Sciatica

[hchytd]

Hello all,

Well, I finally was given some conclusive diagnosis - a heavily inflamed Sciatica. It got to the point where I could barely walk and was in such severe pain I was bed-ridden for over a week. My PCP eventually gave me Percoset and some Aleve (which combined helped take the edge off - but still pain). I have been told that usually the sciatica heals and/or pain subsides in @4 weeks on its own - but may come back eventually. I was thinking of visiting a chiropracter, a physical therapist, and purchase some better walking/running shoes.

Any final thoughts for me?

Thanks in advance!

-hchytd

[concerned621]

The best advice is to let it heal. Rest and some light stretching really help. Drink a lot of water.  
I purchased a doctor recommended shoe several months ago and even got my husband wearing them. They are Hafflinger clogs. For my husband to wear them you know they work. The heel is a little higher than the front part of the shoe so the support for your foot and back is perfect.  I've had 7 back surgeries and I have fibromyalgia.  I have so many issues with walking. These shoes are amazing. Highly recommend them. Never go without a supportive shoe and/or slipper. Hafflinger makes slippers too. So when you get out of bed don't be bare foot. It will help your recovery.  

A stretch for sciatica is lay on your stomach on your bed. Hands down at your sides.  Gently stretch upward to create an arch in your back. Only do what is comfortable. And only do what your doctor recommends.  

Take care.

[sandee1818]

D.O is a doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

The main difference between an MD and a DO is that D.O.s have been specially trained to perform osteopthic manipulations on patients. They view the patient as a 'total person" and focus on preventative care. They view the whole body rather than treat specific symptoms or illness. D.O.s use Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in their practice. This involves the use of their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage your body's natural ability to heal. Osteopathic medicine is a fast-growing segment of the United States healthcare field.

[hchytd]

Thanks Tuck - what's a D.O. (Orthopedician?)

[Tuckamore]

Maybe an MRI of the spine would be helpful to check the structure of your spine.

I see a D. O. for my sciatic symptoms. She diagnosed the cause of the pain when other physicians could not. You may want to consult with a D.O.

Good Luck.

[hchytd]

No back injury or otherwise. I walk a great deal, not the best of shoes, and I am 75 years old. I just had a hip x-ray - everything looked good there. Any tips for me on finding the source? Thank you, Opus88

[opus88]

yes all of those measures should give you some relief....of course the pain meds are only covering the pain and not the source...
has there been any investigation into the source?   was it an injury to your back? or a temporary inflamation?