Sciatica

[zircon]

I would advise AGAINST a chiropractor... a good physical therapist can do all the same stuff but has better credentials and a wider range of knowledge. A chiro can possibly do good, but you'd be best off seeing a physical therapist, preferably one working at a larger medical clinic or group, and thus has resources to other specialists and equipment.

[kouly]

I would second avoiding the chiropractor, they can only manipulate and are not going to have the education of a doctor. They can make you feel better but I have been to some that have some questionable practices. I also second the spinal injections. That is first I would go to a PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. This is an MD who should be a anesthesiologist (4 extra years of med school to get this). They can recommend the best care for your pain since they will understand it the best. You will have to get a referral from your primary care physician. Mine was referred to me by my family physician after years of sciatica from a ruptured disc in my back. He performed the injections which are sometimes referred to as an epidural. It can be performed in a surgical center as opposed to a hospital but it is performed in a surgical setting. As a Certified Surgical Technologist(#86117) and someone who has had the procedure twice, I can recommend this treatment. The pain management MD will also be able to prescribe any pain meds that he or she feels is beneficial to your quality of life.

[Casey H]

Quote:I would advise AGAINST a chiropractor... a good physical therapist can do all the same stuff but has better credentials and a wider range of knowledge. A chiro can possibly do good, but you'd be best off seeing a physical therapist, preferably one working at a larger medical clinic or group, and thus has resources to other specialists and equipment.Hey Zircon,Thanks. My understanding is that the P/T approach for a problem like mine is to address spine alignment issues in a more gentler way with stretching. A Chiro's manipulation is more aggressive. I also think a good Chiro would give the same stretching exercises since they are generally good for this and for maintenance. I'm not anti-Chiro... I hear with acute problems like this, many have been helped. However, they get their bad reputation from some of them also claiming that they can cure everything from a head-cold to cancer (exaggerating a bit) with their spinal manipulation.Typing while standing or sitting with the heating pad under my butt, Casey

[Casey H]

Quote:I would second avoiding the chiropractor, they can only manipulate and are not going to have the education of a doctor. They can make you feel better but I have been to some that have some questionable practices. I also second the spinal injections. That is first I would go to a PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. This is an MD who should be a anesthesiologist (4 extra years of med school to get this). They can recommend the best care for your pain since they will understand it the best. You will have to get a referral from your primary care physician. Mine was referred to me by my family physician after years of sciatica from a ruptured disc in my back. He performed the injections which are sometimes referred to as an epidural. It can be performed in a surgical center as opposed to a hospital but it is performed in a surgical setting. As a Certified Surgical Technologist(#86117) and someone who has had the procedure twice, I can recommend this treatment. The pain management MD will also be able to prescribe any pain meds that he or she feels is beneficial to your quality of life. Hey Kouly,Thanks... Appreciate the input... Yeah, I'm familiar with pain management specialists, epidurals, etc. My wife works in the health-care field and, as an engineer, I used to work for a company that made anesthesia equipment. I got to know many anesthesiologists and spend a fair amount of time in the O.R. watching procedures. That was pretty interesting.It's tempting to go right to one of these folks, get an epidural, and probably get immediate relief that will last a while. I keep hoping that with some more days (or weeks?) of P/T, I can start to see some improvement. I'd rather not mask the pain and possibly hide what my body wants to tell me. But, at some point, I need a normal life again and will do what I have to do.You guys and gals are great. I really appreciate all the responses, support, and encouragement... ... Don't think there is a song in this anywhere... I can't imagine "The Epidural Blues" as a big seller... Casey

[grandmatarkin]

Sorry to hear about this problem! But don't abandon all hope yet... About three years ago I have something called De Quervain's something or other... anyways, it was impossible for me to play... grrr. Thank god it got better (after like 1.5 years), but in the meantime, there was some relief from Steroid injections, which someone else mentioned. Maybe those are worth a go. There were, for me, at least temporarily helpful. If you want to be more experimental, you could try something else I'm doing. Check yer email Dave

[kouly]

Quote: Hey Kouly,Thanks... Appreciate the input... Yeah, I'm familiar with pain management specialists, epidurals, etc. My wife works in the health-care field and, as an engineer, I used to work for a company that made anesthesia equipment. I got to know many anesthesiologists and spend a fair amount of time in the O.R. watching procedures. That was pretty interesting.It's tempting to go right to one of these folks, get an epidural, and probably get immediate relief that will last a while. I keep hoping that with some more days (or weeks?) of P/T, I can start to see some improvement. I'd rather not mask the pain and possibly hide what my body wants to tell me. But, at some point, I need a normal life again and will do what I have to do.You guys and gals are great. I really appreciate all the responses, support, and encouragement... ... Don't think there is a song in this anywhere... I can't imagine "The Epidural Blues" as a big seller... CaseyI am sorry Casey, I did not mean to imply that they can only mask the pain. In my case, I was advised that a surgical replacement of the disc would be a good option and it is a CURE for the condition, the problem being that since the replacement procedure is so new and the factors for recommending such procedures are not defined enough yet. So I was given the injections as a temporary solution.(They have worked out rather well). My primary suggestion of going to a pain management MD is that they will recommend a treatment, physical therapy, etc. that will not mask the pain unless that is the only option.I hope you feel better soon and there is a song in this, I just don't think it has lyrics.(see Medical/Scientific listing). Take it easy, real easy. Oh and no more prolonged sessions at the computer keyboard, you got to get up every once and a while and in the words of a fairly wise man, "shake that booty".

[jeffe]

I can honestly say that I know what intense pain feels like.I'm prone to kidney stones, and I've been in tears on a number of occasions. It's bad when it's there, and sometimes you just want someone to put you asleep, rather than carry on, but that would be quitting wouldn't it?From one bawler to another. I hope you can find some middle ground with your pain I found it taught me how to write intensely emotional songs. What a way to learn eh?Anyway. Keep well. Where's those painkillers!!and after reading all the replies, all I've got to say is "My god. Everyone on here is falling apart"

[jchitty]

I hope Casey gets better. I have one of the best chiropractors ever....so that is something to look into. I really don't know that much about sciatica....I do know that if you go the chiropractic route.....choose very wisely. There are some good chiropractors out there who can do wonders, and then there are some quacks who can do even more damage to your body. It's best to get references in your area....see if the chiropractors are board certified, etc.....just like any doctor (even though they're not docs in some people's eyes), check them out. My chiropractor really helped me with some neck and back issues, but he's one of the best in the state, and I was referred to him by a friend.

[Casey H]

Hey KoulyI hope you didn't think I'm arguing with you... Just discussing... My mind is as wide open and the pain is... I hope you are doing well too...Here is my understanding of the "injection" treatments... (1) An orthopedist can inject a corticosteroid into the affected area and that acts as an anti-inflammatory. Many have gotten relief this way, though eventually it wears off. By cutting down the actual inflammation, you are not really masking the pain, you are eliminating the cause of it (for a while). These generally are only recommended a few times in a lifetime in any one part of the body.(2) Pain management/anesthesia folks generally do an epidural whereby the inject numbing medications into the epidural space by the spine. This is similar to what is sometimes done for women in labor, only more long acting. It also wears off eventually but I hear the relief you get while it is working is pretty good. Number 2 is the treatment whereby I wonder about masking the pain. I could be way off here and making a lot of assumptions so if I don't feel better soon I would consult with someone to help guide me.Once again, thanks!! I'm taking it all in and really appreciate all the time you and others put into your posts. Casey

[kouly]

No I don't think you are arguing. I just did not want to convey the idea that masking was their primary focus. The procedure I received was a combination of both 1 and 2 in your post. I see you have a good understanding of the differences. I received general anesthesia for the procedure. (night night). Each procedure I received consisted of 5 injections each. 4 for the steroids into the facets of the vertebrae which had developed some arthritis and 1 for the epidural which is a injection into the actual space containing the spinal cord. This kind of procedure should not be taken lightly since any intrusion into the spinal cavity can introduce an infection which could spread to the brain and the results of this kind of infection could be life changing in a bad way if you get my drift.