I'm approaching the end of week 2 with throbbing pain in my upper ankle/lower shin of my left leg all as a result, according to my chiropractor, of sciatica/L4-L5 disc herniation. I'm a very active person and this injury, which shockingly creeped up on me overnight after weeks of overexertion, has sidelined me almost entirely. I've had to cancel plans because of the excruciating discomfort I feel in social situations. Standing is very uncomfortable and sitting/laying down is challenging at times too because I'm constantly moving my leg to find a comfortable position to alleviate the pain in my leg. I still feel slight radiation in my upper buttocks from time to time but the pain has subsided significantly compared to day 1. On the other hand, the pain has yet to subside, if at all, in my upper ankle/lower shin. I had my first night of full sleep last night after a new presciption from the doctor. I'm currently taking Naproxen to reduce the inflammation and yesterday was my first day taking Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxer, before bed. The doctor tried to prescribe Valium but I declined, only because I did not want a potentially addictive drug in my body. I tried aquatic therapy to strengthen my muscles but the pain I felt when I stretched in my stroke was too much. However, water resistance running was a little easier to perform. Last week, my chiropractor estimated 6-8 weeks for recovery. It is upsetting news but I've got to suck it up, unfortunately, given the severity of the injury. This isn't like a sprained ankle or a little petty injuries you can fight through because you will lose. Sciatica involves the nerves and spine, an area you do not want to act macho and try to toughen through. I have my wedding scheduled in July and the last thing I want is to have to limp down the aisle with my future wife or cut our first dance short because I cannot stand. All I can do is continue to rest and hope recovery speeds along.
Comment Reply
I'm approaching the end of week 2 with throbbing pain in my upper ankle/lower shin of my left leg all as a result, according to my chiropractor, of sciatica/L4-L5 disc herniation. I'm a very active person and this injury, which shockingly creeped up on me overnight after weeks of overexertion, has sidelined me almost entirely. I've had to cancel plans because of the excruciating discomfort I feel in social situations. Standing is very uncomfortable and sitting/laying down is challenging at times too because I'm constantly moving my leg to find a comfortable position to alleviate the pain in my leg. I still feel slight radiation in my upper buttocks from time to time but the pain has subsided significantly compared to day 1. On the other hand, the pain has yet to subside, if at all, in my upper ankle/lower shin. I had my first night of full sleep last night after a new presciption from the doctor. I'm currently taking Naproxen to reduce the inflammation and yesterday was my first day taking Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxer, before bed. The doctor tried to prescribe Valium but I declined, only because I did not want a potentially addictive drug in my body. I tried aquatic therapy to strengthen my muscles but the pain I felt when I stretched in my stroke was too much. However, water resistance running was a little easier to perform. Last week, my chiropractor estimated 6-8 weeks for recovery. It is upsetting news but I've got to suck it up, unfortunately, given the severity of the injury. This isn't like a sprained ankle or a little petty injuries you can fight through because you will lose. Sciatica involves the nerves and spine, an area you do not want to act macho and try to toughen through. I have my wedding scheduled in July and the last thing I want is to have to limp down the aisle with my future wife or cut our first dance short because I cannot stand. All I can do is continue to rest and hope recovery speeds along.
April 25, 2016 - 10:56amThis Comment
Reply