Sciatica, Leg Pain, Piriformis Syndrome? Herniated Disk?

[BobbyHarvey]

Hello and thanks for your help.  My pain started about 3-4 months ago with mild hamstring pain in both legs.  It was a dull sometime shooting pain.  I had very little flexibility in my hamstrings until I stretched them.  The pain has become more extreme and is now hurting in my lower legs (shin splints and ankle), hips, butt, hamstrings etc.  The pain was in both legs but now is 90% in my right leg.  Its at its worst in the am when I wake up and pretty much never feels 100% even after NSAIDs.  After doing extensive research I believed it to be piriformis syndrome and I did several stretches for it daily and while it helped a bit it has not fixed the problem.  After doing more research I believe it to be a herniated disk and have tried to do stretches for that, but it doesnt seem to help.  The pain seems to be the worst if I lay flat on my back and roll my hips towards the ceiling.  It hurts the most after sitting for long periods of time and the most when I wake up in the AM.  Ive slept on my stomach for 15+ years and have tried my best to sleep on my side or back lately.  I do feel numbness in my feet at times and I have tingling as well which points towards sciatica.  The main problem with my situation is that I cannot afford to see a doctor at the moment due to losing my insurance when I was laid off.  I hope to find a job very soon and get this checked out, but what can I do to help myself?  If I left anything out, please let me know and I will try my best to answer it.  Thanks again!!

[skmedlin27703]

If you were laid off I would ask about Cobra benefits, with the new law that was passed you should find it more affordable or state medicaid benefits or the local free clinic they have in most counties (atleast they do here in NC).... maybe your doctor would see you if you explain you are "getting" insurance soon (truth or not) and ask to be billed for that one visit. Your health is important, you are important.  Inbox me if you have any questions or would like to share stories from experience, b/c I am no medical professional but I have lived with chronic pain for 12 years and I am 33 with 2 kids and a family.  Anything is possible.  Hope you feel better soon.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would e difficult to determine the cause of your pain. Possibilities that may need to be considered include nerve/ root compression/ impingement, neuropathy, injuries/ trauma, micronutrient deficiencies, infections/ inflammations, muscular causes, vascular issues, joint inflammation/ degeneration, hormonal/ endocrine issues etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a primary care physician or an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Meanwhile you could try taking multi-vitamin supplements, while warm compresses and tylenol/ OTC NSAIDS may be helpful for pain relief.
Hope this helps.

Take care!