What Is My Next Step Of Action When Diagnosed With Sciatic Nerve Pain And Was Given Advil?

Posted on Tue, 16 Jan 2024

Question: I was diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain. We given muscle relaxers also advil. It's been over a week with no relief, pain is still severe in butt and upper thigh on right side. What should be my next step? Chropractor, orthopedist, physical therapy? I try to do stretches, too painful, and is worse as I try to walk around trying not to sit too long. What is best to do next? Should I stay with the meds and give it time or what?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Next step will be consult orthopedic consultation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic surgeon.
I have gone through your details . You have been diagnosed with sciatica and medications have given some relief but pain persists.
In my opinion next step is to go for orthopedic consultation and MRI to know the exact cause and extent of nerve pressure causing sciatica.
Stretches are best avoided at present.
I would suggest to continue the treatment for 3-4 weeks more , gradually easing out on the medicines as pain subsides.
Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (30 minutes later)

So I should continue same treatment for 3-4 weeks BEFORE seeking out an orthopedic dr? You would not consider physical therapy at this time because of the acute pain in having? Is there a chance it will ease up by continuing what I'm doing now with the meds? Also, would you recommend hot or cold treatments? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would suggest continue same medicines at least for 2 weeks. In the meantime if your pain worsens or you do not get adequate relief then consult an orthopedic surgeon.
I would recommend only back exercises after the pain is reduced and not troublesome like present.
I recommend hot packs on the back. Certain precautions like no weight lifting ,no forward bending and avoid prolonged sitting or driving.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng