If you can, try to get an MRI, that is how I got my diagnosis of sciatica. I had to push for mine even tho I had symptoms for years. I also have fibromyalgia. I get massage, accupuncture and chiropracty right now. I didn't know how much tension I carried in my body till I started massage. I think all of us with sciatica deserve massage, its just so hard living day to day with chronic pain isn't it? I think an MRI is going to show way more than an xray at least in my case. All the best, Chrisal

HI HUn and Hun

for pain in the butt (referred to as piraforma syndrome)

you need to do stretches - YES stretches .

Google "priaforma syndrome stretches video" and you need to do them

Plus you need to ice your lower back and put bengay on you lower back and butt (but be careful to avoid the internal thing-y - it would burn)

also take some aleve and take ranitidine with the aleve to protect your stomach.

if you can get a muscle relaxer from your doctor - it would help a lot too


hugs

Thanks for your reply, Chrisal. I did have an MRI before I had the first spinal injection. The pain dr. (who was totally rude) said it was L-5 before I even had the MRI. Then on the day of the injection, he said it was L-3 & L-4. Two weeks later, I had the 2nd injection. I told him I was still having the horrible pain. So he said, "L-5." That also did no good. The next month I went to the Spine Institute, and the dr. there (who treated me very kindly) said the spine injections were useless. So he tried a joint injection. This did not work either.
Re: massage--I waited 6 weeks to get an appointment with the so-called super massage therapist. The first $120 session was good. She massaged around the scar tissue from my hysterectomy (back in '89). All the pain went away. I almost burst out crying. Unfortunately, when I got off the table it all came back.

I saw her again 3 weeks later and she said she couldn't do anything for me--that it was nerve pain. Of course, I had to still pay another $120. She told me I needed energy work. When I asked what that was, she said she didn't know, but someone told her it was good!

Today I am having a colonoscopy because my former dr. said I might have cancer since I have lost about 15 pounds. I put it off for 7 months (waiting for the butt pain to get fixed). I really think the weight loss is due to not eating much because of the pain.

So I muddle on...

Be well,
Revi

Raoulby, Thanks for your reply. I have done stretches, but I'm at the point now where I'm not sure which ones are even helping...I'm afraid I'll cause more pain. I am waiting for this new chiropractor to examine my records. She told me she was going to focus her practice on people with fibro, thyroid probs, and two other areas. I just don't know what's going on anymore.

Having a colonoscopy today...my former dr. said I might have cancer because I've lost weight since all this pain began...

oh well, the jury is still out on everything...and I remain frustrated.

Peace,
Revi

Sending big hugs and prayers for you today. Isn't it nerve wracking to have to go through all this stuff while you are suffering, I know. May you get the answers you need real soon! Chrisal

Thanks Crisal,

I've upped my Lyrica to 150 mg twice a day...am trying to get the ibuprofen down to 9 tabs a day...600 mg. 3 times a day...still waiting to hear from this chiro in town who i going over my medical records...but it's been a couple weeks since she got them. I don't understand this at all. She seemed to be eager to help me when I had my free consultation appointment.

Peace and wellness,

Revi