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1415174 tn?1453243103

Anyone had sciatica?

I got a lumbar Spain and my doctor said to
go to physical therapy.  I went but got injured
By the "exercises" and pinched my sciatic nerve.  Now I can't do anything.  I am Locked up and can't bend, or dress myself.  I had this about 10 years
ago and had a MRI, xrays, many different meds and the only thing that helped was increased walking.  I also had gone to integrative medicine and tried acupuncture, cortisone shots, biofeedback,  etc.
My new doctor that told me to go to physical therapy wants me to do PT again. Note that I have failed PT 5 other times. So I  don't want to go again and xray won't show anything new. It will hurt me to get in the car. Additionally. I am on a benzodiazepine for abdominal migraine and so they won't give me any meds except Tylenol and Ibuprofen.  Those don't help much. Any suggestions on trying anything?
mkh9
4 Responses
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Avatar universal
I have been on Gabapentin for sciatic/nerve issues and it's changed my quality of life.  Had a spinal fusion @ Mayo Clinic back in 1982 and as of the past 5-6 years have had an issue with numbness, nerve pain down my right leg and into my foot (L4-L5) impingement.  It no longer flairs up, since the Gabapentin Rx.  I'm on 300mg/3 x/day and it's been a game changer.  Best of luck to you.  Mayo Clinic figured it out, was @ Cleveland Clinic and UPMC prior, but Mayo Clinic was worth the trip for sure.    
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I have been on Gabapentin for sciatic/nerve issues and it's changed my quality of life.  Had a spinal fusion @ Mayo Clinic back in 1982 and as of the past 5-6 years have had an issue with numbness, nerve pain down my right leg and into my foot (L4-L5) impingement.  It no longer flairs up, since the Gabapentin Rx.  I'm on 300mg/3 x/day and it's been a game changer.  Best of luck to you.  Mayo Clinic figured it out, was @ Cleveland Clinic and UPMC prior, but Mayo Clinic was worth the trip for sure.    
Helpful - 0
20620809 tn?1504362969
I had sciatica.  It was explained to me that it was impingement of a nerve most likely. I stretched like a demon.  It did go away after some time of the stretching routine.  https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/sciatic-stretches  Also, ice and heat alternating helps.
Helpful - 0
20803600 tn?1546262537
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sciatica typically subsides given a few weeks to a few moths- assuming you haven’t done anything serious. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and given some time, typically resolves on its own, or with physical therapy.
Physical therapy can help relax and strengthen the muscles surrounding the irritated nerve and continuing the stretches and excercises given to you after the PT is complete can prevent reoccurrence.
If symptoms worsen or new numbness, tingling or weakness occurs, contact your medical provider who may suggest further testing. Ice and then warm compresses or topical pain relieving ointments/rubs/creams may also help , along with stretches designed to relax and stretch the muscles near the sciatic nerve path.
Helpful - 0
6 Comments
Thanks.  I got hurt at physical therapy 5 of 6 times.  I can't do that again.  
mkh9
Mkh9,
I understand. I did a couple hundred rounds of PT over the years- pain usually increases for a time before it starts improving. If you are getting injured, you may be going too fast, too soon in the PT process.
Is your PT guided by the actual therapist or are you being left to do it on your own after a consult with PT?
There is a huge difference in the results of PT guided by a good therapist and one which you are left unsupervised by the therapist after a consult.
I was always guided
mkh9
I am surprised they permitted you to work in PT so hard you injured yourself during it.
I am sorry it happened that way.
There is no regulation of PT. I went 6 times in the past.  5/6 I got much worse.  
mkh9
PT isn’t just for the days you are assigned to go. It’s not a magic cure- it’s supposed to give you proper technique and exercises to continue using long after Official PT ends.
The benefits of PT occur by following the exercise and stretching techniques they teach you and you continue over time.
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