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AC2
02-06-2014, 05:23 AM
Hi,
I'm new here & will introduce myself properly on the new members section.

I'm just wondering, has anyone heard of any connection between WG & sciatica?

I was diagnosed with WG almost 10yrs ago & have recently been diagnosed with sciatica? Just wondering if they could be connected?

Thanks.

pberggren1
02-06-2014, 05:38 AM
I've never heard of a connection between the two. Sangye, a long time member here, that is not active anymore, is a chiropractor. I bet she would have some good thoughts on this. Do you go see a chrio regularly?

AC2
02-06-2014, 06:23 AM
I haven't found anything written anywhere stating a connection, so there probably isn't. I just thought I would see what others with WG say/know.

I've not seen a chiropractor. Was referred to physio by my GP & have been going once a week for about a month now. I had an MRI on Sunday, so waiting for the results at the moment.

Dirty Don
02-06-2014, 07:14 AM
IF there is any connection between the 2 it may be the idea that the drugs for WG suppress inflammation and may do so with sciatica. WG nerves, to my knowledge, tend to be numbing experiences whilst sciatica (you wish you were numbed!) tends to be painful! Duh! Interestingly enough, since my dx, drug suppression, a wealth of other drugs for induced coma...my sciatica is GONE! Really! Maybe it was just the 6 mos in a prone position while rehabbing, resting most of the time too! LOL! Good luck!

windchime
02-06-2014, 08:24 AM
Sciatica is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve. This can be caused by your lumbar vertebrae pressing against the nerve or a muscle under your gluts. In some people the sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle. This muscle can become very tight and if you are one of the lucky ones that have the sciatic nerve running through the muscle when it clamps down, it can be very painful. I would try getting a massage and be very frank with your therapist and tell them you are having the sciatic pain and any other information you think they need to know. They can also show you some stretches that will help if you do them on a regular basis IF it is caused by the piriformis. If it's coming from your back the MRI will show this. The physio is probably doing ultrasound, heat or ice, e-stim and/or massage to your lower back, correct? This won't help if it's your piriformis muscle unless they are covering that area also. Either way if it is caused by your vertebrae the massage won't hurt and will loosen the muscle around the vertebrae and you might get some relief. Hope this helps you. I've also included some links that I hope you find helpful.

Piriformis Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Exercises, and More (http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/piriformis-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatments)

Google Image Result for http://runningrepeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Piriformis-syndrome-web-large800x600.jpg (http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&rlz=1C1OPRB_enUS543US543&espv=210&es_sm=93&biw=1280&bih=930&tbm=isch&tbnid=alYbYWuP4O77VM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Frunningrepeats.com%2Fresour ces%2Fglossary%2Fpiriformis-syndrome-for-runners%2F&docid=UfaE6HCN1MpwWM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Frunningrepeats.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F11%2FPiriformis-syndrome-web-large800x600.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=UqvyUtCrKo7AkQedmIGADg&zoom=1&ved=0CFoQhBwwAg&iact=rc&dur=3423&page=1&start=0&ndsp=24)

Piriformis Stretch (http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/piriformis-stretch)

AC2
02-06-2014, 09:36 AM
Thanks for the responses.

I doubt my sciatica will have anything to do with my WG meds. I've not taken any for a few years now.

I've not heard about the piriformis muscle before. My GP, physio & MICAS specialist all suspect it to be a slipped/herniated disc. The pain is more in my leg than my back, although last year I suffered from lower back pain for a few months.

I've not had ultrasound, heat or ice, e-stim and/or massage. Although I'm not sure what e-stim is. Today I was recommended applying heat/ice packs, so I'll try them out. I've had 'hands on' therapy, including rotation of my leg and pressure applied to my lowed back (I'm not sure on actual medical terms). I've also got a few exercises to do, but not too much.

My physio today has also suggested acupuncture. What are peoples opinions on this? I hate needles, so don't know what to do.

pberggren1
02-06-2014, 10:14 AM
I know for a fact now that most people would benefit greatly from regular chiropractic treatments. I go at least once a month and usually every 2 weeks. I know people that have had great success with accupuncture. I tried it for a for 3 times a week for a few weeks back in 2011 to see if it would help my lung infection, the Mycobacterium Abscessus, ease up or make it easier for me to cough up the mucus but I didn't notice a difference so I stopped the treatments. I went for about 5 weeks, 3 times a week, and each treatment was 75 dollars, so it was really eating away at my savings quickly.

Pete
02-06-2014, 10:52 AM
Hi AC2,

I've had lower back pain and sciatica occasionally for over 30 years. When it flares up, I see a chiropractor. Usual treatment regimen is 3x a week for 3-4 weeks and then reduce the frequency as progress warrants. I've had e-stim before, and it helps. It's a form of deep massage using a mat that sends electrical pulses onto your skin. It's adjustable, and once we found the right setting, I found it helpful.

Once you have the sciatica under control, you may want to talk with your doc/chiro about exercises to strengthen your abdominal core muscles.

windchime
02-06-2014, 11:18 AM
Chiropractic can be very helpful, but they will want to see the results of your MRI before adjusting you. I personally highly recommend chiropractic adjustments. Your allopathic doctor, however, may not agree. They usually don't. Acupuncture can be beneficial, but if it's a slipped disc I don't know how it would benefit that. There maybe others on here with more experience in that area. Heat will make it feel better and as long as you are out of the acute stage it's okay. In the acute stage (the first 7-10 days) ice is recommended to reduce swelling. Since you are still having pain you most likely still have swelling and although heat will feel good ice may be better for the situation.

The reason you are feeling the pain down your leg is because the sciatic nerve runs from your low back all the way down your leg. See picture. I still recommend trying massage. I'm a massage therapist and I've seen tremendous results with massage. At the very least it will loosen up the muscles in your lower back and allow for better movement. Best of luck.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=3kEnQE94InmVAM&tbnid=Y2B1m-mm8KgO9M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnemsi.uchc.edu%2Fclinical_service s%2Fspine%2Fback%2Fconditions.html&ei=ItPyUuuACIajkQeS4IHoAQ&bvm=bv.60799247,d.eW0&psig=AFQjCNE_Qq39q2PhBHXR-2gEhOQ1w9ie_w&ust=1391731820864473