Pinched nerve solutions? NEW UPDATE: Surgery scheduled!

[Sheree Bobbins]

So sorry you have to suffer like this. I think you're wise to have an MRI done and get a medical diagnosis.

 

[Jennasis]

So sorry you have to suffer like this. I think you're wise to have an MRI done and get a medical diagnosis.

Thanks. I just keep wondering what in the world I can do to make it better. Chiro's claim they can "fix" the problem. But right now we don't really know what the problem is. That's part of why I want to get an MRI before I let the chiro go any further with treatment. I also don't want the pain doctor to keep doing nerve blocks or giving me pain meds, since that just masks the problem but doesn't fix it.

I'm in such agony. We can't afford the MRI, we can't really afford chiro, but I can't afford to stop working either. I am hoping DH can work something out with the radiology office tomorrow for a reduced bill or a payment plan. The only good news is that after the MRI I will have hit my $1200 deductible and everything after that is covered 80% until $3000, then 100% after that.

ouch all around!

 

[HeatherH]

I had a herniated disk, and a chiropractor made it MUCH, MUCH worse. He misdiagnosed it and his treatments caused further damage.

I know the pain you are going through. A good orthopedist will suggest conservative treatment for you, as many herniated disks do eventually heal over with scar tissue. I eventually had surgery, because mine never did. It was the best decision I ever made. The newer surgeries (mine was long ago) are MUCH less invasive.

Good luck to you. I hope you get some relief.

 

[bumcat]

I have the same problem, really bad lately. I have to do everything in a sitting position, laundry, cook etc. The pain while standing is the worst ever but my pain starts after standing a short time so I can at least move around.

I have had x-rays, MRI a month ago which did show some issues (2 bulging disc and something twisted around something) but they don't think it's enough to be causing so much pain while standing.

My neurologist wants to rule out blood clots in the legs. I have that test this Thursday. If that is negative, I was told I might have to get shots in the back.

I do have osteoarthritis,fibromyalgia and muscle spasms so I am use to pain, but this is really awful when standing!

Good luck in finding out!

 

[HsvTeacher]

Please, please, please don't go back to the chiropractor until you have had an MRI and gone to a neurosurgeon, especially when dealing with nerve issues.

I had the same symptoms you described: excruciating pain in my back and right calf and numbness and tingling in my right leg. I went to a chiropractor first, and it turns out that was the worst thing I could have done.

I had to have surgery and am now completely pain free minus a few flare-ups every now and then.

 

[Jennasis]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I don't mind going to the chiro if it will work, but I have a problem with doing it blind. If the MRI suggests something he can fix, so be it. But otherwise, it will have to be the orthopedist or neurosurgeon.

Also, with all these medical bills looming, I don't know how we'll be able to do the WDW trip we booked for this October. I know that should be the last thing I should worry about, but we go on vacation so rarely that DH and I both needed it so badly. Just makes me sad.

 

[flamingglobessigmund]

So I've got what I believe to be a very pinched nerve (sciatic). Standing is excrutiating. I can sit or lay down without too much incident. It's been awful for about 2 and half days. Does anyone have any tried and true suggestions for a speedy recovery or pain relief. 800mg's of Ibuprofen did NOTHING. Hot showers help...until I'm out of the shower. I have a heating pad and a tens unit. Both help, WHILE they are actually on. Once I take them off, and stand up, it hurts again. I have Norco but it makes me so nauseous and tired.

I don't have a chiropractor (and it's Sunday so there will be no going to see one today). Maybe tomorrow. Or to see an acupuncturist.

Help!

The first time I had sciatic nerve pain, I went to the doctor. He did an exam and xrays, and prescribed Vicodin and told me to take Aleve. It took time for the pain to subside. I didn't finish the Vicodin bottle. He said my sciatic nerve pain was due to aging (I'm 44).

Periodically, I'll get a flair up, and take 2 Aleve, which seems to be the only OTC med that touches the pain. Sometimes, I'll use a heating pad and that helps some.

My mother developed the same symptoms and went to her chiropractor, who she has on speed-dial. (She swears by them) However, he didn't do anything to remedy her situation.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[Micca]

Sure hope you get some relief soon Jennasis, sounds like you're taking the appropriate steps. I have some similar issues, but so far I'm too chicken to get it checked out. Please keep us posted

 

[Jennasis]

My leg is so numb and "heavy". I can't stand flat footed and lift up my toes on the right foot, nor can I hop on my right foot...luckily I am not anticipating any big hoscotch tournaments this week. I had to shower before on my hands and knees.

 

[Jeafl]

Jennasis--PLEASE rethink the chiropractor until you have had the MRI. My L4-L5 disc is broken--1/3 of it is missing. There is no other pain like nerve pain, so I can totally sympathize with you.

I have been dealing with this pain for many years. The first time I had the pain I did see a chiropractor and unfortunately she made the whole situation MUCH worse. When I first saw her the pain was in my hip and down my right leg. By the time I left her office the pain had gone down the back of my leg up to the knee, then wrapped around the front of my calf and caused total numbness in my foot. To make a long story short, I had the MRI, saw that the disc was beyond herniated and had every treatment you can think of.

What did help was two back to back courses of the Medrol steroid dose pack. In subsequent years when the pain has returned not much helps but the ultrasound guided steroid injections right into the disc area. They say it should help within 48 hours, but they always took about 2 weeks to kick in for me.

Anyway, my neurosurgeon made me swear that I would never see a chiropractor for this problem again. He said more times than not they make it much worse, and they make a bundle off of you because they want you in their office so often.

Good luck to you and let us know how you are doing. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Chelley00]

Not all chiropractors are bad. I had sciatic pain and went to one and he was horrible.

The one I see now insists on xrays and/or MRIs before seeing patients. He's very very careful with his treatments and has patients do follow up xrays or other tests periodically so he's not going in blind. Sounds like a lot of you need to find a better, more experienced chiropractor

 

[disney55]

hi I feel your pain....physical therapist told me to do 2 things
1... hang yourself by this I mean get 2 chairs with sturdy backs or I found my grandmothers walker worked even better then straight arm yourself up (think gymnast on parallel bars) let the bottom half of your body hang 10- 20 seconds let down back up back down.hope I am describing clearly.
2. clocking...lay face down on bed if needed put pillow under stomach..head at 12:00 o clock feet at 6:00 o clock.now depending which side you are hurting on have someone move your ankles together to either l 5:00 o clock for left side pain or 7: 00 oclock for right side pain...hold position as long as comfortable repeat often. hope this helps it helped me alot. good luck.

 

[shortbun]

My leg is so numb and "heavy". I can't stand flat footed and lift up my toes on the right foot, nor can I hop on my right foot...luckily I am not anticipating any big hoscotch tournaments this week. I had to shower before on my hands and knees.

I'm glad you still have a little sense of humor left. The hopscotch comment made me smile. I sure hope you get to the bottom of this. For what it's worth, my chiropractor would never work on you if there was a chance your herniated disc were involved. She would insist on ruling that out first and prescribe some gentle massage in the meantime to keep the rest of your body from reacting to the disability you already had.

 

[Jennasis]

I'm glad you still have a little sense of humor left. The hopscotch comment made me smile. I sure hope you get to the bottom of this. For what it's worth, my chiropractor would never work on you if there was a chance your herniated disc were involved. She would insist on ruling that out first and prescribe some gentle massage in the meantime to keep the rest of your body from reacting to the disability you already had.

You either try to laugh about it or you cry.

 

[weswife]

I too have a herniated disc problem. Sorry if my spelling is wrong.

In Sept. of 08 I bent over to pick up a fork. Well the PAIN shot down my leg like mad! It was the worst pain I have ever had! No jokes!!! I could not walk very good and went to bed. The pain was so bad I had to get my Mom to take me to the ER. I had a ct scan and the Dr. told me I had 2 herniated discs in my lower back, s1 and L1 maybe, can't recall the #. The way the discs buldged it put pressure on my siatic nerve. I was in the hospital for 4 days until the pain was under control with oral meds. Then I wanted to go to a chiro. but my Dr. advised against it. She wanted me to go to physio. which I did. The physio. went well! I also had accupuncture. Now I would NEVER have tought I would do that BUT it worked wonders! I was very impressed with it! I would have it again anytime!!!!!! I went back to work by the end of Dec. Now in 2010 I am still bothered by pain in my left leg. It is a liveable pain. I take ibuprofin for that. I also have numb toes, the baby toe and the next 2. Also numb along the outer edge of my foot, right up to my calf. I have less feeling from my knee down as well. You should go to a Dr. and have a CT scan or MRI. I am a healthy person and never vist the Doc but this was a huge prob.! I wish you the best! Sorry , to be long but this was the worst pain I have ever had and I have 3 kids, LOL! My Dr. also advised me to work on my core. By improving your core it will lessen the pain. I am working on that now! I also have lost 21 pounds! For pain relief the physio. advised me to lay on my belly and slightly lift each leg and hold for a short period of time. Laying on my belly worked its a gravity thing. All the best, hope you feel better soon!

 

[Diva of Dragons]

I hope it gets better fast. I also wish you lived here and could see my Chiro.... He's a flippin' miracle worker! Last time I had bad sciatica, he fixed it in 2 visits!

 

[golfgal]

I agree with the others, get the MRI before going back to the Chiro. As for your insurance, you know the most you will have to pay for medical bills is $3000/year, you really should have that money set aside for this exact reason. You actually have very good insurance, quite honestly. Does your plan qualify for a Heath Savings Account? If so, put the money in there first, then use that to pay your medical bills and your contributions to the HSA are tax deductible .

 

[Jennasis]

I agree with the others, get the MRI before going back to the Chiro. As for your insurance, you know the most you will have to pay for medical bills is $3000/year, you really should have that money set aside for this exact reason. You actually have very good insurance, quite honestly. Does your plan qualify for a Heath Savings Account? If so, put the money in there first, then use that to pay your medical bills and your contributions to the HSA are tax deductible .

If we had the means to set aside an extra 3K a year we would do it in a heart beat. My insurance is pretty good if you have a catastrophic injury or illness that requires surgery or hospitalization. It sucks for normal day to day stuff. Time will tell which way I will go this year for my back.

Business is picking up again now, so I am hoping that we'll be able to handle the added medical bills. I'm sure we'll be able to work out a payment plan. We JUST paid off DH's medical bills from his surgery and p/t for his shoulder that he had done last August.

Had the MRI this morning. Hopefully will have some answers tomorrow or Friday.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I hope you feel better soon I know your pain far too well. Are you by any chance about to start your period? My sciatica becomes almost unbareable about 3-4 days before I start and then becomes increasingly more tolerable throughout until it goes away about when I stop. I know other women who have a similar issue.

 

[Jennasis]

Oh no.


So I just got the call from my doctor. I need to have surgery immediately. I am waiting for the surgeon's office to return from lunch to set up the appointment. Apparently I need a "Discectomy".

My L5 is "obliterated".

I am so scared right now.