexico. Chiropractor again worked wonders. No problem since. I find chiropractic scary, but darn when it comes to bones and disc's, etc., it's right on. They correct the placement of the offending bone or joint.

[bigjohnny19]

I have had it twice- once on either side. The first time my doctor gave me meds and sent me to PT for 12 weeks- 3 times per week for about 1 hr each visit. It took 9 or 10 weeks before there was any significant improvement. The second time I chose to go to a chiropractor instead of physical therapy. 3 weekly 10 minute sessions and I was much improved by the third week. I strongly suggest going the chiropractic route, but realize that the same treatment might not be appropriate for everyone.

[Bill Dozer]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2373527]What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?

I have been using a Back2Life for years and it has been great. My lower back pain and Sciatica has been kept under control. I have lent it to others and they are pleased with the results. The only requirements for use is to be able to get
up and down off the floor and weigh less than 300 lbs.
Check it online @ Back2Life.com. If interested PM me for any questions.

bdescalz@hotmail.com

[KCAlan]

I have a friend who went through several doctors until one recognized she tore a tendon on here hip. She had surgery be recover took 6-8 weeks.

[OhioBuckeye]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

I’m 75 & I don’t have Sciatic nerve problems like I use to but when I did get Sciatic pain I always took 2 Ibuprofen & within an hr. the pain would be gone. At 83 yrs. old I think surgery would have been out of the question for me . I agree, the worst thing for me about Sciatic pain was sleeping. I guess you know how bad your problem is. Sciatic pain is terrible, if you never tried Ibuprofen, try it 1st before surgery!!!

[PugMom]

i was recently told about doctors cauterizing the nerve for long term relief. it was done for me during my fusions & really works. there's a numb spot where my sciatica pain used to be

[LianneMigiano]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I, too, had a MRI along with the shots in my back and physical therapy. At 76 I had my first laminectomy (fused from L3-L5), followed by a spinal stimulator and then more shots. In 2023, at the age of 82, I had a revised laminectomy (fused from L2 down to S1). I have fallen 3 times in the past year due to neuropathy in my legs (they don't move normally when "asked to" by my brain). I am now going back for more shots.
I would NEVER recommend surgery at 83 years old! If you are the least bit overweight at any age, you will probably have a tougher time of ANY surgery. I was 20 pounds overweight and would prefer to live in a wheelchair for the rest of my life before I ever have surgery at that age and weight again!

[patriciashew@me.com]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

I had sciatica for 3 years. The only thing that helped was a TENS unit. I wore it for 2 years before I had surgery. I also had Lidocaine patches. That was the only way I could not stick an ice pick in my ear. After surgery I woke up but was afraid to move. I had no pain. After an I finally moved my leg and had no pain!! Also you could try TheraWorkx for muscle cramps. It works great. Good luck on your relief.

[AnneCBrodie]

Two words: Inversion Table

Agreed. In my experience, an inversion table can truly help.

I highly recommend using one that is only slightly tilted (not putting you at a steep angle). Gravity still helps elongate your spine, but without the blood rushing to your head and other physical stresses of being upside-down or close to it.

[Bwanajim]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

Where do you carry your wallet? That could be it. I walked 3 miles a day & one day I made it 3 houses & limped home. Horrible pain. A friend asked me where i carry my wallet. Back right pocket, where my sciatica was. I quit carrying my wallet there and it was gone after a week!!!!!
I did acupuncture before that & it helped but only for a week.

[sarp1967]

My husband was a chiropractor for 45 years. He treated sciatica all the time. Obviously, he's retired now, but he sees Jeff Glover in Leesburg.

[lucyemmi@icloud.com]

I agree with use of SI belt. It has been very helpful for me. It is not to be used continuously, however, as per my chiropractor and massage therapist. I use it when I do housework, shopping and carrying bags of groceries or lifting anything heavy enough to put a strain on my lower back.

[Scbang]

For some, difference in leg length causes the back pain and sciatica. Take a quick trip to podiatrist and measure your legs. If one leg is much shorter than the other, they will recommend orthotics. You can buy expensive custom made one or simply go to CVS.

Cheers!

[Sandy and Ed]

I have had sciatica three times. Very painful and can be, and for me was, incapacitating. MRI clearly confirmed I had a L4/5 issue. Was scheduled for surgery with Dr Hill, neurosurgeon but insurance first wanted PT. Crazy, right?? Physical Therapist had another diagnosis: Periformis syndrome. The periformis muscle is in your buttock and can lock up your sciatic nerve. He treated it by applying his elbow onto the muscle (hurt like blazes) to loosen it and then gave me an exercise regimen. Not sure if it will come back but I haven’t had another bout for over a year. I’m not a doctor but you may just want to mention this to your own therapist.

[Markkal]

Strengthen your core muscles. Try water exercise. Stretch your hip flexors, they get tight & short with prolonged sitting. Avoid dead butt syndrome. Get off your Butt and get the gluts stronger.

[Amonke]

Try Relief Factor,
also Classical Stretch exercises from Miranda Esmonde-White

[Sunnies]

Heat for temporary relief. A Piriformis Muscle stretch each morning will also help. And a dash of Tumeric in your coffee in the morning helps with total body inflation. (Research shows Tumeric is better absorbed when eaten with pepeper)

If the problem persist I check try a chiropractor or acupuncturist.

[Sherkugawa]

What's the best treatment for Sciatic back and leg pain?
I did some research on Interventional pain management and osteopathic manipulation.

I had a MRI along with the shots in my back,
9 weeks of Physical therapy and
4 sessions with chiropractic treatment (still going on) with no results.

I doubt at 83 years old surgery would be out of the question, but
I do have a appointment with a neurosurgeon in Gainsville in a couple weeks

Any ideas going forward

Cheers

When I had sciatica 5-6 years ago I had complete relief from an epidural. I was cautioned that I probably would not have complete relief and that any relief would be temporary. My result was the opposite. I had complete immediate relief and no recurrence. Maybe I was lucky.

[Susan1717]

I have a bulging disc and also a herniated disc. What has really worked for me is during physical therapy. I got dry needling and that worked great for about three or four months and then I just do it again. What also gives me the best relief is prevention and I watch what I eat! I stay away from all the foods that cause inflammation in my body and I feel so much better than Anything with sugar or that turns to sugar will cause inflammation so I stay away from desserts, bread, pasta! You might also try some supplements that help inflammation. The last thing that I’d say helps is weight management!

[llaran]

Watch Bob and Brad on u tube for exercises to cure

[ndf888]

I have had sciatica three times. Very painful and can be, and for me was, incapacitating. MRI clearly confirmed I had a L4/5 issue. Was scheduled for surgery with Dr Hill, neurosurgeon but insurance first wanted PT. Crazy, right?? Physical Therapist had another diagnosis: Periformis syndrome. The periformis muscle is in your buttock and can lock up your sciatic nerve. He treated it by applying his elbow onto the muscle (hurt like blazes) to loosen it and then gave me an exercise regimen. Not sure if it will come back but I haven’t had another bout for over a year. I’m not a doctor but you may just want to mention this to your own therapist.

Same here. I have later learned to treat it myself by sitting on a lacrosse or tennis ball.

[Battlebasset]

Hi.

I'm so sorry you're going through that miserable pain. I've had sciatica pain since 1993. What finally brought me relief was an inversion table. The Teeter brand is the only FDA approved table. I discovered this relief when I had a ruptured disc several years ago. I used this table as a last resort for the pain I was in. I continue to use it intermittently but it's really given me my life back. (No pun intended)

Please check with your doctor before buying or trying a table, as people with certain health issues cannot use them. I do not do full inversion, I only need about 20% to keep me moving.

I hope you can find relief soon.

I just picked one up (Teeter). Only had it a few days, but it seems to be making a difference.

The classified section of Talk of the Villages always has one or two for sale, of various brands. If you can find one in good, safe condition, and can get it home, it can be worth a try. Agree, speak with your Dr., and start off slow and not at severe angle to start with.