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Sciatica pain..Please help?

By April 23, 2010 - 8:12am
 
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I had an accident last April where i dislocated my left knee cap. I was having physio and i became aware of pain in my right buttock and down my right leg to the back of my knee. My physiotherapist told me it was likely to be a trapped nerve. However it has become increasingly worse. As well as those pains i now have pain in my lower back, my hip, i have flank pain, shin pain and pins and needles sensation in my foot (the last 3 toes) and cramp. This is all down the right side of my body. I also on some occasions lose my balance. The pain normally takes turns, for example it may be in my buttock one day, my shin the next etc etc. I have been to the doctors who just keeps giving me pain killers and anti inflammatries. I have had xrays and blood test's which have come back fine. I have also been to an osteopath who, after 6 sesions said i need an MRI as he can't pin point the problem. My doctor seems reluctant to give me this and i can't afford to go private.

Could anyone please help me and see if this sounds like just a trapped nerve or something more? I've had this for 8 months now and no body seems to be listening to me.

Any help would be grately appreciated

Thank you

Add a Comment4 Comments

I had sciatica about 30 years ago. I had been to my PCP, who gave me stretching exercises to do, but they made no impact. A co-worker suggested I go to her chiropractor, who suggested an intensive therapy program lasting about 6 weeks. Within that time, the pain was gone and never came back. Later, when my children were pre-schoolers, I began having spasms in my lower back. I eventually made my way to a chiropractor, who diagnosed the problems as related to nerves in my S-I joint. She took care of that problem, and I have been getting semi-regular adjustments ever since, sometimes monthly, other times only two or three times in a year.

The trick to finding a good chiropractor is to ask everyone you know for a recommendation. When you get a really glowing report of someone who has really helped that person, then you make an appt with that chiro.

May 11, 2010 - 7:43am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Your welcome, Sunni. We certainly would like to hear from you again and what you find out.

April 24, 2010 - 10:10am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi Sunni,

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing so much pain. It certainly sounds like a nerve problem since you are experiencing the pains associated exactly where your nerves run through your body. Unfortunately, without an MRI (which has the ability to look at the nerves and tendons), a helpful answer to the pain may be impossible.

Here is my suggestion. I am not sure what medical insurance you have but if your insurance options depend on referrals from your primary care physician and you are not satisfied with how your current physician is treating your condition, you must try and find a new one. It is very important to get a second opinion and find a physician who will not overlook your incredible pain. The issue with many physicians are they are extremely busy and the patient is treated like a soup kitchen. We have our trays, grab our food and move on. Well, in many instances, a physicians treatment is the same. We make our appointment, get the pills and move on. Pills only mask the pain, it doesn't cure the pain.

Do yourself a favor and find a new physician and get a second opinion. Find a physician who is willing to not send you away with the pain killers as a solution. Will you please keep us updated on your progress? Your story will help many others dealing with the same sort of situation. Good luck!

April 24, 2010 - 8:20am
(reply to Anonymous)

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I will get another opinion and see what comes from that, hopefuly something much better then just pain killers. I will defo keep you posted on what comes from this.

Thank you again

April 24, 2010 - 9:57am
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