hi, first time posting, can anyone help? Diagnosed with RA 2020, been under control with methotrexate, however, the last 1/2 weeks have agonizing pain in my right lower back/buttock, leading down back of leg into calf, almost tingling, deadness, like a cramp! Have tried the straight leg test, and not showing sciatica description?
anybody help?
Might be Shingles as the pain follows the nerve lines. But I’d suggest trying an Oestopath as it does sound muscle related too.
In my area you can self-refer to the NHS physio team
Agree it’s best to let a (rheumy)physio have a look.
I get sciatica really badly at this time of year when it hits sub zero. Just as you describe it. Movement and leg exercises such as leg swings and leg pendulums but taking it easy and no vigorous movements. Pottering and small strolls if possible help to alleviate those sciatica pains and cramps.
thank you everyone, I’m going to ring my rheumy nurse in the morning to speak to them. I have been using ice to try and alleviate the pain. And that helps a little.
I started with sciatica like symptoms which then were diagnosed as suspected herniated L5 disc which was then diagnosed as osteoarthritis on seeing the rheumatologist. He was the first one to order X-rays of my back and hips though.
Have a word with your rheumy team…it could be Bursitis….that comes & goes but can last quite a while.
I also had lower back pain and was diagnosed sciatic nerve pain (lower back and down through my buttock). This was confirmed by a straight leg test, but my GP did say this test wasn't 100% reliable. I've had it before and once so severely I couldn't walk more than a few paces before needing to lay down to try and relieve the pain. After the most recent episode I was offered a referral to either physio, chiropractor or osteopath. I opted to see a chiropractor. The treatment helped. I had six treatments funded by the NHS and have paid to go privately since. Now having treatment at six week intervals. Worth considering if sciatic nerve pain is suspected. Best wishes. Seb
what does the chiropractor do to help you please? x
It's quite physical. The bed has a section that drops down when pushed, so she pushes firmly on my back which causes that section of the bed to drop, effectively stretching my lower spine. Then she has me lay on my side and does some very firm manipulation of my spine. And finally, she massages the muscles around my lower spine and my buttock. She starts gently but becomes quite firm and I can feel her pressing around the effected muscles and nerve. She uses a tool to press quite firmly and deeply into the muscles of my buttock. I also have stretches do at home which I find help reduce stiffness. As I said it's quite physical, but the pain reduced significantly after two treatments, and I've been pain free for months now. She charges £38 for about 30 minutes (after six sessions funded by the NHS. It's been worth it for me to remain pain free and mobile and I'm very happy with the treatment.
I get sciatica a lot as I have degeneration in my lower spine. It tends to affect my right side. When it gets particularly bad I see an osteopath who loosens things up & then my back makes a loud clunk & the pain is gone. She has taught me some stretches to do to help. I also do a back care class Pilates which helps to keep things moving. I do hope you get things to a manageable level soon.
Hi sorry you are having this problem l have experienced the same and it was a trapped nerve in my spine . Was sent by my RA consultant to the pain clinic and had hydrotherapy which helped tremendously plus codeine and paracetemol to take orally. When needed . Hope it soon gets sorted out for you n
The paramedic at my GP surgery diagnosed mine and then I booked myself into a physiotherapist.
I tried to do the exercises I found online first. It was agony and the warning message at the beginning of the NHS you tube video said stop and go to a doctor if any of these exercises cause pain.
Doesn't sound quite like a flare-up of RA to me but why don't you phone your rheumy nurse to ask . If she thinks it is, she will sort you out with an appointment possibly for a steroid injection ,but if she doesn't think it is RA related, then you will need to get help via your GP or from another professional. It could indeed be sciatica. Anyway best wishes for a speedy resolution.
I have had sciatica twice in the last year in my left leg. I think it is be caused by spinal stenosis in my L4 and L4 . I have had acupuncture both times and both times it sorted it out very quickly.
Sciatica maybe
Abwn Inflammatory lower back pain
Sciatica 😩
specialist
