Sciatica pain help
Posted By: mt on 2006-02-12
In Reply to:
Any hints on pain relief for sciatica while working? 
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I feel your pain. If at teaching hospital, great pain. SM
Some doctors do give standard discharge summaries, so you could just make copy and then pull it up. It is not easy, especially when they give 20 lines of lab results.
Sciatica
They thought that mine was sciatica and went to PT and so on. It was my quadriceps and if I do steps and stretches for the quads my hip pain goes away. I also use either a rolling pin or a tennis ball to roll around on the very sore spots. I am serious, spent a lot of money when they thought it was the sciatica and went through a lot but once I get the quads stretched out it really helps. Last night I could barely get out of a chair, did my steps for about 10 to 15 minutes and some stretches on the using one of the PT balls, and today I literally have no pain. Last month I was convincend I needed a hip replacement as could barely walk or sit but since dong this, it really helps. I do the core workouts and that has also helped. But this is just what I found out.
Ever had sciatica?
This is the worst pain I have ever had - had a shot of Toradol, have used muscle relaxant, Flexall, heating pad, hot baths, still hurts.
Urgent Care today said it is most consistent with sciatica and gave me rx for anti-inflammatories and then said to go see my family doctor and possibly set up an MRI. Has anyone had this and were you able to get well without surgery??
sciatica
Was in bed for a month with this two years ago. Had two epidural steroid injections almost 16 months ago and have not had a problem since. It was like a miracle......
sciatica
Had it for years, since I was a teen, then one day nothing worked and had to have emergency surgery or risk losing motor below the waist. Had L3/4 discectomy, and ZERO PAIN from either the surgery, or the disc level after that.
sciatica
Yes to both questions. Try to keep pressure off your hip/leg/thigh when sitting, stretch leg out under desk, walking kills doesn't it? But, with time, it will get better and numbness/spasms/pins and needles will abate. I do hope you feel better, it is not a very pleasant thing when you have to sit and type for a living.
sciatica
I don't know that I would abide by the comment of the massage therapist regarding chiropractic, but I do know that I will look at the information for Rolfing. I have suffered with sciatica intermittently over the past 30-plus years, but last year it got really bad. A back x-ray after a car accident showed LOTS (in the words of the ER doc) of arthritis, so I figured some day the problems would start. I was determined I would not undergo surgery and had to find something else. I have been seeing a chiropractor regularly for over a year, and he has helped me immensely. I decided I didn't need to go so often, and managed to get myself in trouble again, so am back to twice a week at this point. Today he told me I'm the only patient he has who flips back and forth between which leg is shorter than the other. I would hate to give him up. But he doesn't do short-term work. He expects a lifestyle change and a commitment to health and wellness, including chiropractic. My whole family goes, and my hubby for the first time in years has a normal blood pressure. From November on, however, he didn't go to the chiropractor, and recently his BP was back up again. The only difference is stopping chiropractic. So he's back in there again twice a week. I'm not saying it's a cure-all, but it certainly has its place. I think I would be a cripple in extreme pain now if I hadn't gotten treatment when I did.
Sciatica from below
They thought that I has sciatica, they thought it was my ileo psoas, but it turned out to be my hamstring. I could hardly walk, had trouble sleeping, one part of the thigh just hurt/burned/ached terrible. I went to PT and then to the gym and worked on my hamstring stretches and especially just doing step exercises. When my hip and thigh begin to really ache while typing, I take 5 minutes and do 50 steps on my step and it really helps. I also bought one of those foam pads for my bed even though I have a brand new pillow top mattress and that also helps. But the stepping and hamstring stretching worked the best. I could not bear the thought of walking up and down stairs but now now problem. 
Rolfing for sciatica
Drugs have their place, so do chiropractors. I once had a massage therapist tell me that if you get chiropractic done without soft tissue work, run the other way. So my search took me down the path toward a reputable, qualified Rolfer. I had problems in my 20s with sciatica and have been on a long road to find good care sans surgery. I founding rolfing to be an excellent form of treatment. Much different than massage and deals with the origin of the problem. I feel better now than I did when I was a teenager. And I have learned, from my Rolfer, how to attend to my own hot spots. Also, check out the Sacro-Wedgy; this little thing works great to help the sacrum/S.I. joints (a problem source for sciatica).
Thanks for sciatica answers!
Thanks to all of you for your advice about sciatica. It gives me hope to know that others had it and have gotten better - and I am really happy to know what all the options are for being treated.
To the person who said this is a result of being a Transcriptionist and sitting so much - is that true??? I never thought about that being a factor. I normally walk about 4 miles a day (not right now of course) but I guess that doesn't outweigh the loooongg sitting that we do, does it?
Also another sciatica question
For those of you who have had this, did you have numbness of your leg and/or muscle spasms in the thigh area? I am having both of these, and walking is the hardest thing of all!
Perhaps sciatica paresthesia? nm
nm
Ischial bursitis --> sciatica
Do you know the cause of the sciatica? In my case I get pain in my ischial tuberosities from sitting pressure, especially the right side. There is a bursa at each tuberosity, and they can develop inflammation. Since the sciatic nerve runs close to the bursa, swelling annoys the nerve - ta-da - sciatic pain. That's why it's important for me to walk or do bum-firming exercises. Keeping the muscles in shape keeps it from getting started. The other thing I always mention is the right chair. I need support at my sacrum and along my thighs to distribute the weight around and away from my sitters.
Just Finished Treatment for Sciatica
I was diagnosed with sciatica/piriformis syndrome about a month ago. My physiatrist sent me to physical therapy for Graston therapy and iontophoresis. I was to the point where I had to sleep in my recliner with a heating pad on my hip. Of course, this is the result of sitting for too long......a battle wound common to the medical transcriptionist.
The Graston therapy is pretty painful and you really wonder how it could possibly help. The iontophoresis consisted of a patch with two large circular pads connected by an electrode. The pads are soaked with dexamethasone. The patch is then stuck to the butt for 24 hours. It's painless, except I pulled off a couple of layers of skin when I removed them. I had this done about 5-6 different times over a three-week period. I was also taught some gentle stretches to stretch these muscles, which I haven't been too diligent about doing.
Bottom line is that I completed my PT about two weeks ago and I haven't had any pain since then. I hope you get some relief for your condition. I know how very painful it can be.
Sciatica - small knots in calf muscles?
Sorry to keep asking sciatica questions but I am in terrible pain! Did anyone have small knots in their calf muscles, probably from the spasms pulling so hard on them? They are about the size of a fingertip. I felt a snap in that area when I was stretching last night, but it didn't hurt all that much, probably because my calf is relatively numb.
Does this sound like it could be a little snapped peice of muscle or do I have a tumor? (Always reminds me of Arnold in Kindergarten Cop "It's not a tumah"
Low pain...Low pay
Well my subconscious typed pain instead of pay. So you see I am aware of the pain of receiving low pay but it is not my intent to disgrace the field of medical transcription.
I know your pain
My genetic donor has had more wives than I can count, literally. He has seen my children maybe 3 times and the oldest is 25. We were passing through Myrtle Beach and I called to see if we could stop in and see him and she said no, her daughter was coming in and there was no room for us. So now I have not seen him in 14 years. He's 75 now. I check the obits now and then to see if he is alive and found that she had died in August (she was 83). My oldest son and his wife laughed at me because I was smiling when I read it. Knowing him, he is probably remarried by now. I don't waste time "inconveniencing" so-called loved ones. I'd rather just be at home with my children.
pain...
How old is she? If she's having pain after BMs, she needs to see a doctor. I am an expert on this topic, having suffered with abdominal pain most of my life.
She could have endometriosis, adhesions caused from a variety of things, lactose intolerance (though usually this does not cause pain after BMs), a food allergy,a cysts, etc., etc......
Urge her to go to a GYN, who probably will refer her to a GI if the GYN workup is negative.
Good Luck to her!
I know your pain
I have had two miscarriages before. My heart aches for you. I know just how you feel. I am so sorry.
Ear pain
Does anyone suffer from severe ear pain on the outside of the ear? I have it to the point of not being able to wear my headset on that side and would like to know what others have done in the past. No infection, just cartilage pain.
I had ear pain
until I started using Dictaphone head phones. Very soft and they don't put a lot of pressure on the ears.
I don't have ear pain but
I do have tinnitus. Can anything be done about that?
ear pain
I just wanted to share my experience with earaches,one time I woke up in the middle of the night with a severe earache. So I looked around the house to see what I could take. Found nothing,so I was in such pain,that I took a swig,and only a swig of whiskey,seagram 7 the pain went away,and never came back,that was about 20 years ago,I don't drink,this was a 2 year old bottle given to us by one of my husband's buisness associates one christmas,however the bottle dissappeared when my mother in law moved in 10 years later. So I am wondering if it would work on the outside of the ear,rubbed on with a cotton ball.
pain
thanks. I was wondering if there was something that I could place on the chair seat. Can you pick this up at drug store?
I so know your pain.
Have you tried using one of those wraparound microwave gel packs made for the back. I could not live without mine.
leg pain
I'm suffering the same right now. Have been with leg elevated all day. I had to not work tonight because of it. You need to walk and don't sit for so long a period of time. Get up every hour or so and move around a little. I get carried away and sit for too many hours at a time, now I'm in real pain today. Take some aspirin or ibuprofen. Raise leg with warm compresses. If not better soon, see a doctor. Just remember to walk a little every day. I haven't been but guess I'm going to start.
Right arm pain?
I have noticed soreness in my right forearm - I guess around the extensor digitorum muscle location. The only change lately is that I have started using a different computer mouse. The only difference in this mouse is that it is more reactive and works better than the last. I did order a wrist support wrap today from TranscriptionGear, thinking this would help, if indeed it is the mouse. I have also started to use more Keystrokes instead of the mouse. There have been no injuries or strains that I can remember. I have taken ibuprofen. I was wondering - has anyone had this symptom from transcribing?
Pain
I had the same thing a month ago and bought a splint for carpal tunnel. I wore it at night and it seemed to help. I also got a squeezy ball. Hope it helps you!
I know your pain
I have been in transcription for over 15 years and worked doing QA for over 8. I started recently with a company and have been having an awful QA experience. Red all over my reports coupled with constant threats. I dread opening my emails in the morning. Corrections like sometimes not putting two spaces behind a colon or period, only one, wording phrases the way they are in there samples which are then suddenly changed in the QA, things I blasted about saying I have been told numerous times when I haven't been told once...it's been really awful. I can see why now when I left my prior supervisory position of over 10 years so many of my transcriptionists were in tears and a few even left the company. I still keep in touch with several of them. I never get a kind word or anything from this company, only negative..we'll see how things go. Keep your chin up. Everyone makes a mistake. You've learned from it and now won't make whatever crucial mistakes were on your reports in the future.
I know your pain
I've not had a single email from mine and have been with a company 7 months now. I do special projects and such and never get so much as a thank you. When I started too, not a single question was ever answered. I even asked to be linked up by other people on the account via messenger and got no response.
When I managed I was always available by phone, messenger, email, etc. I made sure questions were answered immediately and I even checked my mail when my shift was over and people could call me any hours day or night. I never wanted anybody to feel like they were just "out there" alone.
Right Arm Pain
I just started doing VR a few days ago. I am using the arrow keys a great deal and started having severe pain/achiness in my right arm. I have tried ibuprofen but it doesn't really help. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am really wondering if I am going to be able to complete my shift today. Thanks in advance!
pain in the $#*^$
Yea, but considering my work is only a few hours of audio a week (less than 10) it wasn't as bad as you think! But now that I need/want to go full time I am NOT doing it without some kind of foot pedal!
I feel your pain.
Don't forget, not getting paid for spaces also contributes to the inability to get a decent line count.
Heck, I can't even get the ESLs I had finally figured out anymore. Sometimes I'll get the same crappy dictator for 10 reports in a row. I've also had full shifts of nothing but ESLs. I sure hope all the other transcription companies are not like this.
I would suggest you start testing for other companies. I did and will soon be going to a better place (I hope). However, at this point, just getting paid for spaces will be a big step up.
I feel your pain!
I can completely relate with what you are saying. I actually have gone through a site called SupportKids.com and they were doing a good job at collecting from him. Whatever they collect they keep 33% of it and send a check to me for the rest. Unfortunately, I have not seen a dime since last December. It's as though he has either switched jobs...or whatever but he has managed to slither away for the time being. I don't get it either how these guys get away with not facing their responsibilities. I have one daughter...and we are doing pretty good...(always could be better) but money is a constant struggle and it bothers me to think that he's out there...dodging his responsibilities. My theory is that one day...he will be old..and alone...I don't get how some guys don't realize how precious children are....Like I said...we have our "money" issues but I would never change anything in my life...(other than getting a check from the sperm donor)...Give that site a look at though. All you need to get started is a court order stating what he should be paying. Good luck and hang in there....you are truly not alone!!
Does anyone know anything about pain management M.D.'s?
For someone with chronic pain, is prescribing pain pills a last resort or is this the norm?
I feel your pain
I'm the same way...the day after the end of the pay period is terrible. And, yes, I had to work like a dog yesterday, and didnt make production...so fire me!!!
You're not alone, honey, I know just how you feel. Now, how do we handle this?
I say we go for a long cool dip in the pool, lay in the sun for hours, sip Long Island Iced Tea, and forget about the rest...what cha think? 
neck pain
I had neck pain and both wrists/hands, and they thought it was carpal tunnel, finally had an MRI and had herniated disk at C5-C6 with nerve entrapment, ended up with cervical diskectomy and pain went away for a long time, but now back in my neck when I type too much, but I also have spurs in my neck and DJD in my neck. Transcription is a tough job, repetitive motion causing back, neck and arm/hand/wrist pains. I found the Thermawraps that you can buy at the store to help a lot, it has heat and you wear it like a collar. I have been to a chiropracter and acupuncturist and these did not help at all, and that is why I had the surgery. If the neck pain keeps up, I would have an MRI, I waited too long for doctor to go ahead with one, nerve was trapped under C5-C6 for 3 years and that is why I had the surgery. Good luck, hope the pain is relieved. I had it for a long time and it can be terrible.
Elbow pain
What has helped my elbow pain a lot is vitamin B complex vitamin. I read that somewhere and tried it. It helps me and may help someone else.
right knee pain
I am not an older MT, but I have been doing this for over 13 years and I just started to notice this last year that my right knee started to hurt, so I change my foot pedal to my left foot, and it really helps, so I have become ambidextrous with my foot pedal.
Oh I feel your pain
I have a habitual candy sucker. He chews, he slurps, he sucks, all while he's trying to talk. It gets especially bad when he's trying to think about what to say, he really goes to town on his candy then. I seriously want to hit him when he does this and I'm not a violent person by nature, usually I just resort to yelling at my monitor and removing my headphones at particularly juicy times.
Do you have a lot of stomach pain. I do.
:
I feel your pain....
I'm going thru similar situations myself at work, being challenged, etc. Can't go into details, as all of -them- are on this board as well. I know its so hard, but my advice is to just stick it out and be relatively silent. If you say anything, try to keep it a positive - avoid the temptation of squashing this idiot. In my case, I have found that the bigger guns really do have a sense of what is going on most times. They just keep quiet as well, but I believe that most times, those above you basically 100% know who is the one playing games, and usually the biggest clue is which of the two of you has class and dignity. Know what I mean? Hard words to live by, I know, as I am struggling with it daily, but so far, so good. Whether its fate, or karma, or justice - whatever your belief system - what does go around, comes around. You will be the victor if you keep a cool head. 
abdominal pain
Does anyone have any ideas what could be the culprit for this? My step daughter is having severe abdominal pain during and after bowel movements, in her upper middle abdomen. No temperature, no blood in bowel movements. Thanks for any input!
ABDOMINAL PAIN
Thanks for the great feedback. Hopefully she will be on the road to recovery !
I feel your pain (sm)
I can relate to your and hope that you get it resolved faster than I did (I am stubborn to a fault). I had tailbone bone pain that was so severe that I could not bear to sit on a hard surface for more than a minute without agonizing pain that would last for days! I finally did something I said I would never do - I saw a chiropractor. I went for adjustments three times weekly, then tapered over a month and have not had a problem since then.
By the way, my tailbone had actually been broken (apparently during the delivery of my daughter after all the relaxation of the pelvis, etc) and had a bend to it on x-ray, so when I would sit on something hard I was sitting right on the bone. OUCH!
Best of luck to you getting this worked out.
pain injection
Help. Doing a pain injection procedure. S/L gray rami communicans. Anyone?
I feel your pain! sm
Neurosurgeons must take a special residency course where they learn how to speak without opening their mouths at all! LOL Thank God for Normals.... And I wonder, will VR ever be THAT sophisticated?
pain relief
A conservative measure would be to purchase an ergonomic chair, if you are not already using one. They are costly, but work well in alleviating alot of the 'stress points' while transcribing. If you want information on where to purchase one, please contact me.
Pain Patient - Where are you??
I have been SO WORRIED about that lady last week who was withdrawining on her own from OxyContin and was gonna go alone to a hotel and float in their pool, supposedly with a load of VALIUM that was recommended to her on this board! Good Lord!! I just pray she is not dead. Seriously. I tried and tried to post, but was banned for some unknown reason. At any rate, if you are out there, please let us know you are OK. Also, PLEASE don't withdraw from these meds on your own - you can easily seize from opiate withdrawal - everyone is different, and no way should you take VALIUM. NO WAY. I am a huge pain management buff, being in the midst of it myself. Its not safe to do alone - I know - been there done that. The best thing to do is check yourself into one of the 3-day detox programs at any local hospital - no matter who your pain mgmt doctor is. I seriously doubt your doctor wants to keep you addicted, and if you called any authorities and reported that, he'd be in deep trouble. Narcotic scrips are one of the few heavily monitored items today. PLEASE DON'T TAKE VALIUM off scrip. There are outpatient meds like Suboxone - supposed to be a miracle pill. 1 or 2 pills a day, no withdrawal, no urges. Or you can get detoxed under anesthesia in a few hours. Or do the inpatient detox in 3 days with clonidine and possibly Ativan for anxiety. NO VALIUM. And they are set up for giving you the antiseizure meds immediately should you develop seizures, which is common. PLEASE tell me you are OK, and I have given you my email address if you want to write privately. I have been so worried about you. And I 100% totally understand.
PAIN PATIENT
www.pillsanonymous.com
I have on that says "Doesn't have no pain."
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