Sciatica Questions and Answers

I HATE LEGAL DISCLAIMERS. My lawyer insists...Thanks for understanding...

Please send me your sciatica questions via the CONTACT ME form. I will do my best to find an answer to your nerve pain question. I will answer you by email and post your questions here. Please be sure to provide me with a valid email or you will never receive an answer.

This is YOUR sciatica questions and answers forum. Please enjoy it and I look forward to receiving your questions and comments soon!

A: Hi Helen, Structurally, it is possible, but most cases of cycling related pain are due to some deeply held belief that the activity is inherently bad for the sciatic nerve. This type of pain can be effectively cured using knowledge therapy, while structural pain is best handled with activity avoidance. I hope this info helps you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: my name is Liam and I'm just wondering is 8 weeks a long time to have a problem with a pulled muscle. i also have pain down my right knee at times. can you please cure this for me. thank you Liam.

A: Hi Liam, 8 weeks is a long time to have a pulled muscle, if that diagnosis is correct. I have no way of curing you, but I offer you my sincere wishes for a complete recovery. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am a 31-year old female. For many years I have been a regular "recreational cyclist/athlete." I lift weight, swim (a bit), run, cycle (road and indoor spinning), and also use elliptical machines. I normally train about 75-90 minutes, 6 days a week.When I cycle, usually 60-80 miles. In mid-July (now over 5 months ago), I had started doing more road cycling (moving from once a week, 2-3 hours up to two and then three times a week). On a Saturday, at the gym on an elliptical I had a slight uncomfortable feeling in my left ankle/heel area, kind of like my shoes were tied too tight or something. I must mention that I had recently seen a podiatrist after a short bout with sciatic (in the hip) pain and pain in posterior tib region during the preceding three months. I had been fitted for orthotics and had been using these for about two or three weeks at this point. Anyway, didn't think more of it. Then, the following day I was out riding and about 1 1/2 hours in I felt a sharp stinging pain in left Achilles. When I got home, there was a small purplish/bruised area adjacent to left Achilles. I took a few days off and found an article on eccentric calf raises. Within a day or two, the right Achilles was also affected. I was also having a lot of lower back pain which had been increasing for a few months. Since then, I'll give you the "brief" version of what I've been through:1- Bilateral feet/ankle x-rays- NORMAL2- Spinal x-ray- Essentially normal, evidence of sacralization so last lumbar disk slightly compressed3- Bilateral ankle/calf MRI- NORMAL (possibility of slight edema adjacent to left achilles)4- Exhaustive bloodwork testing for RA, MS, Lupus, Spondylarthropathy, etc, etc5- Months of chiropractic6- Deep tissue massage7- Sports Medicine who suggested night splints and physical therapy, which I've just started8- Professional bike fit (seat was too low, too far back, had cleats moved back)9- Stretching (15-20 minutes daily), icing, NSAID's

As a part of the lab work, stool fat came back increased. Doc said this "could" indicate celiac but I had the test when just getting over gastrointestinal bug and he felt I'd be having more symptoms besides joint/muscle pain.

Since the beginning, I've been told I'm not a typical Achilles tendinosis patient. No trouble going up on toes, no discomfort with plantar or dorsiflexion. Not overweight, not a "one-sport" person. Some pain with very firm palpation, but different areas of the entire tendon will be tender depending on the day. the back pain got much better for a short time and the Achilles were starting to feel much better. I'd started running some again, and had been back on the bike a few times (had just been elliptical, swimming). A few weeks ago, things got worse again. Lower back pain is back with force. I also have a stinging, burning sensation running from groin down back of hamstrings around inside of knee and down into heel (not continuous, but that's the general pattern). I'm taking more time off from any activity again, but it's like I feel worse with the rest.

The physical therapist told me to stop using the orthotics. He wonders if they may have started everything and after looking at them and at my feet, said they're not doing anything for my arch anyway (I'm flat-footed, overpronate). I also have huge calluses, not on the bottom of my heel but covering the entire calcaneus on both heels, all the way up to Achilles insertion. Some of the docs I've seen wonder if they're something other than calluses and if there is some connection.

At this point, I don't know what to do. Is this really just my Achilles? Is the source somewhere else? Does this sound like sciatica? Sometimes I feel like the entire lower half of my body is in pain. I saw a chiropractor for months but he could never seem to get any release from my lower spine. Please, if you have anything to offer, get back to me. Sally

A: Hi Sally, To me, it sounds like you are both highly focused on exercise, yet view it as a potential source of your pain. Additionally, you are obviously obsessed with your health and dote on every detail of your painful condition. I interpret all this quite differently... I think your problem may be ischemia, which would certainly explain the width and breadth of symptoms you are having. This could also explain the tremendous callous formation, as this is common on the feet and hands of people with severe cases of oxygen deprivation. I advise trying something different in the form of knowledge therapy. I think there is some underlying emotional reasons for your pain which have never been addressed... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: This pain started about one month ago. I am currently taking muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory drugs.but I still have the pain. My sons thought if I just went to the gym, it would all disappear. Wrong! My pain is in my groin and I also feel it when I am sitting down and it goes all the way down to my knees.nothing is working for me. I am scheduled to go to a physical therapist tomorrow. wish me luck. does anybody have any advice for me? thanks Ann

A: Hi Ann, I advise getting a diagnosis, if one exists, for without one, you are merely guessing when it comes to treatment. If an MRI shows no structural reason for the pain, then I would advise thinking about the possibility that the pain might be ischemic. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I ruptured L5/S1 about 11 yrs ago. I have had 2 discectomies in which the first one worked, however the pain never went away 100% the 2nd time. But this was also a work comp injury so the sooner I was released the better, in my opinion anyway. I've had spells off and on for these past 11 yrs with the pain always radiating down the left leg. Now there is permanent damage b/c I have no feeling from the knee down on the outside of my left leg. Today, my pain is in both legs, my lower back spasms, my buttocks, all the way down the right leg, and just the knee down on my left with a little bit of discomfort right below the left buttock. Since July, the pain has radiated to the right leg and was causing me terrible pain going back and forth from leg to leg. Well it is now BOTH legs ALL the time, and I never can find any relief. It never fails that no matter what I do, (i.e. try to put my hair up in a pony tail, dress myself from the waist down, showering, going to the bathroom, just walking) causes this horrible unbearable pain. My most recent MRI shows that L4 is slightly bulged, L5/S1 is done for. You see my 2 vertebrae in my back and this very thin black line in between them, and then there is all this EXCESSIVE scar tissue back there. I was sent to one of the best neuro's in the state of Indiana, who wants to fuse me, so I can have my quality of life back. I haven't been able to care for my children, or meet any of my husbands needs. It has been months since we were last intimate. My biggest problem is that I have no insurance, no one who wants to pick up this pre-existing condition needing surgery with a $62,000 price tag. I don't qualify for the medicaid or medicare. Not yet anyway. I can get the medicare and it be effective in July of 09', but I honestly cannot live like this for another 8 months. I am on strong medications that may take the edge off of it, but NEVER leaves me feeling pain free or 100%.I have tried everything from meditation to holistic healers. I have tried to do mind over matter for pain, and it's just not working. It is a very legit pain in my eyes, and how anyone could think this up, or let it be in their head is WAY beyond me! I wouldn't even wish this on my worst enemy!Do you have any advice? Any doctors who do pro-bono? That would help me to get this surgery that I am unsure of, yet am so desperate that I would do anything to get rid of this pain!There is a website I found and they claim to give millions of dollars away in surgeries a year. Ever heard of them? Please can you help me? I want my life back. My 3 yr old needs his at home mom back, as well as the 11 &13 yr old. They are all dealing with my problem and acting out in their own ways. I'm bankrupting my family just by one Dr. visit a month, and all the meds. Just since July with my MRI and everything, I have had to pay about $7000 out of pocket or by credit card and it is breaking us in this wonderful economy we have now. Well I hope that there is something you can offer me with advice, something that can help me....ANYTHING???? PLEASE!?! Desperate Housewife,Liberty

A: Hi Liberty, I do not advise fusion, but that is not your question, so I will not address that issue here. The website you sent looks like it might be what you are looking for. Why not give them a try? Additionally, you might appeal to the local media, who often pick up human interest stories, such as yours, and run with them. You might get a charitable doctor to be to procedure in exchange for the publicity. The last thing to try is a municipal hospital, who is forced by law to provide you with care, if your financial situation is as dire as it seems. Just be careful, this care is often substandard... Let me know how things work out for you and I send you my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have had an MRI witch showed a slight bulge in the L4/L5 area. I have had a ENG Nerve test done- negative. My sciatica pain showed up while rehabbing a broken 3rd metatarsal in my left foot. Then, sciatica showed up in my right leg, then my left. This is the 1st attack. I had 3 epidural Injections witch have helped greatly. I am an avid exerciser and I have been able to get back to kick boxing and Jazzercise now! I have also followed thru with PT too & do the stretches daily. Question is this- will the injections work for a while or will the pain/burning come back? I was told I should be able to get 6 to 8 weeks out of each injection? My doctor has said to get back to my normal routine- will I be able to continue this? I would guess my sciatica is on both sides. The only effect I feel right now is in my hips currently. Occasionally, down the sides of my legs with a twinge! Thank you! Monique

A: Hi Monique, Epidural injections are known to last a shorter duration with every successive round, but not for every patient. Results are highly individualized. I also recommend getting back to a normal routine if possible, it is by far the best way to deal with chronic pain anywhere... Sincerely, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have severe sciatica pain. I cannot even stand upright. I have been walking hunched over for over a month now. This condition is very distressing on my life and marriage. My doctor says its herniated discs in my lower back and my chiropractor says its from a failed arch in my foot. I am going out of my mind with this condition and am looking for any kind of help that I can find. Robert

A: Hi Robert, As I stress throughout my site, the most crucial criteria is an accurate diagnosis. Did you have an MRI of the area? If so, can you send the report? I will be happy to advise you from there. I can almost guarantee it has nothing at all to do with your foot. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello my name is Joanna and I am a 30 yr old woman suffering from a ruptured disk on L5 S1. I have been with this pain from March 2007. I have had Physical Therapy, have been to the chiropractor, 2 epidural cortisone shots, acupuncture, and massage therapy. I have seen 4 doctors who have all told me that i need surgery to remove the ruptured area. This area is currently pressing on my sciatic nerve which is causing severe leg pain and pelvic pain. I am at my wits end. I have tried everything even ice and creams to help this pain. I am scared because I do not want this surgery but it seems to be looking like I don't have any other choice. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!! I need help. Thank you for your time, Joanna

A: Hi Joanna, It is impossible for any disc condition to compress your sciatic nerve directly, since that nerve does not even reach the spine. Your diagnosis must be that the disc is compressing one of the nerve roots which eventually ties into the sciatic lower in the body. Surgery should be avoided at all costs. I always recommend knowledge therapy as the best bet for most patients, but I realize some people do not think this is best for them. As an alternative, I recommend non-surgical spinal decompression as a safe choice. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi Sensei, I just wanted to tell you that I really liked your book. It was the best $10 I spent all year! I feel much better now! Thanks! Matty

A: Hi Matty, Thank you for the nice email. I am happy that you are feeling better and wish you well in your future. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi I have been having what the dr calls sciatica pain in my right leg for about 6 weeks now. He has prescribed pain meds as well as naprxon and flexeril. This has not helped and the pain is worse then ever. I get no relief at all.Sleeping at nite is at best 2 hours then I wake up again and do it all over again.Short of giving it bed rest and physio I don't know what else to do. Pain medication gives me a little relief but with in 3 to 4 hours the pain is as bad as ever.I had an mri done which showed I have a bulging disk and I am now awaiting to see a specialist.What can I do to help me in the mean time so I can function somewhat normal? Carolyn

A: Hi Carolyn, Without an accurate diagnosis, it is difficult to treat any back pain scenario. Obviously, pills will not make the pain go away, since they are merely symptomatic treatment and typically not very effective even at accomplishing that humble goal... I recommend pursuing finding the actual source of your pain, otherwise you are merely guessing. Just remember that many of these conditions are ischemic and not structurally induced at all. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi my name is Donna. I wrote to you a few weeks ago asking for your help on what to do about my sciatica. I am happy to say that i am currently pain free, all i had to do was use a moist heat heating pad and my pain was gone. I think it was being caused by my piriformis muscle. However my left leg is now numb and quite weak. I had an MRI done a couple of weeks ago and I'd like you to take a look at the results and let me know what you think. Thanx for your time!Donna

Ok here are the findings of my MRI, maybe you can tell me a little more about what this means. . . LOL. I pretty much get the gist of it but I'd like to know what it all means to you. Thanx!

Findings: Today's study demonstrates degenerative disc disease at L3-4, 4-5 and 5-1. At all three levels we see disc desiccation and mild narrowing which is most prominent at L5-S1. We see retropulsion of disc material at all three levels. This is most severe again at L5-S1. Above these levels, the spine is well maintained. The cord terminates at the lower endplate of T12 with normal thickness and signal. Soft tissues anterior and posterior to the spine are normal.

Axial findings: L3-4: Mild broad based disc bulge with annular tear. No significant canal narrowing or neural foramina impingement. No nerve root impingement.L4-5: Posterior central disc herniation projecting into thecal sac approximately 5 to 7 mm. Both lateral neural recesses are narrowed with potential impingement of the transiting L5 nerve roots bilaterally. The exiting L4 nerve roots escape direct impingement.L5-S1: Large left posterior lateral disc herniation severely narrowing the left lateral neural foramen and lateral neural recess. Direct impingement of the transiting left S1 nerve root. The right neural foramen is widely patent.

Impression: Multiple levels of discogenic disease with the most severe narrowing with a focal central disc at L4-5 and a left lateral disc at L5-S1. Direct impingement of both transiting L5 nerve roots at 4-5 and direct impingement of the left S1 nerve root transiting to the lateral neural foramen at L5-S1.

A: Hi Donna, I am so happy to hear that your pain is better! Here is what your MRI says:You have normal DDD at 3 lumbar levels. This is nothing out of the ordinary...You also have several herniations of discs at those same levels. L3/L4 is bulging and also has a torn outer disc wall (annulus fibrosus). This disc seems to be causing no problems at all. L4/L5 herniation is rubbing on the sac which surrounds the spinal cord. There is some reduction in the space through which the nerve roots exit the spine (neuroforamen). There may or may not be neurological effects here. L5/S1 herniation is obviously infringing on the left nerve root as it leaves the spine. This may or may not create symptoms. All of these diagnoses can be found in people with and without back pain. Being that your symptoms feel better, I am relieved that this diagnosis did not do you more harm than good! I wish you well in the future and stay in touch to let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: HI-thanks for creating the site. I have been dealing with sciatica for about 6-8 weeks now, and am wondering if the issues i'm having is indeed sciatica. I have been dealing with some back pain,which protruded down my left leg. at first it was not that painful,and was able to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and it helped.then the pain progressed over the next few weeks to where i wasn't able to sit down. i went to the doctors and he said it was sciatica which can take up to 6-8 weeks to go away. no treatment was done. 2 weeks later i go back because i cannot stand this time,and he prescribed naproxen and xrays. xrays came back ok, but now the pain is throbbing around my calf,shin and ankle, and also in my buttocks area,the muscles are so stiff that they almost feel like cramping up. I get about 3-4 hours of sleep AFTER i find a comfortable position,but when i get up in the morning, my leg hurts so bad that i want to cut it off. after about an hour of limping around,i'm able to get dressed,but cant put on socks/shoes..thank goodness for the wife. is there anything that i can do, or talk to my doctor about to help this along so i'm able to at least walk around somewhat or at least stop the throbbing around my lower leg?thanks, Bob

A: Hi Bob, To me, this sounds like a classic case of ischemia, since the symptomology seems far too wide spread to come from any singular structural causation. I would advise you to consider this possibility strongly and pursue appropriate treatment as indicated. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am 79 years old and until recent times never had backache. Recently I have had sciatica which has cleared up within a few weeks. This time it is 6 weeks and is worse if anything. The only trigger I can think is a long car journey when I felt a niggling pain in the left buttock. It has developed where it is with me every day as soon as I get out of bed and is only relieved by lying down or best of all going for a bike ride. Otherwise Standing or walking is very painful and after a few steps I need to sit down it is restricting my daily activities; I cannot do any form of work in the home or garden. The pain is typical sciatica my doc. referred me to a physio. who recommended exercises which I was already doing so hat was little help. I am puzzled why the pain only occurs when walking or standing but not when being more active when cycling - possibly because I'm in a sitting position. What do you think - any suggestions? John

A: Hi John, Have you considered the possibility that your pain might be ischemic? If you do not have any structural reasons to explain the pain, this is the most logical explanation. Was the long car trip stressful or involving a stressful situation? This might have also contributed...Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi I am experiencing bi-lateral sciatica.It all began with a strained hamstring...and then 2 strained hamstrings... (both sides)..Now 6 months later pretty severe sciatica on both sides.I've had an MRI...Everything is normal, no bulging discs.This is NO fun.I have been avoiding sitting for months..Suggestions are welcome.Linda

A: Hi Linda, Have you considered the possibility that the pain is the result of ischemia? This would be my theory. I recommend knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am so glad I found a site that was base entirely on advice and not trying to sell me some useless product at a ridiculous price! Thank you for that. That being said I have a bunch of questions for you. I am a 24 year old stay at home mom, I have an 18-month-old daughter. I have been suffering from back pain since March of '08! It started out in the center of my lower back. My doctor sent me to PT and towards the end of PT the pain had disappeared from my back and progressed into my left leg. After PT the pain got worse, so my doctor sent me back for more PT. I got some relief but nothing substantial. After I was finished with the second round of PT I begged to be seen by a chiropractor, (my doc doesn't believe in them) I've been seeing the chiropractor for about 2 weeks now but the pain and symptoms have progressed even more! I have pain all the way down into my ankle, all the time, and the back of my thigh and whole left side and bottom of my left foot are numb. I'm at my wits end. I cannot sleep, I cry almost every night out of frustration and sleep withdrawal. I'm Toradol, Medrol and Soma, but they only offer minor relief and let me get 2-3 hours of sleep at a time. As soon as I lay down the pain is there and no matter what I do I can't get comfortable. It has just been recommended to me by my aunt and by my pharmacist to take a super B-complex, they both said it works great but I've been taking that for 2 days now and I don't notice a change. Now I said all of that to ask, what can I do? I'm supposed to be going in for an MRI sometime this week, and I have a couple of chiropractor appointments as well. The thought of open back surgery scares me to death b/c all I hear about it is that it doesn't really work. I've found a procedure called micro endoscopic disentomb (non-traumatic disc surgery), which is supposed to work better than open back surgery, do you know if this is effective? I would LOVE any advice I can get, for immediate and long-term results, right now I would kill to sleep thru the night.Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you, I hope you can help me. Donna

A: Hi Donna, You are on the right track. I definitely recommend the MRI. Surgery should not even be a remote thought in your mind, so forget that! Typically, symptoms which worsen as the receive progressively more attention (treatment) are most often psychosomatic. This is a strong possibility for you as well. Get the MRI and send me the report when it is available. I will advise you further at that time. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am the victim of sciatica pain sufferer. Since 6 months this pain is bothering a lot then it changed to left lower back pain no more pain down to knees or heels. Pain is like electric shocks. If i bend down all the way something is adjusted at the lower back then I am fine but due to movement it bother again and stand still pain. since today lower back pain is changed in to sciatica pain again. I don't know whats going on? If anybody know about this, please help me and or prescribe treatment.best wishes for your healthy wealthy & wise. musleh

A: Hi Musleh, Have you ever been to a doctor for diagnosis? If so, what was the verdict? Sensei Adam Rostocki

Follow up: Peace & harmony be with you & yours. yes, I visited many times to my own family Dr and he adviced by "X rays" the on neck and lower back I have wear & tear (degeneration)disk or pinching nerve problems. and he prescribed to pain killers very strong but I am unable to consume those because of heavy dizziness and sleeping. so I dont take but only tylenol, and I get temporary relieve.I am requesting a unique prescription of either neuropathy or pinching nerve problem which will give me at least 50% relieve so that I can still survive. help me & God will help you, thanksmusleh

Hi Musleh, Ok, degeneration in the neck and lower back is normal and expected and pinched nerves can only be seen on MRI, not x-rays. I suspect that since the doctors did not find anything serious and that your pain profile changes often, you might actually be suffering from ischemia, not degeneration. This is the most common form of chronic pain anywhere in the body. The best treatment is knowledge therapy, since this gets to the root cause of the concern and stops the process from occurring. This is my advice to you. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i am suffering from back pain for last 4 months.i got a MRI done recently.The doctor says,the fluid in the last disc is completely gone.The disc above this is ruptured and the fluid is pressing the nerve.My age is 40 yrs.I have the pain one day in the right leg and the other day in the left leg from the buttocks.Now is this condition curable. please reply Vinod

A: Hi Vinod, Complete degeneration of L5/S1 is normal and expected. A rupture at L4/L5 is common and is often diagnosed as causing nerve compression, although it rarely does. This is one of the most prevalent cases of misdiagnosed back pain in the industry. Being that your pain shifts constantly, the probability that it is coming from these discs is low, but still possible. I recommend you try knowledge therapy and barring success with that treatment, you might consider non-surgical spinal decompression. Best to you, Sensei Adam Rostocki