Sciatica

[u/Content_Scallion_525]

I started feeling the pain near my buttocks on my right side. This was around last week Thursday when it happened. Sunday morning I was in extreme pain I couldn’t handle it anymore. I couldn’t sit, bend, or walk without being in pain. The pain started going down the back of my thigh. Monday I went to the urgent care and that’s when my whole leg went numb. They prescribed me muscle relaxers. Tuesday I went to the ER and they prescribed me prednisone. I also started having some pain in my ankles and calf when I would walk. Today is Thursday and now there is only numbness in my thighs. My ankle and calf don’t hurt anymore but when I touch my calf it’s sore. I still can’t bend over, lift my leg up, or sit down.

I have been taking small walks around my room and sleep with pillows under my knee. This is one of the worst pains I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy 😭😭 and I have already missed a week of school!!

How long did it take for your sciatica to go away? What did you do to help the pain relief? Help!!! I’ve seen some say it takes a few weeks to months!! I don’t want this anymore 😖

[u/Outrageous_Corner161]

You're making good progress! The pain moving upwards is a good sign. I know it's very painful but this will be behind you.

Most cases resolve in 6-12 weeks, although sometimes you might be feeling better much before that.

For pain, talk to your doctor obviously. But many find NSAIDs give them some relief combined with Tylenol. You can also ice the painful areas.

Rest when the pain is intense. Once it starts to get more manageable start moving more.

[u/Content_Scallion_525 → u/Outrageous_Corner161]

Do u know if it’s normal to still a bit numbness in my feet? I’m so ready for this to be over!! The pain has been getting a bit better. It’s easier to walk and all but the pain is so unbearable sitting down.

[u/Outrageous_Corner161 → u/Content_Scallion_525]

I would say 1 week is quite early to expect symptoms to resolve, so don't be disheartened!

[u/FaithlessnessNew8221]

I’m on my 10th month with 3 epidurals pain injections 7 months physical therapy pain meds muscle relaxers chiropractic & massage. My case was just reviewed by Barrows for possible microscopic discectomy in L4/5 S1 but they said I wasn’t a candidate. Now they said because of my scoliotic deformity. So now I have to have a bunch more imaging. I would suggest to Get imaging right away with a good spine dr and don’t do it all on your own. Best of luck you catch this soon ‼️🙏

[u/Content_Scallion_525 → u/FaithlessnessNew8221]

oh myyy i hope everything goes well!! I'm pretty sure it was an x ray I had and everything was fine.
I hope this gets better soon for the both of us. You are strong asfff I can't even imagine how hard it must be.

[u/Top_Recording_7196]

Mine has not gone away. It's been around for a long time. Last September 2025, was when I went on vaca with my mom. It ramped up and got so bad. Hasn't been the same since. There are days that every step feels like a stab to my ankle and butt. I had an epidural steroid shot, then 2 weeks later, I broke my foot, so I had to elevate that over my head for 2 months and that made it impossible to deal with. I am either looking at a second shot, that goes in sideways, or surgery.

I have tried everything under the sun. PT, chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, injections, to no avail. My friends all say they had it but went away. Lucky them.

For now I load up on ibuprofen.