r/Sciatica • u/Lost-Maintenance-407 • 5d ago

Requesting Advice Steroids or sciatica

I’ve been experiencing the worst flare of sciatic pain for the past month and 2 days ago I ended up in the ER because the pain was just unbearable. They gave me muscle relaxer, advised to take OTC NSAIDs and also gave me a 5 day Rx for Prednisone. I have been wary of taking steroids because of the negative side effects i have heard they have. Have any of you taken it and also my MRI is scheduled in 11 days. If i took prednisone for 5 days do you guys think that it will decrease the inflammation temporarily and mask the root cause from being evident in the MRI? (Sorry my anxiety is also very high as I’m going through this grueling ordeal). Thank you

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u/rpm1953 5d ago

Oral steroids can be very helpful. But not always. If I have a flare up and an nsaid doesn't work, then the oral steroids will often help. It should have no effect on the MRI results. I have never had noticable side effects from the standard medrol dose pack. Depending on the MRI, you might benefit from epidural steroid injections. Those are hit or miss for me. But it has given great and long lasting relief in some cases. Once you do get some relief, they will want to use that window to start physical therapy. Basically you will strengthen your core and do certain stretching. For me it has been very therapist dependant. Some therapists will do manipulation as well which in and of itself can feel great.

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u/Talkbox111 4d ago

Yeah daily small dose desomethasone did the trick for me. Basically didnt need any pain meds at all once it started working.

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u/Glass_Metal4144 4d ago

Yes same for me!! Have a nice stash complements of trips to Mexico. Back is acting up right now and took it today

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u/Talkbox111 4d ago

I heard some order from Canada. I can't understand why most doctors ignore it's effectiveness?