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Diagnosed With Sciatica, Prescribed Gabapentin, Tramadol For Pain, Numbness, Weakness In Leg, Struggling To Walk. Advice?
I was diagnosed with having sciatica at the end of January. Initially I was in a lot of pain. I received physio, which didnt help. I was prescribed Gabapentin and Tramadol. These made the pain manageable. The pain gradually subsided after 4 months and now only take 2 Tramadol first thing in the morning, I was given an mri in June and am awaiting results, although my consultant explained in May that the numbness and weakness in my left leg was likely to be permanent now, given the timescale. I am struggling to walk any distance and am returning to my teaching position full time in August. There is considerable muscle wastage in my left calf. My toes curl when I try to walk. Am only 47. Have you any advice?
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
As you have been on conservative management for your symptoms since many months with no much improvement, I think you may need a surgical decompression.
But, you can give a trial of nonsurgical management as follows -
* avoid lifting heavy weights
* avoid forward bending activities
* Use a lumbosacral back support
* Intermittent pelvic traction
* Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.
Consult an orthopedic / spine surgeon and follow his advice accordingly.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
As you have been on conservative management for your symptoms since many months with no much improvement, I think you may need a surgical decompression.
But, you can give a trial of nonsurgical management as follows -
* avoid lifting heavy weights
* avoid forward bending activities
* Use a lumbosacral back support
* Intermittent pelvic traction
* Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.
Consult an orthopedic / spine surgeon and follow his advice accordingly.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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