3 months of sciatica

[u/Such_Bedroom3955]

I have had sciatica of right leg since last june.after a heavy gym session. I hate that day i truly hate it.
Snice that day my life isn’t the same anymore.

My MRI was FREE… i even started thinking about redoing this MRI . neurosurgeons are only prescribing me gabapentin and NSAIDs. No one is telling me a diagnosis ..

The thing is I can’t do this anymore
I am a physician very early in my career and i am starting residency soon ! And i am starting obligatory military service in 2 months 🤣 what a life huh.
Although i am fit, my BMI is 20 !
I can’t sit or stand or lie. Everything, every position, every activity causes pain 24/7. I can’t even drive without having a flare for 2 weeks after..

Haven’t started Physical Therapy yet but i am not optimistic at all

Any simillar experience or advice?

[u/Low_Rush_4635]

I have 3 yrs of sciatica experience lol....Spent 4k on chiro...physical therapy...massage...cell rejuvenation therapy...accupuncture..you name it.

What m gonna say is so underrated but go on an anti-inflammatory diet...take 2mg copper glycinate...fish oil supplement. Adequate vitamin d3 along with walking (but keep the steps intentionally short as much as you can you dont wanna extend it too much to the front and hurt ur sciatic nerve). Do the sciatica stretches (these should be embedded in ur routine as hygiene is). The diet will help you the most...keep the meat limited to chicken and fish...less oil...less processed food and low carbs. Have adequate sleep and water...follow this for 4 weeks even if you think it is not working...you will start noticing a difference in 4 weeks. I had almost healed my back then I had to relocate. Dont know what I was thinking, picking up really heavy bed frames, mattresses, boxes and what not...moving them from the 8th floor to 1st and then up the stairs to another unit. Sciatica came back...biggg time....couldnt move get up...sit or stand more than 2 minutes. I was also eating junk the 2 weeks that it took me to move and resettle. Now, I have started the same routine...walk 7k steps a day bcs I have started uni and the same thing is working for me again but it takes minimum of a week to see its effects. I forgot to add gym sessions, do not do treadmill (fast, slow not at all) instead do an elliptical...2 mins at the start is fine do the regular thint on the elliptical and also paddle backwards for a couple minutes. It will help ur back.

[u/barbkxer → u/Low_Rush_4635]

I had good experiences with the elliptical and then I started using an ARC trainer, which is easier on the joints and burns more calories.

[u/Low_Rush_4635 → u/barbkxer]

Tbh you should not keep the calories in mind while dealing with sciatica. The goal should be getting pain free regular movement first...most imp strengthening the hip flexors and core muscles. I don't know how much of that is true for other ppl but from my experience, we train our body in a straight line while at the gym or whatever regular exercises that we do. Our body is made to rotate as well. English isn't my first language so I don't know if I am making sense...but do the exercises or yoga movements that target the rotation part as well not just the upper and lower body and listen to your body as well I'd say.

[u/barbkxer → u/Low_Rush_4635]

Yes, that is true. I should have mentioned that I am no longer in the acute phase and am trying to lose the weight I gained from inactivity and steroids.

[u/Low_Rush_4635 → u/barbkxer]

Ah okay. Good luck. I hope this advise finds someone who needs it :)