captdownshift wrote: MD -> MRI -> PT, then if it's not all better-> EMG
EMG? Er Mer Gawd?
captdownshift wrote: MD -> MRI -> PT, then if it's not all better-> EMG
EMG? Er Mer Gawd?
Bobzilla wrote:captdownshift wrote: MD -> MRI -> PT, then if it's not all better-> EMGEMG? Er Mer Gawd?
I was thinking new pickups for my bass... 
My father went to a chiropractor for his sciatica. Seemed to work.
For mine I got x rays, some mild arthritis. Some pills ease it.
I found that squats worked for me.
Dr. Hess wrote: Your island may be different than THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Gameboy, but up here physical therapists and chiropractors are two different things.
That's kind of my point. Technically, a chiropractor is the type who thinks he can cure your cancer by cracking your joints. Maybe I used the wrong term but I'm trying to steer him away from those.
In reply to Bobzilla:
Electromyography
I used turmeric (spice), out of desperation when my back locked up last year. About a month ago I stopped using it because my back didn't hurt, a week later I was nearly incapacitated again. Took nearly a week of sprinkling some turmeric on snacks for the antiinflammatory effect to kick in & I'm all good again.
Not a Dr., don't play one on TV, blah blah blah, mileage may vary and etcetera.
I'd try to find a MD specializing in back pain, or sciatica specifically. (Full disclosure: my wife has been a licensed PT for 20 years).
I would vote against visiting a random DC. DC may well provide some immediate relief, but DC seem to want to see you many many times.
If you see a DC and there is a lawyer in house, or legal paraphernalia in the lobby... Run.
IMHO, a PT will develop a plan to help you make yourself better.
I basically do everything this chick does plus a couple more twice a day. I can't tell you how much better I feel. As long as you can do it without hurting your back give it a try. I was so tight previously I could barely even put my right ankle on my left knee for the piriformis stretch.
After having to take care of SWMBO for the last few months from back surgery I'd say go to a Doc and get it fully checked out. Then if not bad have PT and chiropractic. She had back pain for years and went to the doc and found out what caused the pain. After numerous PT and other care for it to avoid surgery, finally got so bad she relented and had it done. Now she wishes she done it sooner. Loads better but there is some permanent lingering effects from waiting so long to have it done.
Agree with not jumping straight to surgery but go through some treatment options. Including Physical Therapy, stretching, shots and even chiropractic but see a doc about cause first. In some cases chiropractic may do more damage. Find a specialist that would rather try other options before cutting and inserting metal.
In reply to Nick (picaso) Comstock:
Thanks for the vid. I had a book of yoga poses years ago, and actually remember the first pose - though I haven't done it in years because when I tried it before it just seemed like my body wouldn't ever loosen up enough to do the poses. I'll work on this sequence and see if it helps though!
And thanks for the suggestions from everyone else. I'll search out a new doctor & start there.
In reply to petegossett:
Just take it easy and don't hurt yourself.
It took me around a week before I got loose enough to get even close to the actual poses. I still can't get all the way into them. I just go as much as I can, don't want to push it.
petegossett wrote:m4ff3w wrote: Physical therapy did wonders for my Parrs defect, slipped disc, & bulging disc.That's very good to hear! When I first talked to my primary care doc after the original diagnosis it sounded like surgery was the most likely option, and I wanted to avoid that since it didn't affect me much at that point. Did you go through your primary care to get the PT setup?
I went to a spinal specialist - they did the MRI and diagnosed the issue and then sent suggestions to the PT folks.
In reply to m4ff3w:
Cool. I found a local general-practitioner nearby who is a DO, unfortunately their office is closed until next week - but I guess that gives me a few more days to see whether stretching and time are making any improvement.
In reply to Nick (picaso) Comstock:
Is this video really for our back?
petegossett wrote: However, a little over a week ago I started getting pain through my left butt cheek & leg. It doesn't hurt when I'm on my MTB (leaning forward over the bars) or when I walk, but sitting(depending on position) - and particularly sleeping - are are causing problems.
(30 years ago) having had the PAIN... REAL PAIN associated with sciatica... the MD was an absolute waste of berkelying time... EXCEPT when he prescribed a Doctor of Physical Therapy - Physiatrist. At that time I was prescribed a TENS unit for the pain TENS = Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation.
It works on a simple principle of stimulating endorphins. Once the pain goes away you can relax... and sleep.
Now back to fixing the issue... as you age the sacral bones in your spine become far less flexible. This typically causes L5, S1 disc issues, but can also extend up to L4, and sometimes L3. Strengthening ther lower back is the only way to actually fix this with out surgery.
There are probably better places to ask for advice about potentially serious back problems than a website populated by car guys. Go see your doctor. Plain radiographs won't tell you much about spine stuff, MRI will tell you much more. Even if you go to a reputable chiropractor, you don't want to have them start working on you and make things worse. After I was in a wreck a few years ago, they wanted to give me epidural injections, which I declined. PT did more for me than anything else
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