Question:
I have had pain along the top of my right leg for almost 8 years. The pain is excrutiating and almost unbearable at times. I have been diagnosed with a ruptured disk and was wondering if this pain is from the sciatic nerve or possibly something else. Every thing I have read indicates sciatic pain is in the back of the leg. Can it also affect the top part of the leg?

Answer:

I had a severely herniated disk at L5-S1 which caused me so much pain I could of just about laid down on the table and let the doc start cutting right then and there. My pain was in my left hip and buttock area, and down the back of my thigh. But the most severe pain was in my left calf muscle area, and left ankle. I could only walk a few steps and I was in pure agony.

In my case my pain was from compression to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the one most likely to be affected in low back pain.

Self-help tips

. Applying a heat or an ice pack to the painful area for 10 minutes can provide relief and is safe in pregnancy.
. Wearing flat, soft shoes will help prevent jarring of the spine when you walk.
. Keep mobile and avoid sitting still for long periods.
. Listen to your body and stop doing whatever is causing you pain.
. During the latter stages of pregnancy, a TENS machine is safe to use to help control pain. It can also be used during labour and after your baby is born.
. Watch your posture and try to keep your back as straight as possible. When seated use a small bolster cushion or a rolled up towel behind your back to support the spine.
. Use pillows and cushions to support your bump in bed.
. Avoid heavy lifting - if you do have to lift anything, always bend from your knees and keep your back straight.

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