How do you live with this?
 

I posted in the New Members Introduction forum so this is my second post. I am miserable from the sciatica pain from my spine problems. My first epidural cortisone injection didn't help; I see the pain doctor tomorrow to discuss what to do. I'm in PT and use an ice pack as much as I can at home, in addition to just starting gabapentin at night.

I can stand or walk but can only sit for about 20 minutes if that! Even lying down hurts now. I take Ibuprofen and Tylenol but they don't help that much. I went to an acupuncturist last week and am going again but it didn't help yet. The doctors told me I'm not a candidate for surgery because there are too many bad places in my spine. I don't want surgery anyway.

I feel like I don't have a life now! How do you cope with this terrible pain every single day? Thank you.

You might find some pain control or treatment information in this forum, we also have a Chronic Pain forum and a Medications & Treatments & SCS (spinal cord stimulator) subforum.. You might want to explore them also..
https://www.neurotalk.org/forum72/
https://www.neurotalk.org/forum118/
https://www.neurotalk.org/forum10/

I got one of those inversion tables ($100 Amazon) for my low back & sciatica flare ups..
and one of those large inflatable exercise balls to lay over & sit on for easy core work.
Keeping core in shape can help with back issues.
I don't have degeneration, but a slippery L5 and some neck issues..
I got a Amazon lightning deal on a nice gel/memory foam mattress- reg 800 for 250.00.

I did post support info in your original posting. Why not seek out a Pelvic Floor PT worker. They are out there but one has to do some work. My sciatic area after 30 some yrs still gets achy if I sit on it too long or sit wrong. Also, there are stretches that do work.

For my sciatic issue I did NOT get any epidural injections, I don't buy into the steriods too much as if they help, it's short lived. Too much negative side effects from the steroids too.

Today the pain doctor said he doesn't give a second epidural if the first doesn't work. He said the next step is surgery! I'm devastated! I said I would never see a chiropractor but I have an appointment Wednesday. The knee to chest stretches are the only ones my PT wants me to do. I trust her. I did more until I had this relapse. I drove 20 minutes to the hospital today for my appointment and it was barely tolerable. This sucks!
I will check out the surgeon referrals because I can't live like this. Also going to acupuncture again. I can't take 3 Advil anymore. Can't take gabapentin in the day time.

Your PT should know about Pelvic Floor Work. That person may not do it, as it's specialized, but could send you to a PT who does. Maybe the chiro can help, I saw them for probably 40 yrs of my life. I would never consider surgery.

I'll ask about pelvic floor work today. She has me pull in my stomach, says that helps the back, and some mild pelvic tilts. That's probably not what you mean. Can you elaborate, please? Thanks very much for posting to me.

The chiropractor is unusual. He uses the Mackenzie Method, which is movements/exercises I do at home. I have to commit to a few weeks of no PT though! He says this works or it doesn't, but I have to come in every couple of days. He doesn't believe in surgery for what I have. He relies on where my pain is or isn't. Wasn't too interested in my MRI. My friend was helped by him.

Did anyone here of the Mackenzie Method or was helped by it? Thanks!