Question:
I have degenerative disc disease and spondylosis in the lumbar spine. I have had mild sciatica in the right leg before which went a way on its own. However, for the last 24 hours, I have had severe sciatic pain in the LEFT leg. The leg is extremely sensitive to touch and temp in many spots and has pain down the entire length of the leg to the foot. I am having difficulty walking with the pain and sensation.

My question is: Does anyone know of anything further I can do at home to heal the sciatica? Would an epidural help this particular problem? I am so frustrated AND uncomfortable. Should I just give it some time?

Answer:

I don't know what you can do to heal it, but as far as pain relief goes, have you ever tried alternating ice with heat? For me, that works. Either a heating pad or hot bath.

Are you sure the pain is caused by DDD? I had sciatica for 18 months. The MRI indicated I had spinal stenosis at L5/S1 and normal degenerative disease for my age (64). The orthopod did not think this would cause the pain which was from the hip down the back of my leg all the way to the heel. I had 4 epidurals over a span of 6 months which gave complete relief for about two weeks. Afterwards I was on percoset type mediation until I had surgery.

Finally a mylegram revealed a "Schwannoma" (fibroma) or tumor wrapped around the sciatic nerve as it exited the L5/S1 vertebrae. An expert neurosurgeon removed the tumor. This was a serious operation involving some bone removal and the opening of the spinal column (dura). The pain was gone right after surgery. I am in my 15th week of recovery and am walking normally but have some numbness in my foot. Otherwise I expect complete recovery in another 6-9 months.

The schwannoma is a rare cause of sciatic and is related to hip pain when lying down. It is easily overlooked. Be sure of your diagnosis.

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