I have been having these shooting pains up my left leg. They also go up into the hip and into my back. I've been having these pains for about 4 months now. Someone said it could be the sciatic(sp?) nerve being pinched. Any other opinions? And what measures would I have to take to check on it? I am uninsured so I really dont have that many options if they're major tests.
2007-04-30 14:26:10 · 6 answers · asked by Drakona 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
I am 21 years old by the way.
2007-04-30 14:39:58 · update #1
this could be sciatica or overworked muscles. I recommend you get massage therapy, if you are able to afford it. A professional therapist can help ease the pain and instruct you what to do at home. My other suggestion is a chiropractor. I've enclosed to link where you can find a chiropractor in your area. What you could do is telephone the office and ask what the cost is before going in.
For now take a hot bath every night using 2c. of Epsom salts to relax the muscles an ease the pain. Follow This with an analgesic balm rubbed into all the areas of pain. You can also use the heating pad on the main area of pain for twenty minutes at a time, several times a day. use an over the counter pain reliever such as Advil, three times daily.
If you can get access to a Jacuzzi, use it every day. spas are one of the best treatments available without costing too much.
If you have any further questions please let me know.
best wishes,
Billie77
2007-04-30 14:35:34 · answer #1 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It definitely sounds like what I've got, which is sciatica. The nerve root in the lower back is being pressed on, and the result is a shooting pain, sometimes in the back, hip, on down the leg, where the nerve runs. Some of the things already mentioned may help. Part of my treatment is seeing a physical therapist, and when I asked her about heat vs. cold, she said that heat would probably feel better, but would expand the nerve and the end result would be more pain, or sharp pain. An MRI will confirm it, and they are expensive, unfortunately. If you are working, many cities offer places that you can go that will provide treatment on a sliding scale fee, based on your income. If you're unemployed, you might consider signing up for Medicaid. I know how painful this is, and I hope you're able to get the treatment you need, and soon.
2007-04-30 23:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by meteor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does sound like sciatica. The drugs that they use to treat it are cheap, fortunately. NSAIDS and Lortab for pain. They took a MRI or something on my back but they can treat you without that. I used to take 600 mg of Motrin 4 times per day and my back used to get better so that's a treatment. I wish you the best.... hopefully, we'll get medical coverage for all citizens soon, it's a nightmare right now. Take care.
2007-04-30 21:39:26 · answer #3 · answered by Neil L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could have something to do with the nerve....have you tried
"stretching." If you have access to a swimming pool you should try that...it is a no impact sport so your joints and muscles are less likely to hurt...again, keep moving and in a few weeks
hopefully you will be back to your old self :o).....now go take the motrin :o)
2007-04-30 21:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by MOB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow I know what your going through.I have been having similar pains for almost a year now,but mine go down from my back.I was told I do have sciatica as well as alot of other problems.Since you don't have insurance.try and use heat and ice packs ten minutes on then off.It doesn't always help me,but it is definitely worth a try.Also try and take Motrin.So sorry for your pain.Good Luck!
2007-04-30 21:33:27 · answer #5 · answered by dubbz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on your age it sounds like growing pains my daughter had it real bad hope its nothing serious but just in case you need to see a doctor.
2007-04-30 21:38:25 · answer #6 · answered by william w 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋