Pinched sciatic nerve.

Question

I have had an annoying pain, that runs from my lower left side back all the way down to my ankle, for ever since I can remember. I get it after I have been on my feet all day, but I don't feel it much while walking, mainly when just standing. The last doctor I saw said it was just something I would have to live with and to try and shift my weight while standing, and try not to stand all day. Seemed like kind of a stupid answer. Anyone deal with this without popping pain pills all day. I've always felt pain pills were placebos anyway.

Answer 1

Nobody's body is perfectly symmetrical: one leg is shorter than the other, which will throw off your hips, back, etc., especially after standing for hours. If you're a guy, DON'T keep a fat wallet in your back pocket, 'cuz when you sit, THAT will throw your skeleton off in a couple different ways, esp. if you drive long distances or sit without standing for long periods.

I have found that shoes that have a firm arch, which 'cup' the heel and aren't too loose in the toes are very helpful. This means no flip-flops, no boat/deck shoes, no sandals, etc.

Most effective of all I've found is a good chiropractor. I have been lucky that way, and have found a few who would actually cross-refer me to osteopaths for trigger-point injections and/or acupuncturists, "as indicated."

Answer 2

I developed a bulging disc between lumbar 4 and 5 by running too much on the jogging trail. I'll tell you what I did. You'll have to decide what is applicable in your case.

1) My chiropractor recommended taking daily doses of 100 mg. of Vitamin B6. It strenghthens nerves. I noticed an improvement in 4 to 6 weeks.

2) Aleve is a good NSAID medication that is sold over the counter.

The doctor can prescribe a stronger form of the drug in the name Naproxen. The doctor can also prescribe Tramadol which is a narcotic and good pain reliever.

3) The lunge exercise is good for sciatic conditions.

An example is at the bottom of this site:

http://www.halhigdon.com/15Ktraining/Str...

4) I bought the Teeter inversion table. You can invert yourself partially

or completely for spine decompression. It feels great. It costs a few hundred but I like it.

http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html

5) Back ice packs (they connect with velcro) you can buy them at most pharmacies

-- example at the site below:

http://www.shapeupshop.com/fitness/recov...

6) I purchased the Rebuilder 2407 Electronic Stimulator (information at the site below).

This product was intended for a variety of ailments including nerve damage due to diabetes but I found it helpful when the electrical attachments are placed slightly to the right and left of the spine where the bulging disk occurs. In my case,

just slightly lower than waist level to the right and left of the spine.

They want $699 for this, so it's something to consider even though it's a little expensive. I bought the more expensive model since it had the AC adapter associated with it rather than just the battery (and so it supplies more power)

http://www.rebuildermedical.com/

Answer 3

I highly suggest you consult with a specialist in Spinal Diagnostics and inquire about a Sciatic Nerve Block.

http://www.deaconess.com/body.cfm?id=192...