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I need a recommendation for treatment of sciatic pain. A
very healthy, sturdy relative has received steroids for 10 days--no help.The pain
came on suddenly and now numbness is beginning.
In fact, it's getting worse. We have heard of Wake Med and Spine
Center. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Last edited by ncjoy; 01-11-2012 at 04:09 PM..
Reason: spelling
I had this and went to see just about everyone. Over time the only things that really helped me were chiropractic (even though I generally don't believe it works for most things) and time. I injured mine in the great snowstorm of 2000, and it still hurts to this day.
Steroids and other NSAID drugs are generally bad for the liver long term, so you should be careful with those. I also went to see Raleigh Orthopaedic and they helped some but what really helped me in the long term was time, and time only.
I went to Duke hospital and saw the lady neurologist they had, she was eastern european, polish or something. I can't remember her name but she was excellent. Very caring and thorough.
Bottom line is physical therapy exercises are probably what you are going to need, they helped me tremendously.
I second RDUbiker avoid the pain medication if you can, it will destroy your organs. I just grit my teeth and beared the pain. If you do your physical therapy exercises it should help.
Wouldn't they want to go back to the doc that gve them the meds? Have any tests been run to see why it's happening. It would be a shame for them to change docs at this stage if they are being seen by a specialist. Sometimes/often, they resolve without intervention. But, with numbness, there could be other issues that need addressing. Is it from a protruding disk? If so, the doc may recommend another level of therapy. If the person isn't seeing an ortho, then any of Raleigh area otho clinics would work. Some folks have gotten relief from accupuncture, some from spinal manipulation as done by a Doctor of Osteopathy. Raleigh ortho and Triangle Ortho are both good places.
Thanks. The relative has seen the GP twice and just got a
suggestion of Wake Spine & Pain Center if it does not
get better by next week. Surgery has been discussed. I want
to get perspectives from others. THank you all for the information.
We are grateful.
Personally I would advise against surgery unless it really just becomes unbearable. My mother had surgery for it and now her problems are much worse than they ever were. Most studies have shown no real positive outcome from surgery.
I have sciatica that flares up from time to time. The best solution I've found for myself is exercise when it flares up. Just a few months ago I had a really bad run where I was practically limping from it. But after a month it finally went back to no pain at all. Hopefully one day doctors will come up with a cause and solution!
I would avoid surgery. I haven't known anyone where surgery has acrually helped. I've lived with sciatica for 15 years...It first flared up in college and I couldn't walk for a week. It took me a few flare-ups before I fugured out what works for me. I have to get a NSAID (anti-inflammatory) shot in my back, some light pain meds and muscle relaxers for about a week. I have toned up my muscles and have noticed less flare ups. Physical therapy will help, but not in the midst of a flare. In in case, an MRI needs to be done to find out what the problem is. Go back to the doctor and let them know the steroids didn't work. Other medicines can be used. Your relative shouldn't have to take pain meds long term, just until pain is gone.
Generally surgeons are not the best people to see first with back pain unless you know that there is a definite need for surgery with imaging to back it up. Spine centers typically have Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation that specialize in back pain and can treat you with medication, injections and/or PT. Will refer you to a surgeon if needed. Back surgery does not work well if there is nothing to fix (like pain from a muscle strain) .
Cary Ortho also has a spine center with PMR docs, a back surgeon and PT onsite. Carolina Back is another although without the surgeon.
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 like Dr. Gwinn at Carolina Back Institute in Cary and North Raleigh. He was very helpful and seemed to really care when I saw him for a bulging disc.
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