Sciatic Nerve problem or is it something more?

[inmys2k]

I'm 19 years old and developed what my doctors told me to be a sciatic nerve problem. I encountered this problem back in May of 2007 and the pain lasted until the end of August. In mid August the pain became too great to bear. During that time, I took vicodin and Motrin to help with the pain. During the end of August the pain was practically gone and I was back to normal. Only with the exception that if I tried to run or stretch I can feel the pain so I wasn't back to normal yet. I took it easy and hoped it will heal itself. Now 1 week ago I woke up and there was this surge of enormous pain. I couldn't even walk or do anything! I couldn't even sleep! This pain was entirely throughout my left leg. From my left buttocks to the bottom of my left foot. The next day I went to the doctors and they prescribed me with Indocin and more Vicodin to help deal with the pain. Kaiser then told me there is nothing they can do because only time can heal it and booked me with an epidural shot (steroids) to help with the healing process. Now my question is, being this young, is it unusual for something like this to occur? And when I took X-rays they said there is no disc problem. Should I take an MRI to be sure? Anything I can do to help deal with the pain and what to do to prevent from this happening again? Workout? get in shape? strengthen the back? I can't go on in life knowing my nerve might flare up again unsuspectingly and ruin my job or future. Because of this problem I now don't have a job. So what are my options?  

[painkiller99]

An MRI would indeed be helpful in determining any underlying neurologic disease/condition in your spine.  However, prior to undergoing this procedure, it might be better to consult a neurologist first to assess your condition.  It would be best to avoid any activities that would put stress on your spine.  Physical therapy might be helpful in alleviating the pain.  The focus should not only be strengthening the back but also the muscles of the abdomen to provide support for the back.

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
It is definitely unusual to have,but it is common now as with our stressful life.Mainly this kind of symptoms are work related or if any injury has occured at lower back level.Yes ,MRI would help in knowing the anatomical configuration of lower back  and if any diseased state exist.You can avoid lifting heavy weights, doing strainful work involving your lower back ,get help of physiotherapy and routinely do exercise for strengthing your lower back.
Caliber2005