Sciatica or Not?

[Slomoshun]

Hello.  My name is Steve.  A few weeks ago I woke up with horrible lower back pain and pain shooting through my left butt cheek down to my ankle/foot.  I am unemployed at the moment and can't afford to go to the doctor so I did my own research on the web.  From the symptoms I described everything is telling my Sciatica.  It felt like the pain was getting better but a few days ago I found it hard to lay flat on my back.  The pain would shoot down my leg.  Seemed like sitting upright in a chair was the only way it felt good.  Last night I put a pillow under my left leg to elevate it so I could fall asleep and woke up with a cold half asleep leg(lol).  I read it takes 4-8 weeks to get better.  I've been taking aspirin and I know its wrong but I took some of my dads Hydrocodone that he gave me for the pain.  He had back surgery and 2 knee surgeries.  I saw some stretches I could do but even attempting them puts me in horrible pain.  Anyway I would like to get some opinions on the matter.  Should I go to the doctor anyway?  Does this sound like Sciatica?  

tyia for the help.

[Slomoshun]

thank you for your help

[opus88]

depends on exactally whats causing the problem.....numbness and tingling are only a  symptom of blood supply not getting to the lower limb.
so therefor there is probably a nerve impingement somewhere in your lower spine...that needs to be determined than decide if its temporary or permanent.
good luck

[Slomoshun]

Any Idea when I will get the numbness and tingling out of my left let/foot?

[opus88]

Hi Steve, no your right you really shouldn't ever take someone elses medication. that said taking too much aspirin is also dangerous, Tylenol would be a much better alternative as long as you stay under 2000 mg daily.
Yes it certainly does sound very much like sciatica, I have had this for years.
Question is have you injured your lower back or is it possible you have degenerative disk disease? Or an inflamation that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve?
Are you having any lower back pain?
Try using ice/heat combo on the lower part of your back that may give you some relief and make sure you are sleeping on a mattress that supports your spine very well, no sags especially.
If its a temporary problem due to a strain on your lower back than yes it will gradually go away on its own in a few weeks, how long depends on exactly what is occurred to begin with and how badly the impingement is.
Try to do some stretches, lay on your back bend one leg at a time and bring it up to your chest, hold for 30 sec. each leg and repeat x3....is one good one I know of....there are some much better medications for sciatica than opiates that your doctor can give you if this is what you do indeed have....ie: neurontin or Lyrica