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...
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Sciattica, Epidural Shots and Excercise- what the?
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Ok, so- here it goes. I was diagnosed with a slight and I do mean SLIGHT bugle in the L4/L5. I initially went in to the sports medicine doctor for what I thought was a pulled hamstring. I was sent for an MRI. The doctor said I had Sciattica. Please keep in mind, that I did not have any of the symptoms at that time either. The appointment was September 22nd. I went for the MRI on Sept. 30th and had a follow up appointment on Oct. 2nd to discuss the findings of the MRI. Witch, were that I had the slightest bulge in my L4/L5. I was going to physical therapy for a pulled hamstring. My P/T saw the x-rays and kept saying- "Sciattica? really? I can't even hardly tell there is a bulge"! I also showed my chiropractor & he basically said the same thing! I was immediatally schduled for 3 epidural shots of cortazone. the pain, itching and all over body pain didn't start until October 17th. Then, it went crazy! It only slowed down on Oct. 28th, after I had my 1st Epidural. I am sch. for 2 more. Nov. 3rd and the 17th. i am also doing disc decompression at the same time too. I have had a very good response so far. Please understand, I also take Jazzercise, cardio kick boxing, pilaties and step. I have been able to still excercise & I refuse to give up. My questions are these- How long does the epidurals last? Is sciattica going to flare up every time I try and excercise? (Please understand I was NOT excrsising when this decided to show up!) Can people just have a 1 time bout with Sciattica and be done with it? Please, help me with anything you can- answers! I am a very active and fit person! I refuse to give up! god bless and thank you!
Posted on 10/29/08, 04:10 pm |
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My MRI shows I have spinal stenosis with disc/nerve compression at L4 & L5.
I have had transient problems for about 10 years. Some soreness in my lower back but MAINLY excruciating pain in my left hip/groin area radiating to my knee and sometimes my ankle. I am active also but when I have a flareup I back off. What;s most perplexing about this is that I can never seem to determine a causal connection for a flareup. 2 weeks ago went for some long walks and had no problems. This past weekend did the same thing and had a bad flare-up. Sometimes it's completely unpredictable. You will have to modify your workouts to lessen involvement in the area you have pain. I have not been able to use the orbital machines at my gym because the movement apparently irritates my hip area. Don't try to "tough it out" because you won't win and will in fact make things worse. You can still exercise but might have to change certain routines. It sounds like part of your problem may be simply "overuse". I didn't seek help for years because I tried to "tough it out" , it would go away for a while and then inevitably return. I think this made my situation worse because I would rarely give my body a rest for any length of time. See a Pain Specialist or P.T. that has experience with sciatica. I have had 4 epidural shots since September and they have helped about 50% but I still get attacks. I have friends who have had 1 or 2 shots and they have been fine for years. Despite what anyone may tell you there are lots of unknowns regarding pain and how to treat it and how any particular person will respond. In the meantime try giving it a rest. 
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I have sciatica that has lasted over ten years and it comes and goes, I have had the epidurals, the myleogram, the MRI and chiropractor and even though sometimes it hurts worse then others there are exercises you can get that help and especially swimming. Exercise like walking especially when it hurts the worse is the best because sometimes even starting out slow and pushing it a little bit more each day.
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I've had similar experiences as chopper regarding not resting. Currently, I have a herniated disc at L5-S1 with sciatica down both legs that gave me no choice but to lay down. I was a gymnast and did tae kwon do as well as many other sports. I had knee surgery my freshman year of high school and never slowed down. I only took Ibuprofen for knee surgery. I had my first sciatica bout about a year after knee surgery, so 6 years ago. I've found that even Morphine will not take sciatica pain away, but it will sure make you care less! I thought pushing through the pain would make it go away. I'm paying for it now. Pushing through the pain and ignoring it made it worse and 'chronic'. Now, I will have problems for quite a bit longer than I already have, the docs say forever but I refuse to believe that. I didn't seek treatment for 4 years until I couldn't stand for 5 minutes due to back/sciatica pain. I had to quit my job as a dnetal assistant. Please don't be like me. Do lots of research and choose the treatment you feel most comfortable with and confident in. I hope you find relief. I'm here to support you in any way you need!!!!!
Much love and understanding, Lisa
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