[Viking]

To anyone who has had lower back/sciatica problems. Can you tell me what you've done for treatment, how long you had the problem, and were you able get relief/cure? I've had this for about 4 months. Went for 8 sessions of physical therapy, to no avail, and had to 2 MRI's. Now my doctor is suggesting seeing a neurosurgeon.

[NotGolfer]

I too had years of this. Saw Dr. Dan Spurrier, Neurosurgeon on Old Camp Rd. Excellant physician...won't jump into surgery unless other things are pursued. I had steroid shots but then had his non-evasive surgery and it went VERY well. Give him a call for at least a consultation. Oh...and everyone I'd talked to in the hospital and elsewhere who knew of him also gave VERY positive comments.

By the time I had surgery it had ruptured! I'd done everything first, NOT to have surgery! Exercise, chiropractic, P.T. etc. This was very much a last resort thing we did for it. With mine...I was told Pilates etc. would only exacerbate the issue...and this came from MORE than one source!!

[Ohiogirl]

Ask your doctor if yoga would be safe for you to do and try a beginner level yoga class (for free) at one of the rec centers. Look in the recreation news. You can also go to an intermediate level and just not push it as hard.

I have had occasional sciatica and when I go to yoga twice weekly, I don't seem to be bothered by it. When I get lazy or travel and don't do it, then it comes back. Also, try not to sit a lot. If you watch much tv, get up and do the stretches for 15-20 minutes instead of sitting in your favorite chair. Has helped me.

[jebartle]

Read your post, sounds like you would be a safe candidate for chiropractic....If you have been thru all of the parameters of medical diagnosis and all findings were normal, there would be no contra-indications for spinal manipulation....Be very careful who you select.

My husband is a retired chiropractor, after 30 years of practice, and he would feel very comfortable excepting you on the basis of your post, but his new profession is golf....If you need any further information please pm me.

[renrod]

Originally Posted by Viking

To anyone who has had lower back/sciatica problems. Can you tell me what you've done for treatment, how long you had the problem, and were you able get relief/cure? I've had this for about 4 months. Went for 8 sessions of physical therapy, to no avail, and had to 2 MRI's. Now my doctor is suggesting seeing a neurosurgeon.

Finally had surgically repaired by a NEUROSURGEON. 3 plus years since and the best thing I did for my back. The Neurosurgeon will not operate if not necessary. Go see him, you won't be sorry.

[Ohiogirl]

I don't know - you go to a surgeon for an opinion, and I think they are often going to advise surgery - that's what they know. I don't think they always explore all the other options. My best friend's father was a G.P. and his advice was always to be careful whom you ask.

[TF Hutch]

Back Problems
To anyone who has had lower back/sciatica problems. Can you tell me what you've done for treatment, how long you had the problem, and were you able get relief/cure? I've had this for about 4 months. Went for 8 sessions of physical therapy, to no avail, and had to 2 MRI's. Now my doctor is suggesting seeing a neurosurgeon.

Been there, done that!

My neurosurgen said "I love carving people up, but you don't need it"
Was pretty much disabled for 18 months, then when I had to go back to work, the pain seemed to work itself out. I have to exercise religously, or I lock up. A short walk seems to loosen me up, but aquasize really helps.

[Uptown Girl]

Water aerobics, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and learning how to adjust my sleeping positions all help me tremendously. Discuss any alternatives with your main medical persons first, though.... it helps them all work together, to help you in the best way.

Best wishes. Hope you begin to feel better!

[784caroline]

Look into stretching the Piriformis muscle in your BUTT......let me tell you this will clear alot of sciatica problems . Its not a difficult exercise adn a good PT can help you!

[wesmin]

I had back problems and had seversl treatments on a dx 9000 (may not be quite right name but close) machine in chiropractic office ten treatments to pull back and allow disk to get back in place. I had it for two years many treatments of other stuff this worked for me.

[SALYBOW]

Originally Posted by renrod

Finally had surgically repaired by a NEUROSURGEON. 3 plus years since and the best thing I did for my back. The Neurosurgeon will not operate if not necessary. Go see him, you won't be sorry.

How long was your recovery?

[batman911]

I believe the "cure" may not be the same for everyone. I have had it off and on for more than 20 years. MRI says 2 herniated disc. I can control it through exercise and stretching. I still run, weight room workouts and golf. When I get it bad, I do more stretching. My doctor provided an instructional guide for the stretching exercises. I was initially diagnosed when I was still in the Navy by a military doctor who told me that if I could live with it, do it rather that have surgery. There is no gaurantee that surgery will not make the problem worse. Military doctors do not make money from surgery so I tend to believe what they say. That said, if you cannot live with it, surgery may be your only option. My experience with it is that time will heal most back problems to some degree.

[MrMark]

Originally Posted by Viking

To anyone who has had lower back/sciatica problems. Can you tell me what you've done for treatment, how long you had the problem, and were you able get relief/cure? I've had this for about 4 months. Went for 8 sessions of physical therapy, to no avail, and had to 2 MRI's. Now my doctor is suggesting seeing a neurosurgeon.

Neurosurgeons love to cut you open. That's what they do. Try Acupuncture which won't cure you but can provide significant relief.