Sciatica after CV ?

[01maxdog]

I had my cardio version this week which put my heart back into NSR but it now have the most dreadful shooting pains down one side from my buttock to my calf . This is on and off but at worse can cause me to stumble and freeze with pain . I’ve never had this before and it’s only happened after the CV . Is there a link ? Could this be sciatica ? Google says maybe . Why now when I’ve never had any problems , just out of the blue . Thoughts please

[Doddsey-UK]

Hi I’ve never had a cardio version but came close so can’t can’t comment on that but I have had sciatica and other issues relating to my back and I can say sciatica in my experience is something that can happen when you least expect it and for no apparent reason. A twist, a turn jarring yourself without realising you’ve done anything can be all it takes to trigger an episode in my experience and my brother recently didn’t judge a step too well, Jarred himself and is only just recovering from it. Sorry it doesn’t really help if you are trying to find a connection but since being diagnosed with PAF I seem to constantly do just that, look for a reason for the AF.

[CDreamer]

Exercise and stretching are the only way to correct siatic pain. Do not take NSAIDs if you have AF. You can correct it very easily if you know what to do. Is there a spinal rehab advisor in near to you?

May I also suggest you look at an US based exercise therapy for all back and neck issues Egoscue Method. It really helped me. I now attend a weekly Pilates/Stretch class which keeps me supple but also stabilizes spine so I don’t relapse. The siatic nerve runs through a very small opening in the hip joint and I suspect the jolt could have meant your body spasmed and the muscle now is pinching the nerve - which causes more muscle spasm and referred pain. It’s horrible, lived with it for 2 years before I found out what to do!

Now I occasionally get problems. Worst thing to put me back into spasm is hoovering - now that really is a good excuse!

youtu.be/8LNEjJkPHKM(Not working as expected?)

[01maxdog in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for that it was really helpful . I’ve made an appt to see my doctor so I’ll see what he says in the meantime I’ll keep stretching

[Hidden]

I would say thst this is just coincidental. I've had 18 cardioversions none of which have triggered sciatica.

I know how dreadfully painful this can be from watching family members affected and agree with Doddsey thst this can start with least provocation.

[BobD Volunteer]

Contrary to other's thoughts I would say that although likely very rare it may possibly be connected if your nerves were tight at the point of the shock being administered. The whole body tends to spasm when the current is applied as anybody who has watch TV will know (had to fake one in a film once myself) . It is really just a coincidence that your body was thinking about have that problem and was tickled along by the cardioversion rather than it being a direct result. I don't think you can blame anybody and I have never heard of it before.

[CDreamer in reply to BobD]

I don’t think that is contrary to other posts - it is exactly what we all agree on - no direct link but could be caused by muscle spasms.

[cassie46]

I have had sciatica several times - always out of the blue and know how painful it is. Last time I had it I had acupuncture for it, one of the GP's at the surgery is trained in it and uses it on patients with sciatica, it did help a great deal and the sciatica went more quickly than before and eased the pain a lot. As above mentioned it is important to keep mobile.

Cassie

[01maxdog in reply to cassie46]

Thank you for that . I work in an airport and spend 8 hours on my feet , yoga and gym plus dog walking , so I’m pretty mobile . Think I’ll check with the doctor .

[Icenae]

After my last ablation woth cardioversions. My back was in spasm for months. Even needed a wheelchair at times as I couldnt straighten up. It passed eventually. But treatments and exercises needed whatever the cause unfortunately.

[Buffafly]

I had severe pain in my neck for a few days after cardioversion but I thought this was because my spine is fused so the spasm was disproportionately transferred to my neck area. I have had pain from a trapped nerve running down the side of my leg and I found exercises and use of a static bike most helpful.