Wife's MRI

[spooner73]

My Wife wife been suffering for months now with sciatica ,and they also found on the MRI that she has narrowing of the spinal cord.So now the next stop is the orthopedic surgeon. We will see how it goes!

[glenn1888]

Sciatica stretches on Youtube, also try putting a tennis ball under bum on side that hurts "wiggle" around on it IT HURTS LIKE HELL but in a good way I find it gives me some relief after also you could try Bowen Technique

[johnsmith in reply to glenn1888]

There is narrowing of the spinal cord. Stretches are out. Attempting stretches could apply pressure on the spinal cord because of the narrowing. Not a good idea.

[Victoriapain in reply to johnsmith]

I have cervical narrowing in all parts of my neck after seeing a surgeon he does not recommended surgery yet.. Maybe the case for your wife.. Surgery for this is a last resort. X

[flamenca1]

I had severe Sciatica where I was unable to put my foot to the floor and I would be bedridden for a few days till the pain disappeared. I found the pain was brought on everytime i got into a car.

I have just had a decompression operation, the spur that was touching L5 was shaved. I have no pain in my left leg at all.

Unfortunately I am having difficulty walking, it is slowly getting better. I was not advised to have Physio and I think I need it. I will wait a while longer. Operation was just 2 weeks ago.

Hope your wife gets sorted soon.

[adecyclist]

flamenca1 You will probably get Physiotherapy but they usually don't do anything for 2-3 weeks after your operation. I got a phone call one day asking me to make an appointment.

Having difficulty walking is usual after having a trapped sciatic nerve and operation of this type.

[adecyclist]

I agree with johnsmith , don't stretch the affected leg(s) unless as guided by a health professional. It will only make the pain worse and potentially damage the nerve sheath (the coating around the nerve).

spooner73 be wary of trying suggestions from other forum well meaning members on doing stretches etc for sciatica. As someone who has a similar problem to your wife I know that stretching the legs in a certain way can lead to several days of agony caused by aggravating the trapped, damaged or already inflamed nerves. It is best to only follow guidelines from a professional who knows your wife's condition.

Take care. I hope everything works out for her.

[Hidden]

Please Please do your research BEFORE you consider any Surgeries. I'm on a mission let me tell you before hand. Did your Wife ever have an Epidural Injection if any type, anytime?

[flamenca1 in reply to Hidden]

I had an epidural and it did nothing for my sciatica. The decompression operation is the only thing that has stopped the sciatica. I am able to walk a mile a day just over 2 weeks after op.

I can't tell you how good it is to be able to get out and walk. I was stuck in the house for 3 months more or less. It is great to be free!!

[Hidden in reply to flamenca1]

Stay far far away from Epidural Steroid Injections us my advice. The harm that can be done is irreversible.

[Hidden]

Having had a microdiscectomy on L4/5 disc 2 years ago I started to have problems again especially when lying and walking. Was also diagnosed with narrowing of the spine 4 Months ago and am waiting on an operation. What treatment has your wife had and has it worked?

I have been continuing to do stretching exercises as was never told not to.