Sciatic Nerve Problems Can Cause Discomfort in Back, Legs
Posted November 3, 2008 12:26 PM
QUESTION: When I am standing in line, taking my half-mile daily walk or just about anything that involves standing for more than a few minutes, I get a tingling sensation at the bottom of my spinal cord (in the buttocks area). As soon as I feel this. I know I need to find someplace immediately to sit down. If I don't, the sensation goes all the way down to my toes. If I try to walk, it feels as thought I am on marbles, and I never know if my next step will hold me or if I will fall. This has been happening for several years.
I have had an X-ray of my spine and was told I have arthritis but that it should not cause the symptoms I am experiencing. Please help!
ANSWER: Your symptoms are suggestive of sciatica. This is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve that leads to numbness, tingling, burning, a pins-and-needles sensation and other symptoms in the lower back, buttocks and/or legs.
See an orthopedist who specializes in the spine. He or she can examine and test you to determine the cause of your symptoms. You may need an MRI. This test is more detailed and can show soft tissues such as vertebral discs and muscles. In most cases, back pain is caused by a herniated, bulging or torn disc that allows the vertebrae to touch or compress surrounding tissue and nerves.
If it is sciatica, simple exercises, chiropractic manipulation or physical therapy might be all you need. Because your symptoms occur only occasionally, the degree of compression is probably minimal. However, if your symptoms progress, worsen or become constant, you may need more aggressive therapy, such as epidural steroid injections or anti-inflammatory or pain medications. For severe cases that do not respond to other therapies, surgery may be a last- resort option.
Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.
Originally published by PETER GOTT Newspaper Enterprise Association.
Source: YellowBrix, Tulsa World
Comments
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Posted December 17, 2008 8:56 AM
I have been suffering from sciatic pain for a long time. although I tried the chiropractor to help in correction. BUT it did not help with my pain. my pain is just a little more harsh, because all I have to do is stand for awhile and my middle toes have no feeling on both feet, also there are times that I'm down unable to walk, sit, or ride in a car, or even lay flat on my back because the pain goes from my lower back and down my legs is so bad that I can't even stand up so someone please tell me why this is? because I was also told that if this gets worse that it could cause someone to go paralized. now I dont thiknk that this is true! can someone answer these questions
Posted November 5, 2008 9:24 AM
I love my chiropractor! It is all natural healing, meaning no drugs. I have a sciatica nerve problem so I do know what you are going through. If you decide to use a chiropractor, either take your xrays with you or have him take new ones. With him showing you the xrays, have him fully explain the problem and what course of treatment he would recommend. My chiropractor even recommended watercize classes to help me. I have been going to him for on and off for 30 yrs. I was in a serious car accident, and his treatments have kept me walking and talking since then.
Posted November 4, 2008 3:51 PM
chiropractic manipulation took care of my problems with sciatica beautifully. Every once in a while when I do something silly, like climb up and down ladders all day, lift too many heavy boxes or furniture around....or heft too many babies it might give me problems again but an adjustment or two puts it right back until I do something to offend it again (which can be weeks or months, depending on my actions).....and I'm old. :^))))) I love what my chiropractor does for me and my well being....he is a great resource.
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