What kind of doctor should i consult for sciatic nerve/back pain.?

Question

Chiropractors don't seem to help. Its a lower back pain that radiates through my hip and down through the back of my leg. I understand it is a pinching of my sciatic nerve but I don't want and will not seek surgery. I need to try less invasive tactics.
I want to hear from people that have experienced these symptoms and how they went about treating it.

Answer 1

I would first stop with chiropractors. I see more problems caused by them that end very badly.

If you truly have sciatica, you need to have the cause diagnosed. This is of vital importance to determining the best course of treatment. The best way to diagnose your problem is via neuroimaging (radiology) by either an MRI or CT myelogram.

An MRI is less invasive and completely painless. A CT myelogram involves putting a small spinal needle into the fluid sac around your spinal cord and injecting iodinated contrast into the fluid, then taking a CT scan.

You could see a neurologist, but he/she won't be able to do much for you. An orthopedist might offer you surgery, but in my experience with patients who've undergone back surgery--DON'T if you have any other choice. He/she may also offer you physical therapy, high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and various exercises. A neurosurgeon might also offer you surgery.

Depending on the cause of your pain, you may be able to get a minimally invasive therapy from an anesthesiologist or radiologist via an injection of steroids or local anesthetics at the site of the cause of your pain. Often it is related to the intervertebral discs in your back.

Again, the treatment depends on the cause. A neurologist is a good place to start if they order an MRI of your lumbar spine for you.

In short, that's what you really need first. Find a doctor who'll order that for you, and that's the first step. Even a family practice doctor can prescribe an MRI. Just make sure it's interpreted by a board certified radiologist--preferably one who is fellowship trained and has a CAQ in neuroradiology. Don't have a chiropractor, neurologist, or surgeon play radiologist by interpreting your MRI. It's not an easy thing to do.

Answer 2

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Answer 6

I have osteoarthritis in the severe degenerative stages. I have had surgery eight times on my spine, I have 32 wires and 32 screws, with eight cadaver bones and eight of my own bones, along with two cages holding my spine together. I have lived in pain for 14 years now, I'm 70 years old.

They just put in a Medtronic spinal stimulator in my spine and, for the first time in fourteen years, I'm almost pain free and only take one pain pill, out of the eight that I was on and, that's only when necessary.

I know it's ongoing but, it's a relief. I know what your going through, I've been there, in the twilight zone between pain and real suffering, crying like a baby for the dawn to come and, not really caring if it does.

I would see a good neurologist first, he can give you a lot of tests to see how bad this problem is. Then he'll consult with a orthopedic surgeon, that doesn't mean surgery. They have to have all the answers before they can make a commitment. There are other choices now days, like I had with the Medtronic stimulator. It was a God-send.

Take your time, call a neurologist and see him first.

Answer 7

Ohh the debate --- Chiropractors or Medics???

Well it is like going to a mechanic, there are good mechanics and bad mechanics. if you go to a bad mechanic do you stop for the rest of your life and never have your car serviced again???

No!!!

Here is a simple test you can apply to all practitioners...

Ring them and ask for 10 minutes of their time - in person - so you can discuss your problem. Ask them questions and expect answers that make sense. You should find out how long they expect you to get better, the costs, what they will do and where they think your problem is.

If you don't want surgery - don't do to a surgeon or medical specialist, this is usually their only options outside medication and a few exercises. I am not anti- medicine, I am not anti-Chiro either. I am anti practitioners that do poor jobs!!!

if they won't give you 10 minutes they are less likely to really go that extra mile to make sure you get good relief.

If you want to find a good Chiro - look for someone who just doesn't rack and crack backs. Find one who does Applied Kinesiology (this is not quackery for those who are groaning now - if it works it works), AK Chiros look at your muscles, joints and other factors that may be involved.

But if you want to try some simple Acupressure techniques and some exercise that will help - and free!! - check the link below. Finally a web site that actually teaches you techniques that work and work well, allowing you to help your self and to aid the therapy of your choice.

Don't discount Chiro or any therapy, just like a mechanic, just find a good one.

Answer 8

Hello,
I found many interesting info about sciatica here: http://curesciatica.toptips.org


While looking for a miracle cure, it has to be understood that sciatica pain in itself is not a disease. It is actually a symptom or a group of symptoms with an underlying cause that needs to be targeted if some sort of permanent pain relief is what one is looking for. But one thing is absolutely clear. Incorporating a few exercises that have a beneficial effect on sciatica pain in daily regime is of great help and whether a patient is taking drugs or not, these exercises ensure that his muscles are kept in a toned condition that lessen any flare up of pain. Just a few stretching exercises can bring about a drastic change in the levels of pain and signify the importance of exercise in the management of sciatica pain.
Have a nice day

Answer 9

Fix Forward Head Posture Fast!

Answer 10

I also have sciatic nerve damage. I was told to see a chiropractor or acupuncturist and to do regular stretches to strengthen my back. You MUST follow the chiropractors instructions all the time to reduce your pain and help the sciatic nerve to heal. It can take 3 months or more to feel better depending on the severity. Are you taking an anti-inflammatory like Advil to reduce the inflammation? Taking Advil as your doctor prescribes will help, it does for me.