Sciatic Nerve Problems In Left Leg

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and am trying to get some information on Sciatic nerve problems, I have been a OTR driver for a reputable trucking company for a year now, I enjoy my job and it gets easier as time goes by but I am experiencing severe pain along the back of my left leg for about the last 2 weeks, went to my Doc and he says Sciatic nerve damage. I am wanting to know if anyone else in this industry is having the same problem and what can I do about it, I don't want to leave my job but I don't want to go down the path of destruction either.

Welcome to the forum, Charles. I had sciatica for a couple of years. Not as a truck driver though. It's not an easy thing to get rid of. In my case I found a very good chiropractor that specialized in a different technique than your regular chiropractor. She did very small adjustments starting with 3 times per week and then slowly tapered off from there. I've been 6 years pain free now. Now I know that will not be possible in your case since you're OTR. I would at least try to coordinate your days off with appts to a chiropractor and get adjustments when you can. Another thing that may offer some relief is a portable battery operated electric muscle stimulator. They sell them at Walgreens for around $60-$70. This will help to relieve some pressure from your muscles being too tight. Biofreeze is another thing you can put on your back to reduce swelling. It comes in a roll on for easy application.

As a side note, I've tried other things like going to a back doctor and getting meds but they just mask the underlying problem. Most regular docs will say surgery is the only way. I heard that from 3 different doctors. I even talked with folks that had surgery and every one of them said that if given the choice again, they would not have done the surgery. It either didn't relieve the pain or made it worse. Now I know everyone is different and your problem may be caused by something completely different from mine. But I would seriously give a chiropractor a shot. Oh and ibuprofen did wonders. It worked even better than the scripts in my case.

Hope this somewhat helps you. Good luck and get that taken care of. I know how painful it can be.

Charles, first of all, WELCOME to TT, and we are glad to have you !!! Now, about that back pain..... Do you carry your wallet in your back pockets !!! If so, having it in EITHER back pocket can cause inflammation,spasms,hot knives going down the legs, etc. Unless you have injured your back recently, I'd bet its your wallet. To help with the healing, any type of hot pack, be it the stick on Thermo packs, or just a heating pad at home, will help take the selling out, which will stop the sciatic pain. Try that....and if it doesn't help...then its off to the bone cracker for you !!!! Good Luck !!

Charles, first of all, WELCOME to TT, and we are glad to have you !!! Now, about that back pain..... Do you carry your wallet in your back pockets !!! If so, having it in EITHER back pocket can cause inflammation,spasms,hot knives going down the legs, etc. Unless you have injured your back recently, I'd bet its your wallet. To help with the healing, any type of hot pack, be it the stick on Thermo packs, or just a heating pad at home, will help take the selling out, which will stop the sciatic pain. Try that....and if it doesn't help...then its off to the bone cracker for you !!!! Good Luck !!

I forgot about the wallet. That was the first thing my chiropractor mentioned. I've been carrying it in my front pocket ever since. The other she recommended was sleeping with a pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side like I do. It helps to align your spine. I actually can't sleep without one now.

I would highly recommend looking into Yoga. I've done it for quite a few years now and it's like a miracle. People have no idea how many problems they have physically and how easily they can be fixed by simply eating properly and getting a little exercise - and Yoga is the most beneficial exercising I've ever come across.

My ma had sciatica for a short time and said it was the most horrible pain she ever experienced. Her doctor gave her some meds and some treatments for a few weeks and she hasn't had a problem since. Unfortunately you have to be very careful that any meds you take are commercially approved.

Sciatic inflammation can be incapacitating....I know...I just spent a week in bed,..in the recliner...in bed...and in pain all the time...what did I do?? carefully pulled, and rolled up a very light carpet from a 12x14 room..and helped haul it out of the house. No I'm no light weight, I've don't this stuff all my life, i KNOW how to lift..I know when my limit has been met. But I forgot that bending from the waist,to cut carpet, is the WORST thing a person with previous back injuries can do. So I paid the price. BUT...there is a silver lining for me. I AM going to buy me an inversion table! I used one...I"m sold.. And Brett is right about the Yoga.It kept me in shape, and my skeletal frame where it should be. For me, it helped strengthen the "connective tissues". the tendons, cartilage, and muscles that hold your bones in place. If you are strong in those areas, you won't have as much problem with slipping sciatic bones.

I want to thank all of you for the advice you have given me thus far, I did go out and buy me an Inversion table, it seems to be helpful but from what I understand, this is going to be a slow healing process, think I will try the Yoga in addition to the Inversion table, again, thanks for all your help.

Charlie

I've been doing Yoga for years and I've gotten a number of other people started on it. The best beginners series I've ever found is Yoga Zone - you can find one of their box sets here:

Yoga Zone DVD's

That is a fantastic way to get started with yoga. Those DVD's are relaxing, easy to follow, and have a tremendous variety of yoga styles.

A friend had great success with inversion table therapy.

Phil