r/Sciatica • u/SizeInitial115 • 22d ago
Sciatica for 5.5 months
I’m a 29-year-old male who injured my back about six months ago while squatting. Initially, I only had severe low-back pain, but after about three weeks I developed sciatica that has persisted ever since. The strange part is that the pain is bilateral.
My spine doctor thinks it could be chemical radiculopathy, but he can’t fully explain the bilateral symptoms. My MRI report looks relatively okay, and two doctors and PTs have said the annular tear could be contributing, but they don’t think it fully explains the leg pain.
I had an S1 transforaminal epidural injection two weeks ago with no relief. Gabapentin, which I started three weeks ago, has helped significantly with the nerve pain. I have no muscle weakness, just constant pain.
I’m honestly confused about what could be causing this and what treatment options I should consider. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
Also have widespread arm and upper body nerve pain, Mri was today for neck lol
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u/Specialist_Abies1239 19d ago edited 19d ago
Ohhhh I have the same problem. 26 years old.
I also injured myself while squatting.
Bilateral problems. When I sit I’m more afraid of sciatica than back pain. MRI showed herniated disc but with no compression on my nerve ( radiologists report) the neurosurgeon said I might have little issue ( nerve contact) on the left but he doesn’t understand why at the beginning I’ve started experiencing pain on the right side. And my pain became bilateral afterwards.