Oooh! My fucking ACHING left back AND left leg!

[ThatsMyBarack]

Last week, just before I was slated to skate in a national competition, I came down with a case of sciatic nerve pain that starts in my left back side and shoots down to my left ankle. I've been to several doctors and have started physical therapy. I'm taking lots of ibuporfen and using a heating pad. Still my leg feels like it's asleep! :hurts:

[MineralMan]

1. Get someone to hit you in the right knee

with a pipe and you'll forget all about your left side pain. :evilgrin:

Seriously, I hope you heal up quickly!

[blm]

2. Limit your time at the computer for starters. Sciatica doesn't go away quickly, and you may need

an MRI to see if you have a collapsed or ruptured disc in your back that needs surgery. I had the surgery after two endoscopic procedures failed to make a difference. The numbness down my left leg persisted for months after surgery (still numb but to a lesser degree today 10mths later) but, most people regain full feeling after 4 months.

Best wishes to you.

[ThatsMyBarack]

3. MRIs are a waste of money....

Even AFTER insurance covers part of it--and they don't show anything.

[blm]

4. It may be required though BEFORE your doctor will proceed with back surgery.

.

[ThatsMyBarack]

5. Who says I'm having surgery?

I'd rather try acupuncture next if my current treatments don't work.

[blm]

6. Sorry - I was under the impression you wanted to discuss what may lie ahead for you as a

patient suffering sciatica. I was sharing my recent battle with sciatica and the necessity for surgery based on my condition not improving after endoscopic procedures.

Good luck.

[conscious evolution]

9. I have to disagree

When my back went out the herniation of the disc was very plain to see.
Everyone who saw them went 'holy shit!
Doctors went from 'you just want painkillers cause your a junky' to 'I can give you stronger Oxycontin if you want'

[RagAss]

7. This cured me.....The McKenzie Method....

http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Back-Robin-McKenzie/dp/0959774661

[DeepBlueC]

8. sitting really aggravates it ...

the couch is your friend...lounge without guilt.

[conscious evolution]

10. Absolutely right

One doctor told me that studies had shown that sitting puts more pressure on your back then anything else.
Stand up or lie down.Never sit for long till this is taken care of.

FWIW.I went with chiropractic care for my back and it worked.However,there are a lot of quack Chiro Doctors out there so be careful choosing one if you go that route.