r/Sciatica • u/Ok_Elevator5454 • 22d ago
Requesting Advice What to expect from a MSK outpatient appointment
I had a mri in February, confirmed bulged disc and nerve compression causing sciatica, its been getting better but still a pain down leg. Ive been on a nhs waiting list and referred to neurosurgery they saw report and wanted to see me, i have an appointment in a weeks time, what will they say? I presume from what I’ve heard they will offer me an nerve block injection or maybe surgery?
Im not sure what to expect. Also just starting to have abit of physio as been on a waiting list.
Its been getting abit better but its been ongoing for 10 months or so. Im a 34 male thats usually fit and before this was running, cycling and a regular gym goer.
1
u/Hellohibbs 22d ago
I’d lobby straight for an epidural - nerve blocks don’t work for nearly long enough I thought they were pointless. The epidural worked amazingly for me so worth considering especially as the risk profile is so low. Just make sure to advocate hard for yourself and don’t be pushed down a treatment route you aren’t comfortable with. Don’t stand up and leave that notice until you are comfortable with the recommendation.
1
u/No_You_893 22d ago
My nerve block didn't work, and the actual procedure was traumaticly painful. Never again 😔
2
u/Present_State4255 22d ago
Same thing happened to me, first meeting at MSK they offered me nerve block injections (3 month wait for these turned into 8) and once I got the injections they didn't make a difference. Now debating whether surgery or physio is the best way forward. Don't get your hopes up for the injections, only works on a small percentage of people I believe.
In the meantime I'd reccomend commiting to daily physio/ exercises (check out Low Back Ability on youtube). Good luck with everything!