L4 and L5 Block for Sciatica. When will my leg feel better??

[Sarajmt]

Hi all!  I've been battling a nasty bout of sciatica for the past few weeks.  I finally got a block yesterday on L4 and L5.  My leg really hurts.  Even my toes hurt!  How long before this goes away???  

I'm used to cervical neck ones.  They can make things better immediately or hurt for a couple of weeks.  Depends on what I get.  This is my first Lumbar injection.  I had sciatica during my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies but the last bout was 15 years ago.  And then POP!  OUCH!  And it wouldn't go away.

Anyone else get these?  When will this settle down.

Thanks all
Sara

[peekawho]

I've had 6 lumbar blocks in the past year.  Occasionally, you can have some pain or soreness in your leg afterwards.

It should go away within 48 hours.  If it doesn't, or if your pain feels worrisome or severe right now, call your doctor right away.

In the meantime, use ice, anti-inflammatory meds, and easy activity.  Sometimes heat may help, but usually ice is recommended for 48 hours after.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sara,

I am so very sorry to hear that your pain continues. I had daily sciatica and know how painful it can become. My heart goes out to you.

I have not had a lumbar steroidal injection. My sciatica is due to a bad SIJ (sacroiliac joint). I cannot give you first hand information on them. However I think they are like any similar injection in other locations. I had two in my SIJ. One brought increased pain for just 24-48 hours before I had some relief of pre-injection pain. The last one increased my pain for about a week and it was never effective on the original pain. It was done by the same practitioner in the same facility.

I have no good reason why the last one produced extended increased pain....accept the old stand-by. Our body can and does react differently to the same procedure at different times. I am sorry you have found this to be true also.

Have you tried all the usual like warm baths and gentle massage? I helped me for short periods. Basically I just had to wait it out.

I hope you will soon be feeling better. My heart goes out to you. Be good to yourself.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[JadedSweetheart]

I have only had the cervical ones.  I am so sorry it's not working well for you.  I've had some sciatica and hip pain with this pregnancy that I'm thinking (hoping) will go away when the baby is born.
I just wanted to chime in some moral support.  I don't have a good answer.  I hope you feel better soon!