Question:
I have a question about leg pain and was wondering whether anyone else is suffering from the same thing. The pain started in my hip about a week ago. It has slowly progressed to the point I am in severe pain. I can barely walk now. It radiates all the way down my leg and my toes even go numb. I think it is a pinched nerve. Has anyone else been through this and is there any remedy?

Answer:

Sounds like the sciatic nerve. I see a chiropractor on a regular basis, and would turn to him in a heartbeat if I had this kind of pain.

There are a number of exercises that you can do that will decrease the pain. I had a herniated disk last year (fixed with surgery) and had physical therapy for months before we gave up and went to surgery. The exercises really did help. If you can afford to meet with a physical therapist, you may be able to get some simple exercises that will decrease the pain. As well, be really careful about your posture. Although waddling is easier, try hard to keep your back straight and walk normally. This will decrease the pressure on your sciatic nerve and will decrease some of the pain.

It is sciatica. Sciatica is most commonly caused by a slipped disc in the spine pressing on the root of the nerve. It may also result from a leg fracture or a dislocation injury or during pregnancy. If you do a google search on sciatica and pregnancy, you will find lots of information. I had it during my second pregnancy like crazy and saw a chiropractor, which didn't help at all, nor did wearing a shoe insert the chiro recommended.

I found changing positions frequently, doing stretches and a heating pad, soaking in the tub, did help somewhat. I actually used to sit in my office chair with a book under one cheek of my rear because it helped. Mine didn't really go away until after I had the baby, but didn't recur in my next pregnancy

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