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Suggest Treatment For Severe Sciatic Pain

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Posted on Fri, 19 May 2017
Question: I have 2 pinched nerves in my lower back by sciatic. is there anything I can do for that or do I just have to live with it. And why is it that some days it bothers me more than others.? some days I get this tingling feeling in my lower back down my legs and other days I don't. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get an MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern. Sciatic nerve pain can be frustrating. It could be due to a pinched nerve, or to a slipped disc, the main reason being either damage to the nerve or increased pressure. The pain varies on different days depending on the change of position or to a swollen or inflamed tissue around the pinched nerve.
The first thing you need to do is have an MRI done. This will give your doctor a better idea on the location and the degree of the pressure on the nerve and help them devise a more realistic treatment plan.
Depending on the severity, the treatment is mainly conservative, meaning rest, pain medication, hot or cold packs, massage, limitation of strenuous physical activity, avoiding sitting for a long time.
In severe cases, when the pain is continuous and intractable, surgery is the only relief.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (9 hours later)
I had an MRI taken a year ago. It showed that I have two pinched nerves by the sciatic. every once in awhile it bothers me and the nerves going down my legs bother me. It doesn't happen all the time. Do you think it could be when I sit in a certain position and it moves? So far, I am just living with it
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The pain varies with the degree of compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand what you are saying. The reason for the on and off pain is that the lower back is a very XXXXXXX area, hence the compression of the nerves waxes and wanes with movement. Every time the pressure on the nerves increases, you feel a shooting pain that goes along the trajectory of the nerve.
When you sit in a certain position you may put higher pressure on the nerve root leading to pain.
For the time being, since the pain is not constant, you can avoid abrupt movements and figure out the sitting or standing position that you feel works best for you.
Heat or cold patches can sometimes help with the pain relief.

I hope this answers your question.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Sciatic Pain

Brief Answer: Get an MRI Detailed Answer: Hello, I understand your concern. Sciatic nerve pain can be frustrating. It could be due to a pinched nerve, or to a slipped disc, the main reason being either damage to the nerve or increased pressure. The pain varies on different days depending on the change of position or to a swollen or inflamed tissue around the pinched nerve. The first thing you need to do is have an MRI done. This will give your doctor a better idea on the location and the degree of the pressure on the nerve and help them devise a more realistic treatment plan. Depending on the severity, the treatment is mainly conservative, meaning rest, pain medication, hot or cold packs, massage, limitation of strenuous physical activity, avoiding sitting for a long time. In severe cases, when the pain is continuous and intractable, surgery is the only relief. I hope this helps. Wishing you all the best.