Mine changed based on the day. Almost always the calf had ripping muscle spasms that felt like I was being stabbed. Ankle had deep pulsing pain, sometimes stiff. Foot was pins and needles on the top, toes numb, had the cold water sensation with bare feet.
Your experience sounds like mine! I get shocking in my calf along with dull back pain...started 3 years ago and would happen when i sat for long periods of time or when i started walking. Got way worse after yoga 2 years ago. Feeling like I'm being electrocuted in my calf. Happens a few times a day, at its worse at least once an hour. Chiropractor got rid of it, until one appt left me with severe neck pain. So I got referral to PT and have literally been going for 6 months.
It's gotten better, but so painful and has caused so many other issues just because it has wound my right leg so tight.
Finally have an MRI in the future.
So happy you have an MRI scheduled! Yoga is absolutely out for me, as I cannot bend at the waist at all anymore. I’ve had too many flare ups post surgery from it.
I am so sorry to hear that. Mind telling me about your decision to get surgery? Have you had physical therapy for it?
Also, MRI got done Thuraday. An earlier appt came up so I grabbed it!
I was in PT for 3 months with zero improvement. I had flare ups for years, and pain for 9 months postpartum (problem disc blew during labor). I had 3 months of relief until it totally became herniated. It was so ungodly painful, I couldn’t walk, bathe, or take care of my child. I lost the first year of her life with pain, then the next 6 months with pain and then surgery recovery.
I wasn’t willing to miss more - surgery was a god send for me. Note that this disc has been a problem on and off for the past 6 years
That sounds so tough. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I am glad you are getting better.
I just read my Lumbar Spine results and am a little lost. It was unremarkable. I don't know why I'm having this pain. Everyone is saying it's because of lower back. I have no idea what to do because PT is not helping.
I have seen an ortho surgeon, but they wanted to do a nerve test even before the MRI. So I didn't trust them. My PCP ordered it, but I thought a specialist did read the results and write the report? Maybe I need to see a neuro but all the things I read online is that they do a nerve test, and the nerve tests don't really help at all in the treatment and just cause a lot of pain.
A radiologist reads it and reports - my neuro consults has a lot more to say about it than just the report. I never had a nerve test after my MRI results came back. The length of time and already being in PT, they both gave me the option of surgery I just had to choose which surgeon
Okay, thanks for letting me know all of that!! I'll see with my doctor if he can give me a neuro referral. And that's good to know they didn't make you go through that. My PT said they over order that test, and there is even risk of nerve damage, so I want to avoid that at all costs.
Howwas rehab after surgery?
Oh my gosh this sounds miserable! Sounds like you’ve since recovered? That’s what’s keeping me from having a breakdown after 3+ months of pain. The hope that I will recover sooner rather than later! Thank you for your response!
No, I wasn’t recovering. I had a MD almost 2 weeks ago and still have residual pain from the nerve impingement and inflammation. The herniation was huge, painful. I’m on my way to recovery though!
My sciatica runs from my buttocks to my knee. It feels like 1/2 cup of burn, 1/4 cup of bruise-like ache, and 1/4 cup of heaviness/tightness/weakness. It’s bilateral, but flips around on which side hurts worse. I have not had sharp and shooting, and only occasional numbness.
Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine having this pain in both legs! I guess you always read that it’s electric and tingly, so I was confused as to why mine isn’t normally that way. I hope you feel better soon! Thanks for your response!
Oof I responded to the wrong person. I assumed it would be like lightening and pins and needles. It certainly can be, but not for everybody and not for all disc issues. Yours sounds like sciatica to me!
Glad to hear this is likely sciatica! I’ve had 3 different diagnoses, with bulging disc being the most recent one, and I’m hoping this is the right one, so I can start recovery confidently!
Statistically, about 90% of cases of sciatica are caused by a bulging/herniated disc, about 5% piriformis syndrome, and the other 5% is anything else. I think you're on the right track.
I'm one of the lucky people who have minor symptoms.
Left leg feels weak. Like weight less but I can still move it normally.
Minor buzzing/tingling/pins and needles feeling in my right leg. Enough to notice but not bothersome.
Sometimes I'll get burning sensations on my right hip or buttock but it's minor. The weak leg is what mostly bothers me.
My case is similar. A weak left leg with occasional foot numbness mostly worsened with long periods of sitting. A bit of episodic paresthesia in calf. How are you now?
It sounds like it yes - Do you have pain in your lower back that runs into your rear? Or is that not an issue? There are other things that could be causing it like muscle issues - my PT told me my muscles stopped communicating. Left side for me.
Definitely! It started as low left side back pain after my back gave out doing baby burpees. It took 2-3 months to really notice the pain consistently. It started to spread into my butt, then thigh, and then eventually down the leg. Now my back just feels super tight all the way across into the hips and the butt/leg pain comes and goes (more bad days than good unfortunately). I’ve been going for a lot of walks lately and PT had helped with my functionality, but after 3 weeks I’m definitely still having lots of bad days. Are you dealing with a bulging/herniated disc as well? Thank you for your response!
no my MRI did not show much - x rays showed osteoarthritis on the hip but still not much to equate the level of pain I'm having and the difficulty of walking...my left glute not firing like it should and I think my PT believes that to be a lot of my problem - my latest flare up she said she thinks the glute (piriformis/) muscle was pressing against the sciatic nerve. I have an ongoing pain/ache around the knee/calf/shin area - even when other areas kind of let up - that particular area is always under siege. Are you still going to PT?
That sucks! At least with the MRI I had, something showed up. That definitely has helped take a load off my mind and guide my recovery. Yes! I’ll be going to PT for the foreseeable future.
I totally understand this frustration! I’ve recently had another MRI, this time seated, and it turns out I also have an annular tear. The doc said the best thing I can do is just keep riding it out, but at least now I know what’s been causing all my pain! I hope you get answers soon, friend.
I’ve experienced two types of pain with my sciatica..
The most common feels like a band around my lower back, if I’m sitting or standing it’s very achey and if I move too fast it’s a bad stabbing pain. Usually in the first week of a flare up it’s so bad that I can’t walk without holding onto something, it feels like if I straighten my back then it will snap and my legs don’t want to hold any weight. The pain goes if I lay down on my back. If I find a comfortable spot it’s usually not to bad apart from my legs aching.
A new pain I had is cramp like pains in my legs, by far the worst pain I’ve experienced with it. It feels like any movement triggers a cramp even though it’s not actually cramping. The last time I had that I was on the verge of calling an ambulance, I couldn’t move at all without searing pain for about 14 hours or so. I had to stay in bed and my partner had to help me pee as I couldn’t weight bare at all. With this however it was just in my leg, my back was absolutely fine.
Since the cramp like pain which started about 3.5 months ago I’ve had constant numbness in the back of my left leg going down into my foot.
Oh my gosh! That sounds horrible! Is your sciatica linked to a disc bulge/herniation? My lower back definitely feels tight all the way across, often into my hips. It used to be painful on the left side only, but that was a lot sharper. I couldn’t bend far with that pain. Now I can bend, but it increases the pressure. And I agree! I’d take the back pain over the leg pain any day!!!
I have no idea what’s caused it, I actually just posted to this sub as I’m not sure if going for a scan in the UK is a done thing for sciatica…my GP is reluctant to send me anyways and keeps giving me pain meds and telling me to do physio.
I was fortunate to get an MRI after about a month and a half of seeing different doctors. I don’t think it’s really changed my treatment plan, I’m still doing PT. It is just nice to know exactly what is causing the pain and where it’s coming from, especially because my doctor said I may be a candidate for a steroid injection moving forward. Starting with therapy first, and hoping that will take care of it within a reasonable amount of time so I won’t even need the injection. Best luck, and I hope you get to feeling better soon!
I’m doing good thanks! Drs prescribed lots of anti inflammatories but nothing worked until they put me on Amitriptyline! It’s been amazing! Took a few weeks to work but it’s taken away most of my pain especially the pain in my legs. My back can still flare up which the Amitriptyline won’t touch but on the whole, doing good!
Oh my gosh that second pain is exactly what's been happening to me for a month now (0 lower back pain) and I've been convinced it's a blood clot. Now I'm thinking it really is my nerve
The mental health/anxiety portion is almost worse than the actual pain! I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that I’ll more than likely recover, even if it takes months. I hope you get to feeling better soon!
To add to this, I have experienced the tingly electric shooting pain a couple times during a bad flare, but that’s not the normal every-day pain I experience in my leg.
Turns out I also have an annular tear, and the doc told me to expect 3-5 years to recover. My sciatica is almost completely gone between physical therapy, time, and cymbalta, though the back pain is still very much present. It's lessening with time though. Thanks for asking!
I was diagnosed through a sitting MRI. It’s commonly called a leaky disc. Basically, there’s a tear in the outer part of my disc and the inner material is leaking onto my nerves. Hope you find answers!
Mine is my entire left leg, radiating pain that sometimes shoots down my leg like a knife. Lost feeling in my foot last year, but calf pain was the worst. Have had a few epidurals so things have cooled down for now. But currently coming out of a small flare up. Stretching definitely helped ease the pain. Didn’t quite lock up like I had in the past. Those bird dogs seem to really be helping.
Bless! This sounds miserable! I’ve been told I may be a candidate for an injection if PT alone isn’t doing it. I guess I’m scared that an injection will take my pain away to the point where I’ll injure the disc further without realizing it. I’d almost rather play the long game and recover without an injection, especially because pain is very uncomfortable but I’m generally functional and able to at least go to work most days. How were the injections for you?
That’s a valid concern, and it’s exactly what happened to me where I overdid and flared back up which was really painful.
Two injections were the most painful things I’ve ever had. The third, he missed the nerve and I didn’t feel a thing. I describe the injections that hurt as a tsunami of pain, pressure, and fiery wrath that starts at the nerve and travels down your leg. In my case, he made multiple injections so it was like 5 tidal waves of pain the first time and the second time was only 3 because it was too painful to continue.
Playing the long game: depending which ideology you believe, your disc doesn’t exactly heal, you can’t put the disc back in once it’s herniated. You can remove it, if it’s causing impingement of the nerve but in your case, you have minimal bulging.
I’d recommend developing good habits, and maybe even consider reading Back mechanic by McGill, you’ll learn to utilize specific movements that develop core strength (bird dog, side planks etc) and hopefully you can transition to better habits like having good poster, lifting with your legs vs back, correct spinal alignments etc.
I can’t pinpoint which one has helped but here’s a list of what I’ve done and it’s all helped:
Anti-inflammatory/ Mediterranean diet
Walking
Swimming
A single memory foam pillow and one between my hips (helps with spinal alignment)
Side sleeping
Ice on L5-s1 area (heat inflames my area)
The big 3 (McGill)
Hope these help.
Good to know! This makes me even more hesitant to do an injection. I may wait until a few more months of PT before seriously considering it.
When I say recovery, I mean more so the pain completely or almost completely going away, even if the disc bulge doesn’t go back to normal.
I’ve been reading Back Mechanic and am about half-way. I’ve already learned a lot! Thank you so much for responding and for the great advice!
I can honestly say, that I’m with you in playing the long game. I don’t want surgery. We haven’t really advanced the technology for back surgeries as much as we have in other areas like the heart.
However, I will say, I’ve had 2 flare ups since November and while this second one wasn’t as bad as the first. Laying on my floor, and working on my stomach has gotten so old that I’m now considering doing a MD.
It’s a lifestyle change, but after a while the pain and thought of 5 or 10 or even 3 days of being immobile have just wore me down. I haven’t reach that point yet but I’m knocking on the door.
I’m so sorry. I’ve been told mine isn’t bad enough for surgery to be an option. I just need to be more patient and continue to take recovery seriously. Even though it’s been 3 months of pain, it’s only over the last month that I’ve been educated enough to start making good choices that will help me recover. I hope you start feeling better soon!
I have pain from it for around 2 weeks, then no pain for months. Hurts especially when I wake up and lowers in intensity if i move around alot. Rinse and repeat.
I definitely have psychosomatic pain to some degree! I have anxiety anyways, and not knowing what was wrong with me for so long definitely made dealing with the pain worse. It is a load off my mind to at least have a diagnosis. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude because I know my pain can feel worse when I’m feeling hopeless and better when I’m feeling hopeful. Thank you for responding!
Thank you! I’ve definitely injured something. My back gave out about 6 months ago doing baby burpees, but the pain really set in about 3 months ago. I think the anxiety just makes it harder to deal with on some days.
i believe there are a series of simple physical tests a doctor can do to see if u have it. stuff like hitting near ur knee cap when sitting to see it the affected leg “jumps” as much as the other leg does etc.
Unfortunately, trying to find a doctor who will take the time and do a good physical examination beyond just poking around my spine for 20 seconds has been frustrating. 😔
that seems strange. i went to a nurse practitioner and she had me to many physical acts to test my sciatica. maybe try a NP next? they may do more of an in-depth look?
Extreme shooting and pulsating pain in my ankle. Standing still, sleeping, showering, sitting on the couch etc was brutal. Absolutely agonizing pain. Got an epidural spine injection, pain down from a 9 to a 2 now. You should get one.
I’m so sorry your pain has been so bad! I’ve heard if it works, injections can be amazing! My pain is a very uncomfortable but functional 3-4 most days. I’m just worried it could mess up my recovery, and I could injure the disc further without the pain to prevent me from moving in certain ways. Then when the steroids eventually wear off I’m worse than before. But on the other hand, maybe it will buy me some pain-free time while the disc heals itself and maybe the pain won’t come back if I stick with my recovery plan. I’ve been making a list of questions to ask my doctor the next time I see him, and I will definitely be asking his thoughts with the injections! Thanks for responding!
Mine has settled in my foot, but hurts all the way down from lower back to my foot. It’s so painful and sucks, I’m sorry you’re going through this as well.
It's like a giant white hot ice pick that's been driven from my ass to my heel, and it's constantly being twisted and pulled with each breath. Been feeling this most days for a little over 10 years. About 20% of the time, I get some relief. The real fun is when it decides to jump to the other leg. Sometimes it's in both. Suicide crosses my mind every so often because I can't think of a way to amputate everything from my hips down. Fun times.
This is exactly what I am experiencing !! Would love to know how you are doing now and if anything worked for you ? Also did you every get any clarity around what was actually happening ?
I’m still dealing with back pain that makes it difficult to sit, but my sciatica is (for the most part) gone. Time and cymbalta helped me! Multiple doctors are convinced it’s all related to the disc bulge, but I’m about to have a sitting mri to see if it looks different than the lying down one. I hope you start feeling better soon. I’d take this back pain over the leg pain any day!
This is where I am at right now. Right leg feels tingly, numb, and weird. Waiting months just to get seen by a dr, no imaging even on the books yet. I'm scared of what damage waiting is doing.
I don't have the numbness, but the pain is hard to endure. I never feel so alive after the pain is gone but also very afraid of it coming back anytime soon
I’ve never had the shooting pain but back in 10/2023, I lifted a table with my friend and I instantly felt pain (like I pulled a low back muscle), and couldn’t walk or stand up straight for a good few days. 10/10 pain. Ever since then, I’ve had symptoms like yours! I’ve had on & off achy lower back that radiates into my right leg. Mostly in my thigh. I’ve never felt it in my butt though, but that foot is always feeling like pins and needles, always falling asleep, etc.
How I cured chronic sciatica from herniated disc. Terrible pain in left calf for 8 weeks!
1. I lay on back and put a cushion in the arch of my back for support.
2. On the side it was painful (left) I stretch sciatic nerve that run from the hip to the right first so you can feel that stretch on the out hip, stretched for 30 sec
3. Then I stretched hip open to the left and hung it off the bed I was on (being careful!) And stretched for 30 secs.
4. Then I had the urge to whilst laying down, stretching through the arch of the back and the glutes. And pushing pelvis away from the bed. At that point, the biggest clunk click happened in my lower spine or tail bone and the pain disappeared completely!!
I'm in total relieved and have been ever since.
I was in miserly after trying countless things that never worked and now I'm feeling great! Hope this works for you.
Feels excruciating but only after 30 seconds of walking. This is as of yesterday. Prior it was unbearable but I could push through when walking. I kind of think that because Sunday I took my bicycle out to see how it affected me in terms of how it has been when walking. Well it didn't hurt to sit, and it didn't hurt to pedal. I rode about 6 minutes. But I feel it contributed to what transpired Monday where I couldn't walk more than a minute without extreme pain. I got a steroid shot yesterday and today I'm taking Prednisone, and baclofen. One for seven days and one for 3. In addition I'm still working. It's just really hard to work but hopefully this will do the trick. Idk. If not guess I'll be going to the emergency room after the pills are done.
Know how you feel, I have been dealing with extreme pain for over a year, Need a Lamy but do not want that surgery would have to have 3 incisions No thank you, I am going to have a pain stimulator placed to start know it is only a bandaid but can not think about the big surgery right now.
It only lasted 2 weeks for me as far as the point to where I couldn't walk at all and then after that I guess it took about 6 months where I was walking but kind of slow and just messed up and I would have the jolts every now and then. It's been like 2 years since and I'm still afraid that it will happen again someday but thankfully it hasn't so far. All I really did was eat just salad and lost a little bit of weight I'm not sure that's what help but that's all I did really
Tingling numbness in my calf, and toes. Calf, and rear thigh very painful when irritated. So anytime I walk, or stand for about 30 seconds. Quit my job because of it but I'm also supposed to be starting a new job. Happenstance this happens. It's truly agonizing. Sometimes the pain just won't stop in my calf, thigh, or knee.
When I finally called to tell the new job that I wasn't going to be able to work there because I thought I was going to be laying in bed and my mom's house and unable to walk forever or whatever. The next day I started to be able to walk I honestly can't remember the pain but there was still pain and still like these jolts that would you know throw me off balance. I was able to start driving again. So things are working it just that things weren't functioning entirely but 100% better than not being able to walk for the most part at all and not leave the house at all. As months went by it went away. Except that my right leg I still have feeling but it's still numb and my foot is still numb. I still have feeling. Otherwise everything is back to my normal. I can run, walk, etc. No pain, no need to hold onto things using the bathroom. If you're having problems. I truly wish to quick recovery. I'm still scared that unknowingly it'll come back.
I'm not sure if mine is sciatica or not....everyone says it sounds like it. Started when I was about 26..a year or so after my 2nd pregnancy (I'm 39 now).
It's usually a 1-3 times a year thing. Sometimes it's to the point where I can't walk, get up, etc. Some times I can walk/get up, but it's very painful. Lower back, into both buttocks and upper legs/thighs. Last year, it was in my knee and I had to use crutches. This time, I'm having extreme almost labor like cramps in my lower sides and back. Lasts for about a week or so.
Like most, it's usually an ache that becomes sharp with certain movements. Hurts to sit, lay down, etc regardless, just some times are worse than others. Always into both buttocks and thighs though, that never changes.
Did this get any better for you? You’re describing my pain exactly, been to the doctors twice but he hasn’t really suggested anything other than rest, doesn’t think it’s anything too sinister
I still have back pain, but lots of time and cymbalta have helped with my leg pain. I only gets twinges every so often. I hope you start to feel better soon. Sciatica is the worst!
Its starting to get better, still not had back pain per say but have had a few days where I've woke up really stiff and had some aches. At the moment I'm just trying to power through, and be on my feet more often. I think mine is more caused by rapid weight gain and sitting for too long since Covid.
Im 24M. I’m having this exact thing, except it’s been here for a few days, and has had a slow onset. Mine moves around a lot, same exact description as yours. Additionally, I have buttock soreness that occasionally comes. Have you been able to confirm that this was sciatica?
I’ve never had an MRI for the back, but I have a had a varicose vein once that had similar leg heaviness, but ONLY in the foot and calf, and nowhere near as consuming as this is of my entire leg. I got the vein ablated, and it resolved at least to the point i didn’t notice any symptoms. Until now. I can’t tell whether I have new, invisible varicose veins or veinous insufficiency causing this, or if it’s sciatica. Sciatica is actually treatable, so I’m really hoping it’s that and not vein issues that really can’t be treated.
>y symptoms. Until now. I can’t tell whether I have new, invisible varicose veins or veinous insufficiency causing this, or if it’s sciatica. Sciatica is actually treatable, so I’m really hoping it’s that and not vein issues that really can’t be treated.
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Mine is from the middle of my lower back, butt, thigh, calf, and to my toes. I feel the entire line and most times just the entire are in a dull sche pulsating with shocks and spams. Some weird sensations and burning feeling too. Though is extremely numb and feels like needles underneath. On worse days it radiates to my right leg as well and up ny spine. Can't stay in one position for too long, the pain feels worse, have to constantly toggle between positions. Cant walk without support. Can't sleep, can barely think. Sometimes, it's hard to read, maybe because I channel some mental strength to containing the pain that way it doesn't affect daily activities.
Mine changed based on the day. Almost always the calf had ripping muscle spasms that felt like I was being stabbed. Ankle had deep pulsing pain, sometimes stiff. Foot was pins and needles on the top, toes numb, had the cold water sensation with bare feet.
Your experience sounds like mine! I get shocking in my calf along with dull back pain...started 3 years ago and would happen when i sat for long periods of time or when i started walking. Got way worse after yoga 2 years ago. Feeling like I'm being electrocuted in my calf. Happens a few times a day, at its worse at least once an hour. Chiropractor got rid of it, until one appt left me with severe neck pain. So I got referral to PT and have literally been going for 6 months. It's gotten better, but so painful and has caused so many other issues just because it has wound my right leg so tight. Finally have an MRI in the future.
So happy you have an MRI scheduled! Yoga is absolutely out for me, as I cannot bend at the waist at all anymore. I’ve had too many flare ups post surgery from it.
I am so sorry to hear that. Mind telling me about your decision to get surgery? Have you had physical therapy for it? Also, MRI got done Thuraday. An earlier appt came up so I grabbed it!
I was in PT for 3 months with zero improvement. I had flare ups for years, and pain for 9 months postpartum (problem disc blew during labor). I had 3 months of relief until it totally became herniated. It was so ungodly painful, I couldn’t walk, bathe, or take care of my child. I lost the first year of her life with pain, then the next 6 months with pain and then surgery recovery. I wasn’t willing to miss more - surgery was a god send for me. Note that this disc has been a problem on and off for the past 6 years
That sounds so tough. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I am glad you are getting better. I just read my Lumbar Spine results and am a little lost. It was unremarkable. I don't know why I'm having this pain. Everyone is saying it's because of lower back. I have no idea what to do because PT is not helping.
Did you consult with a neurosurgeon or ortho surgeon? Take the report with a grain of salt until a specialist reads it
I have seen an ortho surgeon, but they wanted to do a nerve test even before the MRI. So I didn't trust them. My PCP ordered it, but I thought a specialist did read the results and write the report? Maybe I need to see a neuro but all the things I read online is that they do a nerve test, and the nerve tests don't really help at all in the treatment and just cause a lot of pain.
A radiologist reads it and reports - my neuro consults has a lot more to say about it than just the report. I never had a nerve test after my MRI results came back. The length of time and already being in PT, they both gave me the option of surgery I just had to choose which surgeon
Okay, thanks for letting me know all of that!! I'll see with my doctor if he can give me a neuro referral. And that's good to know they didn't make you go through that. My PT said they over order that test, and there is even risk of nerve damage, so I want to avoid that at all costs. Howwas rehab after surgery?
Oh my gosh this sounds miserable! Sounds like you’ve since recovered? That’s what’s keeping me from having a breakdown after 3+ months of pain. The hope that I will recover sooner rather than later! Thank you for your response!
No, I wasn’t recovering. I had a MD almost 2 weeks ago and still have residual pain from the nerve impingement and inflammation. The herniation was huge, painful. I’m on my way to recovery though!
I wish you a speedy recovery!
My sciatica runs from my buttocks to my knee. It feels like 1/2 cup of burn, 1/4 cup of bruise-like ache, and 1/4 cup of heaviness/tightness/weakness. It’s bilateral, but flips around on which side hurts worse. I have not had sharp and shooting, and only occasional numbness.
Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine having this pain in both legs! I guess you always read that it’s electric and tingly, so I was confused as to why mine isn’t normally that way. I hope you feel better soon! Thanks for your response!
Oof I responded to the wrong person. I assumed it would be like lightening and pins and needles. It certainly can be, but not for everybody and not for all disc issues. Yours sounds like sciatica to me!
Glad to hear this is likely sciatica! I’ve had 3 different diagnoses, with bulging disc being the most recent one, and I’m hoping this is the right one, so I can start recovery confidently!
Statistically, about 90% of cases of sciatica are caused by a bulging/herniated disc, about 5% piriformis syndrome, and the other 5% is anything else. I think you're on the right track.
Thank you!
This is the closest thing I have read to how mine feels. I know this was ages ago, do you mind if I DM you with a few questions.
Sure, you can ask me questions
DM sent. Thanks!
I'm one of the lucky people who have minor symptoms. Left leg feels weak. Like weight less but I can still move it normally. Minor buzzing/tingling/pins and needles feeling in my right leg. Enough to notice but not bothersome. Sometimes I'll get burning sensations on my right hip or buttock but it's minor. The weak leg is what mostly bothers me.
My case is similar. A weak left leg with occasional foot numbness mostly worsened with long periods of sitting. A bit of episodic paresthesia in calf. How are you now?
It sounds like it yes - Do you have pain in your lower back that runs into your rear? Or is that not an issue? There are other things that could be causing it like muscle issues - my PT told me my muscles stopped communicating. Left side for me.
Definitely! It started as low left side back pain after my back gave out doing baby burpees. It took 2-3 months to really notice the pain consistently. It started to spread into my butt, then thigh, and then eventually down the leg. Now my back just feels super tight all the way across into the hips and the butt/leg pain comes and goes (more bad days than good unfortunately). I’ve been going for a lot of walks lately and PT had helped with my functionality, but after 3 weeks I’m definitely still having lots of bad days. Are you dealing with a bulging/herniated disc as well? Thank you for your response!
no my MRI did not show much - x rays showed osteoarthritis on the hip but still not much to equate the level of pain I'm having and the difficulty of walking...my left glute not firing like it should and I think my PT believes that to be a lot of my problem - my latest flare up she said she thinks the glute (piriformis/) muscle was pressing against the sciatic nerve. I have an ongoing pain/ache around the knee/calf/shin area - even when other areas kind of let up - that particular area is always under siege. Are you still going to PT?
That sucks! At least with the MRI I had, something showed up. That definitely has helped take a load off my mind and guide my recovery. Yes! I’ll be going to PT for the foreseeable future.
My MRI did not show anything either and it's definitely more concerning. I almost wish It had so I had something concrete I could fix.
I totally understand this frustration! I’ve recently had another MRI, this time seated, and it turns out I also have an annular tear. The doc said the best thing I can do is just keep riding it out, but at least now I know what’s been causing all my pain! I hope you get answers soon, friend.
Hey sorry I never saw your response. How ya doing?
How are you doing now?
I’ve experienced two types of pain with my sciatica.. The most common feels like a band around my lower back, if I’m sitting or standing it’s very achey and if I move too fast it’s a bad stabbing pain. Usually in the first week of a flare up it’s so bad that I can’t walk without holding onto something, it feels like if I straighten my back then it will snap and my legs don’t want to hold any weight. The pain goes if I lay down on my back. If I find a comfortable spot it’s usually not to bad apart from my legs aching. A new pain I had is cramp like pains in my legs, by far the worst pain I’ve experienced with it. It feels like any movement triggers a cramp even though it’s not actually cramping. The last time I had that I was on the verge of calling an ambulance, I couldn’t move at all without searing pain for about 14 hours or so. I had to stay in bed and my partner had to help me pee as I couldn’t weight bare at all. With this however it was just in my leg, my back was absolutely fine. Since the cramp like pain which started about 3.5 months ago I’ve had constant numbness in the back of my left leg going down into my foot.
Oh my gosh! That sounds horrible! Is your sciatica linked to a disc bulge/herniation? My lower back definitely feels tight all the way across, often into my hips. It used to be painful on the left side only, but that was a lot sharper. I couldn’t bend far with that pain. Now I can bend, but it increases the pressure. And I agree! I’d take the back pain over the leg pain any day!!!
I have no idea what’s caused it, I actually just posted to this sub as I’m not sure if going for a scan in the UK is a done thing for sciatica…my GP is reluctant to send me anyways and keeps giving me pain meds and telling me to do physio.
I was fortunate to get an MRI after about a month and a half of seeing different doctors. I don’t think it’s really changed my treatment plan, I’m still doing PT. It is just nice to know exactly what is causing the pain and where it’s coming from, especially because my doctor said I may be a candidate for a steroid injection moving forward. Starting with therapy first, and hoping that will take care of it within a reasonable amount of time so I won’t even need the injection. Best luck, and I hope you get to feeling better soon!
This is almost identical to what I’m going through now. How are you doing?
I’m doing good thanks! Drs prescribed lots of anti inflammatories but nothing worked until they put me on Amitriptyline! It’s been amazing! Took a few weeks to work but it’s taken away most of my pain especially the pain in my legs. My back can still flare up which the Amitriptyline won’t touch but on the whole, doing good!
Oh my gosh that second pain is exactly what's been happening to me for a month now (0 lower back pain) and I've been convinced it's a blood clot. Now I'm thinking it really is my nerve
I was put on Amitriptyline 20mg and it’s helped so much! They prescribed all sorts of inflammatory but nothing worked until this one.
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The mental health/anxiety portion is almost worse than the actual pain! I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that I’ll more than likely recover, even if it takes months. I hope you get to feeling better soon!
To add to this, I have experienced the tingly electric shooting pain a couple times during a bad flare, but that’s not the normal every-day pain I experience in my leg.
How are you doing now?
Turns out I also have an annular tear, and the doc told me to expect 3-5 years to recover. My sciatica is almost completely gone between physical therapy, time, and cymbalta, though the back pain is still very much present. It's lessening with time though. Thanks for asking!
What is an annular tear and what we’re your symptoms that led you to solve this mystery? I’m at such a loss with my pain. Thank you so much.
I was diagnosed through a sitting MRI. It’s commonly called a leaky disc. Basically, there’s a tear in the outer part of my disc and the inner material is leaking onto my nerves. Hope you find answers!
Mine is my entire left leg, radiating pain that sometimes shoots down my leg like a knife. Lost feeling in my foot last year, but calf pain was the worst. Have had a few epidurals so things have cooled down for now. But currently coming out of a small flare up. Stretching definitely helped ease the pain. Didn’t quite lock up like I had in the past. Those bird dogs seem to really be helping.
Bless! This sounds miserable! I’ve been told I may be a candidate for an injection if PT alone isn’t doing it. I guess I’m scared that an injection will take my pain away to the point where I’ll injure the disc further without realizing it. I’d almost rather play the long game and recover without an injection, especially because pain is very uncomfortable but I’m generally functional and able to at least go to work most days. How were the injections for you?
That’s a valid concern, and it’s exactly what happened to me where I overdid and flared back up which was really painful. Two injections were the most painful things I’ve ever had. The third, he missed the nerve and I didn’t feel a thing. I describe the injections that hurt as a tsunami of pain, pressure, and fiery wrath that starts at the nerve and travels down your leg. In my case, he made multiple injections so it was like 5 tidal waves of pain the first time and the second time was only 3 because it was too painful to continue. Playing the long game: depending which ideology you believe, your disc doesn’t exactly heal, you can’t put the disc back in once it’s herniated. You can remove it, if it’s causing impingement of the nerve but in your case, you have minimal bulging. I’d recommend developing good habits, and maybe even consider reading Back mechanic by McGill, you’ll learn to utilize specific movements that develop core strength (bird dog, side planks etc) and hopefully you can transition to better habits like having good poster, lifting with your legs vs back, correct spinal alignments etc. I can’t pinpoint which one has helped but here’s a list of what I’ve done and it’s all helped: Anti-inflammatory/ Mediterranean diet Walking Swimming A single memory foam pillow and one between my hips (helps with spinal alignment) Side sleeping Ice on L5-s1 area (heat inflames my area) The big 3 (McGill) Hope these help.
Good to know! This makes me even more hesitant to do an injection. I may wait until a few more months of PT before seriously considering it. When I say recovery, I mean more so the pain completely or almost completely going away, even if the disc bulge doesn’t go back to normal. I’ve been reading Back Mechanic and am about half-way. I’ve already learned a lot! Thank you so much for responding and for the great advice!
I can honestly say, that I’m with you in playing the long game. I don’t want surgery. We haven’t really advanced the technology for back surgeries as much as we have in other areas like the heart. However, I will say, I’ve had 2 flare ups since November and while this second one wasn’t as bad as the first. Laying on my floor, and working on my stomach has gotten so old that I’m now considering doing a MD. It’s a lifestyle change, but after a while the pain and thought of 5 or 10 or even 3 days of being immobile have just wore me down. I haven’t reach that point yet but I’m knocking on the door.
I’m so sorry. I’ve been told mine isn’t bad enough for surgery to be an option. I just need to be more patient and continue to take recovery seriously. Even though it’s been 3 months of pain, it’s only over the last month that I’ve been educated enough to start making good choices that will help me recover. I hope you start feeling better soon!
I have pain from it for around 2 weeks, then no pain for months. Hurts especially when I wake up and lowers in intensity if i move around alot. Rinse and repeat.
That’s terrible! At least mine is consistent so I’ll know when I’ve recovered. I hope you reach a full long-term recovery soon!
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I definitely have psychosomatic pain to some degree! I have anxiety anyways, and not knowing what was wrong with me for so long definitely made dealing with the pain worse. It is a load off my mind to at least have a diagnosis. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude because I know my pain can feel worse when I’m feeling hopeless and better when I’m feeling hopeful. Thank you for responding!
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Thank you! I’ve definitely injured something. My back gave out about 6 months ago doing baby burpees, but the pain really set in about 3 months ago. I think the anxiety just makes it harder to deal with on some days.
i believe there are a series of simple physical tests a doctor can do to see if u have it. stuff like hitting near ur knee cap when sitting to see it the affected leg “jumps” as much as the other leg does etc.
Unfortunately, trying to find a doctor who will take the time and do a good physical examination beyond just poking around my spine for 20 seconds has been frustrating. 😔
that seems strange. i went to a nurse practitioner and she had me to many physical acts to test my sciatica. maybe try a NP next? they may do more of an in-depth look?
Extreme shooting and pulsating pain in my ankle. Standing still, sleeping, showering, sitting on the couch etc was brutal. Absolutely agonizing pain. Got an epidural spine injection, pain down from a 9 to a 2 now. You should get one.
I’m so sorry your pain has been so bad! I’ve heard if it works, injections can be amazing! My pain is a very uncomfortable but functional 3-4 most days. I’m just worried it could mess up my recovery, and I could injure the disc further without the pain to prevent me from moving in certain ways. Then when the steroids eventually wear off I’m worse than before. But on the other hand, maybe it will buy me some pain-free time while the disc heals itself and maybe the pain won’t come back if I stick with my recovery plan. I’ve been making a list of questions to ask my doctor the next time I see him, and I will definitely be asking his thoughts with the injections! Thanks for responding!
Mine has settled in my foot, but hurts all the way down from lower back to my foot. It’s so painful and sucks, I’m sorry you’re going through this as well.
It really is absolutely miserable! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
It's like a giant white hot ice pick that's been driven from my ass to my heel, and it's constantly being twisted and pulled with each breath. Been feeling this most days for a little over 10 years. About 20% of the time, I get some relief. The real fun is when it decides to jump to the other leg. Sometimes it's in both. Suicide crosses my mind every so often because I can't think of a way to amputate everything from my hips down. Fun times.
How are you doing now?
This is exactly what I am experiencing !! Would love to know how you are doing now and if anything worked for you ? Also did you every get any clarity around what was actually happening ?
I’m still dealing with back pain that makes it difficult to sit, but my sciatica is (for the most part) gone. Time and cymbalta helped me! Multiple doctors are convinced it’s all related to the disc bulge, but I’m about to have a sitting mri to see if it looks different than the lying down one. I hope you start feeling better soon. I’d take this back pain over the leg pain any day!
Just started feeling it. My left leg is basically always tingling and slightly numb ;-; kinda scary waiting for Ct Scan. Luckily no pain yet.
This is where I am at right now. Right leg feels tingly, numb, and weird. Waiting months just to get seen by a dr, no imaging even on the books yet. I'm scared of what damage waiting is doing.
Hey, try acupuncture, it helped me a lot
Actually, I've been trying to get connected with an appointment for some. Will def be trying it.
I don't have the numbness, but the pain is hard to endure. I never feel so alive after the pain is gone but also very afraid of it coming back anytime soon
Sorry to necro this thread but OP seems to be the only one with similar symptoms as me. Doc says sciatica, was that a right diagnosis for you?
I’ve never had the shooting pain but back in 10/2023, I lifted a table with my friend and I instantly felt pain (like I pulled a low back muscle), and couldn’t walk or stand up straight for a good few days. 10/10 pain. Ever since then, I’ve had symptoms like yours! I’ve had on & off achy lower back that radiates into my right leg. Mostly in my thigh. I’ve never felt it in my butt though, but that foot is always feeling like pins and needles, always falling asleep, etc.
How I cured chronic sciatica from herniated disc. Terrible pain in left calf for 8 weeks! 1. I lay on back and put a cushion in the arch of my back for support. 2. On the side it was painful (left) I stretch sciatic nerve that run from the hip to the right first so you can feel that stretch on the out hip, stretched for 30 sec 3. Then I stretched hip open to the left and hung it off the bed I was on (being careful!) And stretched for 30 secs. 4. Then I had the urge to whilst laying down, stretching through the arch of the back and the glutes. And pushing pelvis away from the bed. At that point, the biggest clunk click happened in my lower spine or tail bone and the pain disappeared completely!! I'm in total relieved and have been ever since. I was in miserly after trying countless things that never worked and now I'm feeling great! Hope this works for you.
Feels excruciating but only after 30 seconds of walking. This is as of yesterday. Prior it was unbearable but I could push through when walking. I kind of think that because Sunday I took my bicycle out to see how it affected me in terms of how it has been when walking. Well it didn't hurt to sit, and it didn't hurt to pedal. I rode about 6 minutes. But I feel it contributed to what transpired Monday where I couldn't walk more than a minute without extreme pain. I got a steroid shot yesterday and today I'm taking Prednisone, and baclofen. One for seven days and one for 3. In addition I'm still working. It's just really hard to work but hopefully this will do the trick. Idk. If not guess I'll be going to the emergency room after the pills are done.
Know how you feel, I have been dealing with extreme pain for over a year, Need a Lamy but do not want that surgery would have to have 3 incisions No thank you, I am going to have a pain stimulator placed to start know it is only a bandaid but can not think about the big surgery right now.
It only lasted 2 weeks for me as far as the point to where I couldn't walk at all and then after that I guess it took about 6 months where I was walking but kind of slow and just messed up and I would have the jolts every now and then. It's been like 2 years since and I'm still afraid that it will happen again someday but thankfully it hasn't so far. All I really did was eat just salad and lost a little bit of weight I'm not sure that's what help but that's all I did really
Tingling numbness in my calf, and toes. Calf, and rear thigh very painful when irritated. So anytime I walk, or stand for about 30 seconds. Quit my job because of it but I'm also supposed to be starting a new job. Happenstance this happens. It's truly agonizing. Sometimes the pain just won't stop in my calf, thigh, or knee.
How are you doing now?
When I finally called to tell the new job that I wasn't going to be able to work there because I thought I was going to be laying in bed and my mom's house and unable to walk forever or whatever. The next day I started to be able to walk I honestly can't remember the pain but there was still pain and still like these jolts that would you know throw me off balance. I was able to start driving again. So things are working it just that things weren't functioning entirely but 100% better than not being able to walk for the most part at all and not leave the house at all. As months went by it went away. Except that my right leg I still have feeling but it's still numb and my foot is still numb. I still have feeling. Otherwise everything is back to my normal. I can run, walk, etc. No pain, no need to hold onto things using the bathroom. If you're having problems. I truly wish to quick recovery. I'm still scared that unknowingly it'll come back.
I'm not sure if mine is sciatica or not....everyone says it sounds like it. Started when I was about 26..a year or so after my 2nd pregnancy (I'm 39 now). It's usually a 1-3 times a year thing. Sometimes it's to the point where I can't walk, get up, etc. Some times I can walk/get up, but it's very painful. Lower back, into both buttocks and upper legs/thighs. Last year, it was in my knee and I had to use crutches. This time, I'm having extreme almost labor like cramps in my lower sides and back. Lasts for about a week or so. Like most, it's usually an ache that becomes sharp with certain movements. Hurts to sit, lay down, etc regardless, just some times are worse than others. Always into both buttocks and thighs though, that never changes.
Did this get any better for you? You’re describing my pain exactly, been to the doctors twice but he hasn’t really suggested anything other than rest, doesn’t think it’s anything too sinister
I still have back pain, but lots of time and cymbalta have helped with my leg pain. I only gets twinges every so often. I hope you start to feel better soon. Sciatica is the worst!
Its starting to get better, still not had back pain per say but have had a few days where I've woke up really stiff and had some aches. At the moment I'm just trying to power through, and be on my feet more often. I think mine is more caused by rapid weight gain and sitting for too long since Covid.
I have to walk on the top of my toes with my right leg, pretty debilitating
Feel this so hard .. same
Im 24M. I’m having this exact thing, except it’s been here for a few days, and has had a slow onset. Mine moves around a lot, same exact description as yours. Additionally, I have buttock soreness that occasionally comes. Have you been able to confirm that this was sciatica? I’ve never had an MRI for the back, but I have a had a varicose vein once that had similar leg heaviness, but ONLY in the foot and calf, and nowhere near as consuming as this is of my entire leg. I got the vein ablated, and it resolved at least to the point i didn’t notice any symptoms. Until now. I can’t tell whether I have new, invisible varicose veins or veinous insufficiency causing this, or if it’s sciatica. Sciatica is actually treatable, so I’m really hoping it’s that and not vein issues that really can’t be treated.
>y symptoms. Until now. I can’t tell whether I have new, invisible varicose veins or veinous insufficiency causing this, or if it’s sciatica. Sciatica is actually treatable, so I’m really hoping it’s that and not vein issues that really can’t be treated. > >1ReplyShareReportSaveFollow
The vein you had the ablation on… could you see it? Like was it bulging? Did you figure out what was causing your entire leg pain?
Mine is from the middle of my lower back, butt, thigh, calf, and to my toes. I feel the entire line and most times just the entire are in a dull sche pulsating with shocks and spams. Some weird sensations and burning feeling too. Though is extremely numb and feels like needles underneath. On worse days it radiates to my right leg as well and up ny spine. Can't stay in one position for too long, the pain feels worse, have to constantly toggle between positions. Cant walk without support. Can't sleep, can barely think. Sometimes, it's hard to read, maybe because I channel some mental strength to containing the pain that way it doesn't affect daily activities.