Sciatic Nerve (again)

21 December 2022, 03:11 PM

i've dealt with this off and on for years. it can be hard to find a solution. and it might be easier to resolve than you imagine. remember that surgeons always recommend surgery. i would find a highly recommended physiatrist or sport medicine doctor if you want to work with an MD.

however, if you have had good results with chiropractic in the past, that would be my first move, before engaging with doctors who will run lots of expensive tests that will likely be inconclusive. it is extremely important that the chiropractor knows what the hell he is doing. finding a *good* chiropractor is not always easy.

21 December 2022, 06:53 PM

Amanda

This sounds like living hell, Mark! So very sorry.

One thing I have always thanked my lucky stars for, was that after my major spinal surgery despite the numerous bad side effects I had, I never had sciatica.

Although the surgeon DID mostly correct the deformity that had developed, he left me with a number of disabling conditions. From what I heard from other "spinies", though, sciatica was one of THE worst pain-wise and is not uncommon with or without spinal surgery.

Very much hoping you can sort it out without surgery, but if needed, surgery can be a blessing (as Lisa said). I also second what pique said about chiropractors. There is a WIDE range of quality, effectiveness (and safety!) between them. Some are miracle-workers and others are outright quacks. (What MUST their schools be like??)

There's nothing quite like severe pain. When you have it, it becomes your whole world such that you can't even remember the world as it was without it. May it be a scarcely recalled nightmare soon!

21 December 2022, 06:57 PM

markj

Doc did x-rays and prescribed a muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine and an anti-inflammatory, Meloxicam.

Once a day on the Meloxicam and 2x daily for the cylclobenzaprine.

Took my first dose at 12:45 and then went to bed and I was actually able to get a couple hours of restless sleep
Better than no sleep.

First PT session is scheduled for January 4th. With the holidays, I was told I was lucky to get one that fast. They also put me on a cancelation list.

Using a walker for the first time in my life.

21 December 2022, 07:02 PM

markj

Doctor followed up and said I have now more arthritis since my last xray in 2018. X-rays show mild to moderate degenerative disc disease.

Getting old is freaking painful.

21 December 2022, 08:24 PM

Piano*Dad

quote:
Doc did x-rays and prescribed a muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine and an anti-inflammatory, Meloxicam.

Ah, Flexeril. Makes me sleepy. There are a bunch of muscle relaxants that can work, and you need to find the one that works best for you. Alternatives include Skelaxin (Metaxalone), Soma (Carisaprodol), Ativan (Lorezepam), and good old Valium (Diazepam).

Metaxalone doesn't put people to sleep.

21 December 2022, 08:28 PM

ShiroKuro

Glad you got seen and that you got some medicines!

I hope you sleep ok and feel better tomorrow!

21 December 2022, 08:39 PM

piqué

quote:
Using a walker for the first time in my life.

so sorry to hear. i hope you find a solution quickly.

21 December 2022, 08:42 PM

piqué

I use cyclobenzabrine when my muscle spasms get out of control (as in shrieking pain). Sometimes it is the only thing that works. It does give me a hangover, though.

One thing to bear in mind is that cyclobenzaprine isn't a muscle relaxer *per se*. It is a *sedative* and should be respected as such. Please read the full disclosures on dangers and side effects that come with the prescription, if you haven't already.

21 December 2022, 08:57 PM

CHAS

Once asked a doc if a muscle relaxer would help a muscle problem.
He said, "Do you drink?" I did at the time
"Have a drink."

21 December 2022, 10:10 PM

Steve Miller

quote:
Originally posted by markj:
Doctor followed up and said I have now more arthritis since my last xray in 2018. X-rays show mild to moderate degenerative disc disease.

Getting old is freaking painful.

Oh man. I’m sorry.

21 December 2022, 11:57 PM

RealPlayer

Sorry you have to endure this, Mark. Glad you are getting some relief!

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“It's hard to win an argument with a smart person. It's damn near impossible to win an argument with a stupid person." -- Bill Murray

22 December 2022, 10:09 AM

ShiroKuro

How are you doing today, Mark?

22 December 2022, 11:48 AM

pianojuggler

I have nothing to add, but my sympathy. I’ve never had sciatica, but enough other things that debilitate.

For 15 years now I have been told I am too young for a knee replacement. I’m 60 now. I’m apparently still too young.

I hope you are better soon.

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pj, citizen-poster, unless specifically noted otherwise.

mod-in-training.

pj@ermosworld∙com

All types of erorrs fixed while you wait.