Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Severe 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.
Severe Sciatica
by jarm, Sep 21, 2003 12:00AM
I have serious sciatica and pain, for over three yrs.
I'm 66 yrs ,in other wise good health and physically fit, and exercise daily. Originally pain only in left buttock,...in past 12 months pain goes to left leg and also tingling down leg to foot.The pain is usually in AM upon getttin out of bed, and bad, sometimes comes again during day, not usually at nite.
In past 8 months I have developed almost disabling pain in left knee ( primarily when walking).
Been to spine clinic , sports clinic, pain center. Had injections , into piriformis muscle, "caudle"in Coxy area, syndisc injections(3)in knee, only temp relief.
Orthopaedic Physician told me my left quad muscle was "shutting down" and is showing atrophy.Had therapy to strengthen.Also trying acupressure treatments from a kinesilogist.negative
Had spine x-rays in Aug ,03. "grade 1 spondylolisthesis,L4 on L, probably secondary to posterior facet joint degenerative change ,disc height loss at L5-S1"
I believe the following and seems obvious to me: ,but I am not expert: the sciatica nerve (pinch?) is causing my leg and
knee muscles to weaken, and thus not support my knee properly and causing the knee to malfunction, a downward spiral !!?? .
I am not keen on surgery but this seems inevitable before I have further probs in knee/leg and continued level 10 pain.(I also walk about two miles/day , was advised OK by Ortho Phys as long as I can stand it , I use brace for knee occasionally)
What are your thoughts about all this? ,Thanks J.
I'm 66 yrs ,in other wise good health and physically fit, and exercise daily. Originally pain only in left buttock,...in past 12 months pain goes to left leg and also tingling down leg to foot.The pain is usually in AM upon getttin out of bed, and bad, sometimes comes again during day, not usually at nite.
In past 8 months I have developed almost disabling pain in left knee ( primarily when walking).
Been to spine clinic , sports clinic, pain center. Had injections , into piriformis muscle, "caudle"in Coxy area, syndisc injections(3)in knee, only temp relief.
Orthopaedic Physician told me my left quad muscle was "shutting down" and is showing atrophy.Had therapy to strengthen.Also trying acupressure treatments from a kinesilogist.negative
Had spine x-rays in Aug ,03. "grade 1 spondylolisthesis,L4 on L, probably secondary to posterior facet joint degenerative change ,disc height loss at L5-S1"
I believe the following and seems obvious to me: ,but I am not expert: the sciatica nerve (pinch?) is causing my leg and
knee muscles to weaken, and thus not support my knee properly and causing the knee to malfunction, a downward spiral !!?? .
I am not keen on surgery but this seems inevitable before I have further probs in knee/leg and continued level 10 pain.(I also walk about two miles/day , was advised OK by Ortho Phys as long as I can stand it , I use brace for knee occasionally)
What are your thoughts about all this? ,Thanks J.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Sep 21, 2003 12:00AM
Nerve fibers within the sciatic nerve supply the back of your thigh and the muscles past your knee to your foot. Therefore, if you are developing atrophy of the muscles on the front of your thigh something else must be involved, unless it is secondary to lack of use. The main nerve supplying the front of the thigh is the femoral nerve. It is possible that the pain in your leg is causing you to alter your walking style, and this could cause more pain in your knee. If you have not had an MRI of your spine it would be reasonable. Also, you should see a neurologist who can examine you in detail and ensure that this is only your sciatic nerve. They may do an EMG (measures the function of muscle and nerves) to help sort this out. Then discuss surgery after you have all the information. Good Luck
