Question

Sciatica help!  Ladies who have dealt with sciatica pain - when do I decide to see a doctor vs just keeping up with chiropractic and acupuncture care?Sciatica help! Ladies who have dealt with sciatica pain - when do I decide to see a doctor vs just keeping up with chiropractic and acupuncture care? The pain started in my lower back on Wednesday evening and has gotten progressively worse every day. So far I’ve been to the chiropractor 4 times and acupuncture twice with very very short term relief. I. am. MISERABLE!  

Answer 1

If you need an ortho spine guy, Dr. Steven Mather and his team have been amazing for me. He’s with DMG.  

Comments

@attalanta he performed 2 Of my back surgeries - he’s a great dr - it’s the run around from DMG that makes me hesitate to go back -

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@cozenage92 I’ve also had two (neck and lower back). I’ve not had any issues with DMG. is it a billing type of issue?  

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@attalanta I’ve had 3 surgeries with DMG - it’s the 20 waiting on hold - the go get xrays and come back and see us - I feel like I get the run around - I did like my dr -

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My 1 surgery was with another DMG surgeon - he was supposed to do my 2nd and was “let go” the week of my surgery

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@cozenage92 that’s so weird. I do xrays right in their Downers Grove office. I felt like the on-hold issue was much better this time around (had surgery 2 months ago) than in 2013. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a hard time. I think Mather is just SO GOOD.  

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@attalanta I agree - I like him a lot! I just felt like I was going around in a circle without any answers - try this . try this . I’ve not returned in almost a year. So maybe the on hold has gotten better. I probably need to follow up sooner than later -

Answer 2

See Cathy Subber.  

Answer 3

I highly recommend Active Health & Restoration. Dr. Earl is absolutely amazing and unlike any other Chiro you’ve ever been to. He’ll adjust a needle (bandaids to the problem) but he’ll also help fix the problem. PS. I don’t work there or anything. I’m just a very happy client.  

Answer 4

I had to go to a PT, I'm so sorry it's so horrible to be in that pain.  

Comments

@kimberly how did you decide to go the PT route?  

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Because my left leg kept giving out from under me and I needed to walk.  

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More detail, I got an RX from my doctor :)

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@kimberly My sciatica was caused by an issue which required surgery, but PT also really helped.  

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You can go to a PT without a script now from a doctor. I own www. NapervillePT. com if you are interested. We have served the community for 25 years.  

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I tried therapy and injections and finally did the surgery before the nerve damage got worse and permanent.  

Answer 5

I’m so sorry! I have had good luck with my chiro. Are you sure it’s sciatica and not a disk issue?  

Comments

@rimarimas I honestly don’t know? The pain started in my lower back and goes down my left leg

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@valero0 If your chiro can’t help or can’t refer you see a gp who can refer you to someone else. I’ve been seeing my new chiro for 2 months now and he’s helped so much! But it’s not for everyone. I switched to him when my previous chiro wasn’t helping me. I can refer you if you want, but chiro isn’t for everyone! We did cupping for the first time today. And next week I’m going for massage.  

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@valero0 I have same issue. Went to Hinsdale orthopedics . Saw Dr Bardfield. Got the epidural lumbar injection and I’m doing pretty good. I do ice it when I feel I do too much but at least I can walk!  

Answer 6

I much prefer chiro / accu over a doctor. Are you doing any sort of PT / stretching? I manage my pain with stretching at home between adjustments/treatments.  

Comments

@brenner Id much prefer the chiro/accu route too. I’m to the point where I can hardly stand for 30 seconds and then I’m in agony.  

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That's horrible! I hope you find relief soon

Answer 7

This littleraly happened to me last week and i ended up in the ER because to got to the point that the pain was so severe i was having a hard time walking. Had x-ray done and nothing came out then has CT scan and it turned out i have a herniated disc. You should go to the doctor. I thought i had sciatic too but found out that i was having it because of the herniated disk

Comments

@gonad Do you have a doctor recommendation? What did they do once they discovered the herniated disk? I hope you are feeling much better now!  

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I dont have a doctor as i found out while we were taking a road trip to Florida and had to go to the ER in Indiana because i was in sheer agony. At the ER they did an x-ray but nothing showed up so they did a CT scan and then they saw the herniated disk. I have been on bed rest, icing it and i cant carry anything which is hard because i have a 7 month old. Cant vaccum or load dishwasher also no laundry. I can move some but doctor told me that if it hurts i have to stop immediately. They also prescribed steroids, muscle relaxer and ibuprofen 800mg i also have to see a spine surgeon when i get back. Im sorry you are doing through this. It really stinks

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Also i saw others posted doing yoga please dont do anything until you see a doctor otherwise you can make it much worse

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@gonad oh no! I can’t imagine dealing with this on a road trip and with a 7 month old. My son is almost 3, so we watched a lot of movies today

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@gonad are you relatively comfortable sitting down?  

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Not really. I mean i cant handle any position for more than 10-15 min

Answer 8

You may want to try yoga poses for sciatica pain relief.  

Answer 9

I have sciatica in my lower back. I went to the joint chiropractic on orchard Rd and they took the pain away so quick. I was feeling better after just one visit. Their sessions are quick and affordable. ❤️ Try them you won't regret it.  

Answer 10

I’m sorry to hear, the chiropractor really helped me especially after I got diagnosed with 2 herniated discs.  

Answer 11

I did not see an improvement with my back and sciatic pain until I started going to physical therapy.  

Comments

Also there is a place by amc on 95th and 59 called stretch club and I have heard great things about them. It’s assisted stretching

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@gaullist covered by insurance?  

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@cozenage92 my neighbor goes to the stretch club and it’s covered by insurance like a chiropractor visit is. My PT is covered by insurance. As I have a doctors order for the the PT

Answer 12

@valero0 if the back pain started first then the leg pain started. it’s most likely a disc issue. I’d see your doc and start PT! I had same thing 2x & after second time I ended up w back surgery, it was the best decision for me! Also, I worked neurosurgery for 12 years. so knew right away what is happening . if PT fails, get MRI

Answer 13

Recommend going to a Spine/Pain Clinic for further evaluation as your pain hasn’t improved. I work at Advocate Medical Group Spine Care Center in Aurora (1221 N Highland) and our clinic could evaluate you. Hope you start to feel better!  

Answer 14

Find a chiropractor that has an MLS laser

Answer 15

Leona’s healing place off Washington. I have herniated L5 bulging L4. Have dealt with sciatica for years. Leona gets me back in one adjustment. I’m a photographer so mine flares up more often because of work. Highly recommend Best of luck!  

Answer 16

You really should go see a doctor—I speak from experience. My pain got progressively worse each day when I tried Pilates, yoga, chirp, stretches, massages, etc., only to discover that doing all of that resulted in me making the problem worse and I herniated a disc and ended up needing surgery because the pain and herniation was so bad. Apparently, had I seen the doctor first, I would have learned when it was better just to rest and not do anything but take some anti-inflammatory meds versus trying all of the other measures to ease the pain. And in some instances, a doc can let you know if all you need is a 5 day course of steroids & rest & PT. (But aside from all of that only thing personally that would ease my pain and others have told me the same is riding a bike—but unfortunately, we cannot ride a bike 24/7)

Answer 17

I'm sorry you are going through this. I went through this when I was pregnant because of how the baby was positioned. I hope you find relief soon

Answer 18

I’m going through the same thing right now. Started with lower back pain, then shooting pain down left leg. Started with chiro, then dr prescribed PT, now getting MRI then have to see pain management doctor. My advice would be go see your DR ASAP to get a plan in place. It literally affects my day to day activity. Good luck!  

Answer 19

I’m not a doctor but. I find most of my pain is because muscles are pulling bones out of shape! try Gary Crowley do it yourself joint pain relief(online) I also go to David at massage envy on Naper Boulevard and Naperville, he can fix mike in one treatment along with some stretching that I do at home. Good luck that’s painful!  

Answer 20

Yoga and stretching helps me!  

Answer 21

I had to see a physical therapist to help mine. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this! I remember the pain being terrible! I hope you find relief soon!  

Answer 22

I’ve noticed mine will worsen when I’m stressed or when I eat too many carbs. Sugar causes inflammation which aggravates it. Also, does your chiropractor offer massage before the adjustment. My first one didn’t but the one I see now does and it makes a huge difference!  

Answer 23

Yoga & PT, steroid epidural shot to relieve pain

Answer 24

Would push for a CT/MRI then you know for sure what you are working with! I ended up with a slipped disk and tumor (which would of course be aggravated by a chiro adjustment) i wish I would have gone the steroid route it would have given me some relief as you might want to avoid a chronic pain cycle. Dr. Lena Shabandar with DMG is awesome if you need a doctor for pain management. I was too stubborn to do the shot because with the tumor there was no certainty. But she is so thorough she saw things the back surgeon didn’t and she listened and was supportive when I wanted to try to get better on my own. One other thing be careful with Yoga and biking. Yoga caused my pain because I had no idea I had back issues returned to yoga when I was about 90% pain free and I do alternate poses. Spinning bikes trigger back pain for me. So listen to your body to avoid taking steps backward because sometimes that is more important than moving forward. You are not alone in this!  

Answer 25

I ended up throwing my back out with a major spasm. I recommend going to a dr before that happens mine cost me ambulance ride and ER visit. I saw a neurologist out of Edward hospital and did physical therapy. If it ends up being a slipped disk or something like that you need more than a chiro and acupuncture

Answer 26

Have you had an MRI? I have a herniated disc (diagnosed in 2005) as well as spinal stenosis and orthopedist at Rush told me most people with my particular issue get better without surgery. That has always been the case for me. I’ve had success with PT and chiropractor/massage in the past. I’ve also had terrible experiences with both. Currently working with a Naperville chiropractor- Dr. Lusokus & I think he totally understands what my issues are. I’m hoping he will be able to teach me how to prevent big flare ups. I see him again this week. Feel free to PM me & I’ll share how it goes.  

Answer 27

Have you tried a Thai Body massage? They can help elevate the pain!  

Comments

Totally agree, but it is hard to find a truly expert Thai massage therapist.  

Answer 28

Do you have access to an inversion table?  

Answer 29

Spinal. decompression. and an Inversion Bed! 100% recovered.  

Answer 30

In addition to your treatments you should be receiving either fllexion or extension based exercises. Sciatica can be caused by several different conditions. Correct diagnosis and treatment should help. Dr. @palmore

Answer 31

I would recommend a physical therapist. Sometimes issues with the sacroiliac joint being out of alignment can cause horrible sciatic pain because it pushes on the nerve there. I had horrible pain with mine about 6 months ago and PT was the only thing that helped. He was able to pop my SI joint back into place and the relief was immediate. This was following multiple Chiro visits that did not bring relief or a solution.  

Answer 32

Both my mom and husband suffered severe sciatic nerve pain and the only thing that helped them was PT. My husband tried messages and chiro but felt it worsened. Then PT finally managed it. So when my mom had it, we got her in with PT next day and she started feeling immediate relief. It took a number of weeks before they were both back to normal but it worked. Try getting in with a PT as soon as possible.  

Answer 33

Yoga long term. Good luck. So hard to deal with sciatica.  

Answer 34

I'm a physical therapists and have treated many for sciatica in my 50 year career. I would agree with @sadomasochism858 and @scanderbeg above to try physical therapy. It's not a quick fix and will take time, but you should get some relief throughout the healing process.  

Answer 35

Go see Karen at lifetime fitness. She is an expert masseuse who helped me with all sorts of pains and saved me beaucoup dollars in the process. She knows muscles and nerves, listens to you, and thinks of you as a whole person. She’s awesome!  

Answer 36

Thank you so much everyone! In addition to chiropractic and acupuncture care, I also went to the doctor today and will be starting PT as well

Comments

@valero0 have you tried Cbd? I have a few clients that use our hemp cbd for sciatic pain and have had a lot of success! I can send you a pm  

Answer 37

I’m so sorry! Only thing I can recommend is acupuncture. Can help you with errands though! Any groceries or anything else you need?  

Comments

@prussia thank you so much!  

Answer 38

I had it pretty bad when I was pregnant and did PT which helped a lot

Answer 39

Also, cbd oil/topical cream might help too!  

Answer 40

This will sound crazy but trust me it works! I have had chronic back pain since I rupture 4 disks and bulged 2 in a accident. When my sciatica starts acting up I put high heels on. I usually where flats because of my back. So the position of slipping high heels on releases the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Hope this helps

Comments

@shark do you just stand in them?  

Answer 41

Have you ever tried therapeutic massage? excellent results!  

Answer 42

Do you sit a lot for work? I had terrible sciatica until I got a ball chair. Within weeks it was gone. I no longer get it in the car when it bothered me most

Answer 43

PT finally worked for me after several months!  

Answer 44

No to both right now! U need to get that inflammation down ASAP! You are going to need a steroid and a strong prescription NSAID my dr gave me Toradol, I’m also a nurse & it’s not something usually given bc it’s really hard on your stomach if u have ulcers, but I fell down the stairs on Xmas eve and could barely move and I’m a SAHM to an 18m old boy. I had to wait until the day after Xmas to get in & honestly I HAD to use some edible marijuana to function through Xmas bc I could’nt move without being in horrible pain! I’ve had back surgeries and a shit ton of back pain & nerve blocks over the past 10 yrs and that pain was the worst! I only had sciatica twice with my previous back issues and it was right after surgery. YES! Accupunture works & so does chiro if this becomes chronic, but in my opinion u need to get to urgent care ASAP or a dr and ask for a steroid dose pack, a muscle relaxer & a shot of solumedrol or decadron which are both steroids. I felt SO much better after the steroids! It took 10 days to feel 100% better! I was super worried bc I have hardware in my back and the pain was near the spot I had surgery but, I promise if u get a steroid and some good anti inflammatories and maybe a muscle relaxer you’ll be like 75% better in 2-4 days. I took only one muscle relaxer bc everything else worked so well. Ask for robaxin if they give u a muscle relaxer it worked the best & quickest without making me all loopy & tired. Good Luck! Feel free to DM me for referrals in the area to drs, chiro, Accupunture, surgeons, pain dr’s, physical therapists, and even massage therapists. I’ve did everything & now I’m totally pain free!  

Comments

@sattler Niklas yesterday I was prescribed a steroid and strong nsaid and PT.  

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@valero0 You should be feeling better soon. Hang in there & take care!  

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@sattler Niklas thanks! I am definitely feeling better with the steroid

Answer 45

If you are open to trying a natural approach, I had relief with a blend of essential oils.