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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Sciatica?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Sciatica?
by Chuckz, Apr 16, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 59 yr old male. In 1998, I went to my doctor complaining about a sensation in my right groin that travels through my right buttock, down my right leg and into my right testicle. After MRI examination, it was noted some degeneration at the L1-2 and L2-3 levels with actual herniation of the disc at L2-3. I also had disc bulging at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels. The discomfort contines today. There is a tingling sensation in my right side, into my right buttocks and down my right leg. The right leg feels somewhat weaker than the left and I can relieve some discomfort when standing if I turn my right foot on its outer side. If I sit too long and then stand, the discomfort lessens. I sleep on my left side as lying on my right side for a few minutes, the tingling begins. If I stretch my right leg (Hamstring?), it also appears to lesson the feeling for awhile. I do not take any medications. Also, when I feel I have to urinate or have a bowel movement, after the act it seems to lesson the discomfort feeling. What can you tell me? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Apr 21, 2002 12:00AM
Your symptoms of buttock and leg pain/weakness sound consistent with the disc bulging at L4-5-S1. This certainly could be sciatica, or a problem along the nerves from the L4-5-S1 roots. The groin pain is more consistent with the problems at L1-2. Consider seeing a neurologist for a formal neruological exam. ALso, an EMG would be helpful in looking at the extent of nerve injury. We usually recommmend light physical therapy (some recommend rest), anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen or tylenol, and no heavy lifting. If the symptoms progress with bowel and bladder involvement, or the degree of disc herniation is severe on MRI and EMG, then surgery may be the option for you. Start with the neurologist who can help point you int he right direction. good luck
Also, maybe when your bladder or colon is full, it puts more pressure on the nerve & disc.
I heard they now have some pretty non-evasive surgery techniques to repair herniated discs. The Laminectomy operation felt like someone beat me on the back with a baseball bat for a couple weeks afterward.
Good luck to you.