Sciatica, back pain, headaches

[rahul20]

I stumbled upon this ite and have found some very interesting posts/replies. I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice on my problems.

I have suffered from chronic lower back pain for the last 10 years now. The last 2 years I have been getting sciatica pain in the top part of my buttocks. I also get tingling sensations down my legs. An mri scan showed 2 bulging discs in my lower back and neck, but the doctor said that these were so minimal that I shouldnt be feeling any symptoms. I visited an oestopath and he assessed I have a twisted pelvis. He said my pelvis drops and one leg becomes longer than the other. I have had 5 treatments from him with no change in the scitica. I have also suffered from chronic headaches for the last 20 years. I have started doing pilates for the last year, and that has helped my lower back pain, but the sciatica is the same.

I would really appreciate any adice anybody can give me, as this sciatica has prevented me from playing me beloved cricket, and I would love to get back to it.

regards
rahul

[RCheesley]

Hello Rahul,

Sorry to hear about the problems you've been having for so long with your back and neck. Have you considered seeing a physiotherapist at all? They might be able to give you some advice on lifestyle modifications and perhaps see if there are any other treatments which might benefit you.

It is promising that pilates seems to have helped your lower back pain, however identifying what is actually causing the sciatica pain you describe might be useful in trying to reduce it. Perhaps with time it will get better, however I am sure you would like to know what is causing it!

The fact you have problems in your neck and your lower back could be purely postural, which might explain why your pilates class is helping a bit with the lower back pain. It could also suggest that the spinal canal is a bit narrow (called stenosis) but I would have thought this would be picked up in the MRI. There are certain tests which can identify whether this is what is causing the tingling in your buttocks and legs, which a physio should be able to conduct.

If you are unhappy with your current situation it might be worth your while going back to your doctor and asking for advice on where to go next, or for further information on the problems you are continuing to experience - especially if it is stopping you doing your hobbies.

Have you tried TENS machines for your lower back pain? A physiotherapist should be able to show you how to use this and it may help in relieving some of the pain at least. Another thing that you may like to investigate is acupuncture - in the UK some physio's can also provide this service, not sure about australia though :)

[rahul20]

Hi RCheesley

Thanks for your comforting words. I have seen many physiotherapists, but done have seemed to help me. I am seeing one at the moment who seems to know what she is talking about. I've only seen her once, but I remain positive.

I've treid a tens machine in the past, but this has also failed to work :(

My doctor is not helpful at all. I've been to him many a time, but his response is that I have to live with it.
Living in hope.....

[RCheesley]

Hi,

Glad to hear you've found someone who can help you, there are a wide range of treatments which could possibly be used.

When you tried the TENS did you play around with the settings at all? I found that the patients who played about with it, and found what level they were comfortable were the ones who benefitted from it (purely anecdotal....no evidence to support that). Might be worth a try at least?

[rahul20]

Hi
I tried the tens machine approx 5 years ago. Did play around with the settings, with no luck. the physio I'm seeing at the moment is saying that I have very stiff lower back muscles, and a verit tigh SIJ. She has given me exercises to get on with. Will let you know of any improvement

thanks
rahul