Thigh burning/stinging may be due to sciatica

September 30, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Your column has helped me with my leg cramps. I am writing because I have a concern. For many years, I have had intermittent burning sensations on my inner thighs and buttocks, sometimes with the feeling of pins and needles. I have seen a dermatologist, but because she could not see anything on my skin, she said she couldn’t help. I am at my wits’ end.

DEAR READER: Burning, stinging, pain, pins and needles, and other abnormal sensations of the buttocks and thighs are often the result of a spinal problem, most commonly sciatica. This condition is caused by impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back, usually caused by a slipped, ripped, torn or otherwise displaced disc. [Read more...]

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Cause Of Muscle Spasms Difficult To Find

March 26, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Ten months ago I woke up with numbness, tingling and muscle spasms throughout my body. The sensations lasted just over a week and then went away.

Over the next few months, they would come back occasionally in my face and head for up to a week, only to disappear again. I would describe the feeling as electrical currents running though my face and head and numbness in my nose and lips.

I went to see my primary care physician who sent me to a neurologist. He checked my reflexes, examined my gait and sent me home. Several weeks later, I went to a different neurologist who ordered X-rays and an MRI of my head and neck. Because of some disc misalignment I was given exercises to do. This helped but I continued to have problems, now in my lower back, down into my buttocks and legs. [Read more...]

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Patient’S Cure For Back Pain

January 6, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 84 years old and suffered from sciatic pain for more than two years nearly 25 years ago.

When I first developed the pain I was incredibly busy. I was taking care of my husband who was dying of lung cancer and working with kindergarteners and first graders. I also had to take care of the housework, laundry, grocery shopping, getting my husband to and from all his doctor appointments as well as myself for my back pain.

I had been referred to several doctors and none could offer me a diagnosis. I finally went to a chiropractor who ordered X-rays and diagnosed me with sciatica. Adjustments gave me temporary relief. I was considering acupuncture as a next step because I was desperate to find a solution, when I happened upon an article in my paper. It was written by a physician (not you) who gave an exercise used to reduce sciatic pain.

After reading the article, I tried the exercise. I started feeling a little better within a few days and I was pain free after two months. I continued to do it several times a day for three or four years. When I was sure I was going to be okay I stopped. The exercise really works. I have been pain free for 25 years now. I only use it now when I start to feel the slightest twinge of back pain. I do it as often throughout the day as I can for several days just to make sure I won’t have a problem.

I hope you print my letter because I know it will help others. [Read more...]

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December 20, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Regarding your column on sciatica, I would like to suggest you add acupuncture. Seven years ago I tried all the procedures you suggested prior to the surgery which I did not want. Thinking outside the box, I found an acupuncturist and within six treatments, I was completely cured.

I am now 68 years old and lead a very active life.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for your recommendation. The pain of sciatica is difficult for anyone to face. You were fortunate to find an alternative that worked so well. I’ll pass the information on in the hope it will inspire others.

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December 3, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 76-year-old man having a difficult problem with sciatic nerve pain.

I have had episodes of this ailment before but never to this degree. The pain is almost daily — sometimes worse than others. I have had X-rays, 16 chiropractic visits and have visited my internist.

The chiropractic adjustments seemed to make some progress but they would only last a few days and then the pain would get worse. I discontinued these visits.

My doctor told me that time would help and gave me a prescription for ibuprofen. I regularly use ice packs which seem to relieve the discomfort to some degree.

I am active and walk every morning. I eat a healthful diet with little caffeine intake and have no major health problems. I have tried limiting my activities but it didn’t help. I even bought a riding lawnmower thinking it would help but it only makes the pain worse. [Read more...]

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October 27, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am an avid reader, but I have not seen anything about my problem.

When I am standing in line, taking my ½ mile daily walk or just about anything that involves standing for more than a few minutes, I get a tingling sensation at the bottom of my spinal cord (in the buttocks area). As soon as I feel this I know I need to find someplace immediately to sit down. If I don’t, the sensation goes all the way down to my toes. If I try to walk it feels as thought I am on marbles and I never know if my next step will hold me or if I will fall. This has been happening for several years.

I never know when it will happen because it doesn’t happen all the time. The only thing that stops the tingling and numbness is to sit down for a few minutes. I have had an X-ray of my spine and was told I have arthritis but that it should not cause the symptoms I am experiencing. [Read more...]

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August 19, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
As a chronic sufferer of sciatica and low back pain, I am always searching for non-surgical and non-drug forms of relief. I’ve recently come across information on prolotherapy and Feldenkrais Movement Therapy. I have a friend who says the Feldenkrais has been miraculous in relieving her many back pain problems.

Can you tell me anything about these treatments? Have any of your readers found help with them?

DEAR READER:
There are numerous therapy methods available that are based on body movement. Some of the more common ones include Tai Chi, yoga and the Alexander Technique. The latter therapy uses a combination of verbal instructions and light touch, focusing on alignment of the spine, primarily between the head and neck. It is commonly used on people with postural problems.

Prolotherapy therapy involves injecting a sugar solution into painful tendons and ligaments. The normal course takes between six and 10 sessions, sometimes requiring multiple injections during those sessions. Any pain experienced is mild and temporary. The procedure is intended to stimulate the production of connective tissue, but studies report conflicting evidence for effectiveness in treating chronic back pain unless the injections are combined with a program of exercise and spinal manipulation.

From all reports, more research is necessary to determine if prolotherapy is successful in the treatment of chronic, low back pain.

Feldenkrais involves a series of exercises through simple pain-free movements. The two-part series involves lessons in movement provided by a teacher in group sessions and individual hands-on sessions guided by a practitioner.

Recent studies indicate the practice may be useful for neck and shoulder pain and anxiety. Since your complaint is sciatica and low back pain, this choice might not be the most appropriate one for you.

I feel both non-surgical alternatives you have suggested would not be in your best interest and would prefer you take a different course of action. Initially, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Explain that you prefer not to become involved with drugs or surgery initially. Ask if you have any physical condition that would prevent you from seeking alternative help. If X-rays or other testing are in order, begin there. Then, depending on test results, your next step is to request a referral to either a chiropractor, the physical therapy department of your local hospital, a sports medicine specialist, or a nearby pain clinic. Based upon your wishes, it is crucial your physician work with you to reach a satisfactory solution to this important issue.

Consider a second opinion, learn your options, perhaps begin a regimen of light exercise under the guidance of a trained therapist. I admire you for considering options other than drugs and surgery. You’re already on the right track.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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