Numbness, tingling, spasms in leg long after sciatica diagnosis

I have had this EXACT same problem in the buttocks and foot just as you describe it. Do yourself a favor and get a book or download the mp3 called "Healing Back  Pain - the Mind and Body Connection - by John Sarno - It totally changed my life! My pain was so intense I could not walk and begin to shake uncontrollably. A neurologist wanted to do surgery on me but I was saved by reading the book instead; and in a matter of days --I was up and moving and my back was healed. Raging Emotions - and I had NO CLUE how my holding of things was causing such pain!!!! I recommend it to EVERYONE! Because no matter how often people get back surgery they are still in pain and this is what the problem is as directed in the book!!!

Very helpful site.  Here is my experience.

You are not alone! I had sciatica (probably caused by spasm in my piriformis muscle) from Dec 2005 pretty much all the way through 2006 (couldn't walk properly as my leg would give way and had to drag right leg behind), and even now (June 2012) I still have my toes numb in exactly the same places and way as you describe, and am prone to spasms in the sole of that foot, calf and hamstring. Sometimes slightly les so, after a good chiropractic treatment or massage.

I found your article because I was looking for a "cure", I am so glad I am not alone - LOL!!!

But seriously, if you are worried about the symptoms, see a - different - Doctor! I don't know your life-style and you should rule out more dangerous problems such as diabetes etc.

Good luck at improving your leg, keep at it, don't give up!

:-)

Sue

i am 8 weeks in to the same problems awaiting mri results still have numbess to toes top of my fot and back of my leg on lots of tablets to control pain gabapentin well i dont know where id have been without it aswell as other pain killers and anti inflamitorys the spasms are the worse pain ive ever experianced and ive had 3 babies at leas labour came to a end after a few hours !!!

I have had sciatica for the past 4 yrs, it is on and off, can't lift anything heavy as an attack will come on. I have it on my left bum and leg down to the foot, I have same symptoms like you, tingling like needles in the leg and numbness. I am fedup and keep praying for complete healing. I do a lot of spine exercises and I have physion treatments every week. I also have scoliosis on top of my sciatica. I was on Lyrica and stopped all drugs they were doing more damage to my health than healing. I am scheduled for surgery to remove a bunion on my left leg 13 June where I am having theses challenges, I was pain free but last weekend, I did a little bit of gardening and voila, the pain is back with a vengeance. Not much we can do but grin and bear the pain. My problem is it comes and goes, the moment I feel better, I start being "normal" by doing the things that I do and it is not after the pain returns. The pain doctor wrote in my file that it was all in my head. Of course my family doctor was fuming mad. Good luck and do some spine exercises, walk and keep the bowels moving as that could affect lots of pain as it is pressing on the sciatica nerve.

Yes i agree once i started cycling pretty hard, it seemed to make the hamstring tighter. I find that stretching the hamstrings helps alot.

I am having the EXACT same problem. Can you tell me how you are doing? Did the feeling ever come back? I'm as active as you are and this is killing me not being able to run or play soccer. I need to know there is SOME hope of it coming back soon and what steps need to be taken. Hoping so much that you see this.

My sciatica finally gave in last week. I couldn't walk or sit down. Three days after the pain started I gave in and went to a local chiropractor . It was late in the day so all he could do was adjust my back which really helped out with the pain. I was told to go back on monday to properly adjust my back. He told me to stretch ( which hurt like hell) and swim (which i didn't). I couldn't make it in on Monday, instead i went to pick up a friend at the airport and boy was it the biggest mistake ever. The pain came back 2x worse and the chiropractor was out on vacation the following day. I went to a private practice chiropractor that a friend recommended and he told me sciatica is a build up of bad habits and eventually the nerve gives up( or something to that effect). He was able to adjust my back the pain subsided and recommended the opposite of the first chiropractor. No working out, No stretching, No sitting, nothing until he sees me again, (which is tomorrow btw) . So far the pain is still minimal and I'm able to walk ill keep you posted with what happens tomorrow.

I was diagnosed with sciatica 3 wks ago after over strenuous household activity (a relocation) in my right leg from a degenerated L5. I have never experienced such pain. Orthopedic MD I'd seen for past back problems provided no relief with pain meds and I was sent home to make appt for MRI before spinal cortisone injection could be scheduled. Friends took me to ER at local hospital next day where I was given major pain meds and scheduled for immediate MRI. Had spinal injection next day. Definite improvement, but big and second toe remained numb. Had 2nd injection within 2 weeks. More improvement, no pain, but numb toes remain. Leg is weak from disuse. 3rd injection will be within the next week. Then I see (new) Orthopedic MD for follow up and PT scheduling. 

The spinal injections are not painful - but unpleasant/disturbing, and worth the relief they will give. Do not fool around with chiropractors or wait for your injury to solve itself. I am not adverse to chiropractors but due to a bout with BR cancer yrs ago I can't fool around with possible tumors causing problems. Luckily, I do have insurance. Most important thing to remember is YOU ARE NOT A BEAST OF BURDEN. LEARN TO SAY "No"!  YOU are NOT immortal, nor are you Super Woman(Man). Take care of yourself. I've learned that not everything has to be done in a perfect way and all will be accomplished eventually. I'll write later and tell you how my toes are doing. Very annoying experience!!! Best to you all. 

I had my first experience w sciatica this week on a Monday. When to the ER Tuesday around 5am in excruciating pain. Later that day after the pain meds,muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory didn't work I saw a acupuncturist. AMAZING results. Like you I still have some numbness of my foot. I also am still experiencing some discomfort but overall its a huge improvement.

I have not yet had the need to pursue acupuncture. Traditional western methods have helped so far. Saw Orthopedic MD yesterday and was told healing of the nerve occurs at the rate of about 1MM per day!  Pretty slow stuff! I figure that means it will take 365 days for my toes to return to normal. He also said there may always remain some numbness. Also prescribed  for nerve pain ( 300mg 2x daily,) but said it takes about a month to kick in - and it may make you feel wacky. Started a new job Monday and don't need to feel whacked out at new job! Also will start PT soon. Glad you are feeling better and very glad you went to ER. I  wish I had not waited 2 days. My injury is due to stupid activity plus some arthritis and bone spurs. Hoping my "golden years" improve. Keep in touch. 

You posted this in 2008! I have the very same problem....the sciatica and then the numbness. I assume you are ok by now. I would love to talk with you.

i am 27 and same problem. The pain started in the buttocks, right side while I was at my desk at work but subsided as soon as I am off my station. I spend hours in front of the computer. the was weak in the beginning but kept increasing. I thought it was stress and the sitting position. I adjusted but still nothing pain kept coming then I got the attack. Atrocious pain. I had Heart attack early this year and this was way more traumatising. Couldnt sleep for 2 days cause of pain.went to the hospital and all they did was mention it was the sciatic nerve and gave me ibuprofen and panadol. Needless to say did nothing for the pain. the doctor was HorribLe. I endured the pain and now things are better. Pain is manageable. Thing is I did not lift anything nor did anything that could cause trauma to the back. All is a result of bad sitting position And sleeping on my belly, which I read is a really bad position for sleeping. 

The pain has subsided but left with a Stiff foot. It is not numb but like after exercise. 

i live in mauritius and here health care systems not as elaborate as in developed countries and I cannot afford private clinics. I sure hope its nothing neurological A I doubt I will ever get surgery here. pain medication is also not an option as the doctors would rather have you suffer the give you any hard drugs.

If I get another. Attack of pain will try the ice pack. 

From my experience I recommend also to watch the sleeping position. Be sure to put as less possible pressure on it. Also wait for the pain to go away before starting activities. Otherwise the pain will be back harder.

I am sorry your health care system is not more helpful to you. I am lucky, I am in the USA and have insurance. Part of the problem I am told by healthcare providers here is that as back and stomach muscles become weak due to lack of stretching exercises etc, it places a strain on the back muscles and these disc problems result. Sitting for prolonged period staring at computer screens is very bad for the back & neck. Should not do it for more than 1 hr and then take a walk and stretch. Look up back excercises for this condition. Drugs can only do so much - the rest is up to us to maintain our health. God bless.

I have been battling inoperable sciatica for 14 years. Unfortunately for me there is at this point no cure. Most days are worse than others but I have now discovered a new and better pain medication called Lyrica. It specifically targets the nerves. It's not a total fix but it's been the most beneficial so far. Hope this helps.