Recommendation for treatment of sciatica (Raleigh, Durham: sales, health insurance, contractor)

[mamasplace]

I have lived through sciatica from a severe fall and auto accident. I got temporary relief from meds but can't stay on them long term... the longest relief I have ever gotten has been from chiropractic. But not just any old bone crunching kind of chiropractor. Please check out atlas orthogonal method of chiropractic. There are many in the area that do it and they really can make a difference.

[ncjoy]

Thank you all for the recommendations. I really appreciate your openness
and sharing your experience.

[Mirabella]

Sometimes my sciatica flares up and if I was living in the Raleigh area, I would go in a heartbeat to Dr. Stephen Saleeby. He is a chiropracter but he doesn't use the "jerk you around" technique. He uses a computer program for the analysis of the problem and then an instrument that delivers tiny "adjustments" to your spine. He had helped me immensely with lower back pain issues.

[PatRoy1]

Chiropractor got my husband back on his feet after a bout of sciatica several years ago that kept him all hunched over in pain. He was seeing a doctor and a physical therapist and still, three weeks later, he spent most of his day in bed, zoned out on painkillers and moaning every time he had to stand.

Finally, I hauled him to a chiropractor. He was walking within a week.

He continued with chiropractic "tune-ups for some time and still does a home exercise/stretching program. He took several months to be pain free and for the numbness in his leg/foot to go away. But it went away and he has been doing fine now for years.

We have recently moved to the area and are on the lookout for a good chiropractor, so appreciate any suggestions.

[PatRoy1]

I worked for three physiatrists several years ago. I cannot tell you how many people were there because of back surgeries gone awry. I would recommend trying everything, and I mean everything, before back surgery.

[matisse01]

Originally Posted by sandycat

I suffer from sciatica ... I wake up with an ibuprophen 800 and end the day with one as well. I'll probably end up with an ulcer. I've been to a general doctor who told me that I can take up to 2400mg of ibuprohen a day! He said we can treat an ulcer if I get one. I've seen a massage therapist, a chiropactor and Triangle Ortho who immediately wanted to do an MRI. My insurance doesn't cover it and therfore opted out of that. I'm goign to continue with pain meds and see the massage therapist on a regular basis. I think of everyone, she was the most helpful. The pain does get better, I promise.... but mine recently came back and now I'm going to treat it with massage. It caused me a lot of depression. It's been almost a year of extreme pain, and I'm only 40! All this pain really changed me mentally. I feel your pain! Good luck!

I am a therapeutic massage therapist who works with chronic pain and have had many clients come to me with sciatica. I would say to come see me but I live in New York for the time being. I strongly agree with Sandycat about massage. Although treating sciatica with massage takes time and you probably won't see a big difference in the first few sessions you must understand that since sciatica is an inflammatory condition, one of the best ways to move inflammation out of the area is through manual manipulation (also why exercise helps). I would recommend to ice the area, take ibuprofen and when it's not acutely painful, start doing massage. If you are in acute pain, the therapist won't be able to touch it so that won't work. Increasing circulation and blood flow increases the rate of healing by 1/3. Massage is a therapy, not a quick fix so I recommend you find a medical massage therapist and have a conversation with them first and see if they are well-versed in treating these types of conditions. Inexperienced therapists may be frightened to touch someone in pain. I've googled some medical massage establishments for future work for myself so I know they are there, but I certainly can't vouch for them, maybe someone on this forum can recommend a good massage therapist. It's definitely worth a try! Good Luck.

[ncjoy]

Well, we tried to get in with Dr. Gwinn at Carolina Back Institute.
RIDICULOUS!!! 2 week waitlist. The primary referring doc is
shocked, as are we. A nurse is available.
HELP!!!!!!!!!

[Mikeheel]

Sorry to hear there was too long a wait for you with Dr. Gwinn. I think I got in about a week after calling them, but two weeks really isn't long for a specialist in the area (many orthos or physiatrists are 4+ weeks unless there is an emergency situation).

However, there have been other good recommendations here, too. There are lots of good chiropractors in the area, including several mentioned in this thread. Don't give up.

[matisse01]

The likelihood that the back doctor will give you the same advice as many have here is pretty good. Besides giving some pain meds which won't help too much, it's best to reread the advice and start applying it on your own.

[ncjoy]

Thank you for all the suggestions. We've started with a nurse and
will go to Dr. Gwinn as soon as he has opening. MRI completed. Glad to
know of other options. I fear with numbness and weakness to
go straight to chiropractor or massage therapist first. They
are definitely on the list of cherished health care providers. Thank you all very much.

I appreciate private messages from any about specific experiences,
good or bad, with providers in the triangle. We will drive wherever
to be able to walk without feeling like a fall is imminent.