Sciatica

  Among my other assorted neuromuscular problems (twitching off and on, recovery from c-spine surgery, etc.), it now seems that I have sciatica or something very much like it. It began weeks ago with a relatively brief period in which I had intense pain radiating from my buttocks down the back of my leg into my foot. That subsided quickly only to be replaced by something far more irritating... a constant "tickling" in the same general areas. The "tickling" or crawling sensation is driving me quite mad. I've tried anti-inflammatory (off and on; not consistently I admit), hot baths and anything else I can think of. The only temporary relief I can get (oddly) is if I stretch my hamstring by sitting on the floor and leaning forward onto my leg. My leg also feels "tight," not stiff exactly but almost as though it's hesitating when I step forward. If I take a forceful step forward (and stretch the hamstring), it stops the tickling and actually brings some sort of relief. Question -- what is this and how do I stop the tickling?  When will it likely go away (I've now had it for about seven weeks!). Thanks.
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Thanks for your question.  Although not very common, the symptoms described
in your message could be a manifestation of a mild radiculopathy, that is,
a compression/entrapment of the nerve roots as they leave the spine.  The
presence of fairly typical radicular-type pain preceding your current symptoms
further reinforces this hypothesis.  Despite the relatively benign (although
quite annoying) nature of your current symptoms, it would be advisable to
further evaluate your lumbar spine to rule-out the possibility of a more
ominous/serious structural problem.  One investigational step would be to
obtain a neuro-imaging study (preferably a MRI scan of the lumbar spine).
If alterations are seen in the MRI scan, one should consider the necessity
of an electrodiagnostic test, such as an electromyogram (EMG).  Please
discuss these possibilities with your physician.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.