muscle injury w/ sciatica

jackiesaurus
jackiesaurus Posts: 42 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
For the last five weeks I've been dealing with sciatica (pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own.) Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. And I thought it was due to piriformis syndrome, based on my cousin's judgement - she's an athletic trainer.

I've read that generally bed rest is not recommended, and that you should "Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities after that. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting of your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain begins. You should start exercising again after 2-3 weeks. This should include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine."

The first week or so I was still using it normally, but without running or cycling, and switched to elliptical. Since, I've only been doing the elliptical 2 - 3 times a week for 25 - 35 minutes and an hour of yoga a week. I stretch every day. and I've continuted core stengthening and arms. I experienced minimal improvement and decided that maybe I should stop exercising as it feels really numb when I do, so this whole week I haven't been exercising and have been putting a heat pad on it every night (when i did ice I could feel the muscle spasm and it hurt worse) - but there is still no change.

I'm really frustrated that it's lasted so long and the only relief I get is laying down. Getting out of bed and getting in and out of my car yield the worst pain. I'm a really active person and it's driving me nuts. I tried jogging on it a week ago and only got about five yards before my whole leg went numb. Does anyone know if/how i can start exercising (cardio) again? Anything to help it heal faster? Five weeks feels like a really long time to be dealing with a muscle injury, but then again I sit at work all day irritating the hell out of it lol.

Replies

  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    I think maybe that is something you should ask your doctor.
  • baraccus
    baraccus Posts: 85 Member
    I've had issues with this in the past as well, for me making sure to stretch the muscles regularly helped significantly. I occasionally get the pain but after making sure I stretch for a few days the pain alleviates. It can be pretty serious and I have had friends who have needed surgery, but I suggest stretches as a first step.
  • jenj1313
    jenj1313 Posts: 898 Member
    Consider seeing your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. Chiropractors can treat this too.

    But you need to have realistic expectations too... often sciatica is something that takes a long time to get over (think months+, not weeks), and it is more a concept of pain and symptom management, versus "curing" it.

    There are many structures that can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. There are clinical tests that a PT or Chiro can do to try to figure out which structure(s) is/are causing the pain. This will make treatment more effective. Self diagnosis and treatment is, IMO, like walking into a dark room and throwing a handful of darts at the board. You might hit, and you might miss by a mile.

    I've had it too. It's not fun.
    Good luck!
  • jackiesaurus
    jackiesaurus Posts: 42 Member
    Yeah thank you for the suggestions! Just wish there was an easier fix...
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    As you stated, sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem. If it doesn't go away with conservative type treatment, it can then become necessary to go the diagnostic route and determine the cause. So far, you have done what most people would do -- trying the "do it yourself" route. That is perfectly appropriate at first, since often some general stretching and strengthening can alleviate the symptoms. But the continued numbness is a sign that you might need to seek some professional help.

    Just make sure you choose a doctor who is experienced in sports medicine. The majority of people who go to docs for this sort of thing are older adults who are not very active. So the docs are very good at handing out pain pills and prescribing steroidal injections, but not always experienced with younger folks wanting to pursue an athletic lifestyle.
  • Sunny____
    Sunny____ Posts: 214
    This is right up my alley. I am a massage therapist. Who told you it was the sciatica? It does sound like you have a pinched nerve in your back. Which part of your toes or foot are affected besides your heel? The inner toes or the outer toes. This can tell which nerve is pinched. A massage can work that right out. I can't tell you too much without examining you first. Heat will give you relief, cold will heal, you can alternate hot and cold pads at home. But do get to a licensed mt. Your body will heal itself, but it can take months. The massage will speed it along. If you have more information for me or questions, I would love to help you as best I can.

    If we were in the same town I would have you come over tomorrow. I hate seeing someone in pain. This is the part of my job I love the most, is helping people get back to their lives. It is so rewarding.
  • MsLadyVirgo
    MsLadyVirgo Posts: 160 Member
    Good morning,

    I experience sciatic issues on quite often on the left side of my lower-back/ higher buttock. A massage therapist worked with me by doing pressure point and detox massages. Also, she assisted w/some inner thigh pressure points.

    I was given guidance to work on my inner thighs; however, I notice that pilates & jinga (standing pivot leg swoops) help too.

    If my symptoms continue (beyond August), I will seek others advice, mentioned here, and seek medical help.
  • jackiesaurus
    jackiesaurus Posts: 42 Member
    Thanks so much for everyone's responses...the pain is mostly in the middle of the back of my legs and down to the sole of the foot, with some pain on the outside of my thigh.

    I'm in the LA area (redondo beach) if anyone has recommendations of physical or massage therapists!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    I've had mild sciatica since my mid 20's. It actually hurts more when I don't exercise (take time off) or when it's colder. I have noticed that the leg I have it in, I can't quite flex my calf as hard as my opposite leg and it's a little smaller. However it's not impaired my lifting, I don't feel as strong in it as my other leg. Eventually I'll have to have it checked because I don't want it to get to impaired to the point that it becomes too weak.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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