What is Sciatica
You may be surprised to learn that sciatica is not a spinal condition, but instead a symptom of a low back problem! Many different low back problems can cause sciatica. Sciati...
Join Now
|
Sciatica - Epidural injections?
|
Watch this |
| View More Posts Ignore |
Hello everyone,
Back in May 2008, I woke up with a terrible pain in my right hip, since then I've been to at least 3 hospitals and no one could tell me what is going on with me (after having X-rays, MRI's, CT-Scans, and bone scans). My tests came back normal - at least that's what the reports read and what the doctor's have informed me. However as the months roll by, my condition is not getting any better. I tried Physical therapy and it just aggrevated the situation. My lower back is in a lot of pain and for the most part I have to stay in bed, with very little activity. I had an EMG test on me - to test the nerves and it didn't show much. When I was a baby I was born with scoliosis, and now at the age of 26 I understand that there is a narrowing of the spine. I have been to a chiropracter - and he recommended getting spinal decompression - although I'm not sure what the risks are and if this is really going to help me out? I also had steroid injections in my SI - Joint - but that didn't help one bit! Now I am going through with epidural injection - which initially helped the first two days, but I still feel soreness where they injected me, and have a tingling burning feeling going down the back of my leg - the side of my leg, and if i should dare wear shoes with a little bit of elevation (very low heals) it is extremely painful, and I have to switch back to sneakers or flip flops. At this point - I have been continuing taking my naproxin - but that hasn't changed my situation much - but I did notice a little weight gain. I really hope someone can give me some guidance on how to deal with what I believe to be a sciatic nightmare, so I can go back to enjoying life again. Thank you and I wish everyone dealing with this pain - my support and encouragement to not give up! Posted on 10/03/08, 12:10 pm |
| 5 Replies | Add Your Advice |
| View More Posts Ignore |
How do you know it's sciatica if the MRI showed nothing? Does the pain radiate down the outer side of the leg and into the foot?
First, let me say that you should NOT be going to a Chiropractor!!!! If you DO have something wrong with your spine, you could end up paralyzed. I've had 2 neurosurgeons tell me that unless I want to end up in a wheelchair or paralyzed (or both) DO NOT go to a Chiropractor, particularly with spinal problems. They are not trained to deal with complicated issues of the spine. And all they can do is X-rays ~ that doesn't tell you anything ~ it won't show the soft tissue that gets damaged, i.e. herniations, etc. If you only got a couple of days relief from the steroid injections, you won't get any better relief if you get more injections. Not only that, but any times we introduce a foreign substance, i.e. injections, into the spinal canal, we run the risk of getting adhestive arachnoiditis, which is a very painful condition and can be caused by injections, spinal taps, etc. It's also incurable. You can do a search on google,and you'll find out more about it. I wouldn't let them do any more. There are more options than injections. Ask to be referred to a pain management specialist, who can better treat you for the pain. There, you'll be given more options, but be sure and tell them that you've already had the injections so they don't try to give you more!!! DON'T LET THEM ! Best of luck and God bless! Hugs, Lee 
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
WOW,I'm so sorry, I really don't have any advice because I'm going through the exact same thing as you since April 2006, so that's 2 1/2 years of pain which no one can cure. I've been through the ringer and back. Every time I see a new neurosurgeon they take x-rays and MRI's and tell me nothing is wrong. I'm back at the Pain Management Doctor again and Physical Therapy for the THIRD time. Hopefully the third time will be the charm.
Good luck to you. I know how frustrating it is to be in pain and be told there is nothing wrong and have nothing help.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
http://dailystrength.org/groups/ne...
Come join the neuropathy group - this is a neuropathy / nerve issue.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
So sorry to hear what you're going through. No one should have to suffer like we do!
A couple of things come to mind--1st, you mentioned a terrible pain in your right hip. Has anyone spoken to you about piriformis syndrome? 2nd, there are medicines that help w/nerve pain. Neurontin, topomax, lyrica, just to name a few. I fought the meds at 1st, but found they are helpful w/the pain. Have any docs talked to you about these?
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Hi, Smiley-
I really sympathize - I've had sciatica for about 6 years - two surgeries later I still have it in my left leg but got relief in my right leg from the laminectomy I had last May. Some people have been helped by epidural injections but I never was. Lyrica does help some people but weight gain is a very common side effect. But if it helps you, may be worth a try. Normally, an MRI will show compression of the sciatic nerve. I agree that seeing a pain specialist makes sense - I know how frustrating this is - but don't give up! There are still options out there. Take care and hope you'll let us know how you're doing!
|
|
|
|
||
| Add Your Advice |
