Thanks for the video. Since July '09 I've had the problems in my lower back, down the left leg with tingling going down my leg, to the feet. Now it's over to the right leg and constantly. It's starts in the lower back, through the buttocks, down my right leg, to the feet, to the big toe. The big toe is sore to the touch. I've applied heat and Aleve, but no relief. Please advised me what to do to relieve this pain. The left leg not too bad, but the right leg and right toe is a nuisance. Thank you
@almahugs I suggest you start with the basic McKenzie exercise shown in the video and also use self-treatment methods from my ebook available on the website shown on the video. Since you've had the problem for a few years, it may take a few weeks of frequent use of the treatments to get any results. If you don't have any improvement within 2 or 3 weeks, I'd recommend you see a doctor about getting an MRI to evaluate the situation further. Good luck!
I'm 16 and have been experiencing sciatic nerve pain in BOTH my legs frequently over the last few months, sometimes it even makes my legs numb. Obviously this video has got me a bit paranoid but should I see a doctor? (I'm pretty sure my mo won't take me seriously.)
@mcm3760 I suggest you try the exercise in my video, Sciatica Exercises, Part 1 and apply cold packs to the low back as directed in my ebook available for free on the website shown on the video. If you do not get much improvement within a couple of weeks, or if things get worse, I'd recommend you see a doctor and probably get an MRI to evaluate the situation. Good luck!
Hi, my ct scan shows that moderate broad bulging of l4 & l5 without contacting exiting nerve root. I don't seem to have piriformis muscle problem. I've been having sciatica for 3 months. How can d bulging disc cause pain when it doesn't directly touch nerve? I tried ice pack & the suggested pain relief stretch together with naprosyn 750mg but they haven't made much difference in soothing my pain. What else can I try to have at least one good night sleep?
@graceShin0724 Swelling and irritating chemicals resulting from the disc injury can cause nerve irritation even if the disc does not contact the nerve. It is also possible that the disc is worse than the CT shows (MRI, particularly upright MRI, gives a better evaluation of discs, but can't always be done). Resistant cases like yours, may need up to several days of frequent treatment to get relief - ice pack every 2 hours and the McKenzie for a minute every 15 or 20 minutes if possible.
@DrGeorgeBest After trying the McKenzie for about a week, night pain on my thigh seems to have reduced a bit. But I have this pain on my low back all day, which wasn't there before. Does it sound normal process of getting better or am I making something worse at the cost of improving something??
@graceShin0724 It sounds like you are getting centralization, which is a good thing. As the symptoms furthest from the spine decrease, it is common for symptoms closer to the spine to increase. This is actually a sign of nerve recovery. In most cases, the symptoms will gradually continue to centralize (move to the areas closest to the spine) and eventually go away altogether. Sometimes, residual muscular back pain may remain, but this can usually be relieved with massage, stretching, etc..
My doctor has given me anthrox500 but pain still the same but then he gave the massag and some physiotharapy treatment which was through a machine like a current ( like current in hip and muscle below the knee and feet) . this tharapy gave me some relief from the pain.
@redalert430 You probably do have sciatica from a bulging disc. In addition to the medication and physical therapy, you can begin the self-treatments shown in the video right away. If the McKenzie extension exercise causes an increase in your leg symptoms, you should discontinue it, but otherwise it is good to do frequently as discussed in the video. Once you are feeling better, it is good to continue the stetches a few times per day for prevention. More information is available on my website.
im still not sure if mine is sciatica because the pain occurred out of nowhere a couple of days ago, and when it happened i didnt do any strenuous activity at all. i pretty much just sat and lied down that day but still it happened. i feel most of the pain on my upper left buttock and on the lower left back. its concentrated within a 2-3 inch radius. its painful to bend down and pick something up. how long does it usually last before it goes away? because i dont think its the severe kind
@DrMagillicutty In many cases, the underlying problem may develop slowly over months or years and then start producing symptoms without any apparent cause. I suggest you try the two exercises/tests shown in the video. If the extension exercise helps, it may be from a bulgig disc, while if the knee to opposite shoulder stretch helps, it's probably piriformis. If neither seems to do much, it may be a sacroiliac problem which a chiropractor or osteopath can probably help you with. Good luck!
@DrGeorgeBest is it normal to have muscle tightness after an episode? my condition has improved a lot but i still get pain when im bending down. i usually bend down on purpose to measure progress. but yeah i get tightness from lower to med back and i think NOW thats whats causing most of the discomfort. i still got some tingly feelings along my left leg tho, which gets annoying. what do you suggest i should do now to speed up the healing?
@DrMagillicutty Muscle tightness is common since the nerves that produce the pain also control the muscles. Massaging the tight muscles (either by self-massage or from a massage therapist) will usually help considerably too. Try pressing your fist into the tight spots and holding pressure for several seconds and gradually increasing pressure as the soreness eases. In addition to the mid and low back, check for sore spots in the buttock muscles, as these are often the source of leg symptoms.
@DrMagillicutty Muscle tightness is common since the nerves that produce the pain also control the muscles. Massaging the tight muscles (either by self-massage or from a massage therapist) will usually help considerably too. Try pressing your fist into the tight spots and holding pressure for several seconds and gradually increasing pressure as the soreness eases. In addition to the mid and low back, check for sore spots in the buttock muscles, as these are often the source of leg symptoms.
@DrGeorgeBest so does that indicate that my condition is in its final stages? should i just stretch, massage, and gradually increase activity level until i get back to normal? i am noticing some increase in mobility every day that passes. i can even do body weight squats now, but the bending down is still the main pain causer. i really wanna get better so i can work on losing weight properly and preventing it from happening again
@DrMagillicutty Yes, most likely you'll get back to normal pretty quickly now. Be careful though because a lot of people rush back to activities they aren't quite ready for and trigger a flare up in the symptoms. As you said, continue the stretching and massage and gradually increase your activity. It's a good idea to continue the stretching even once you are feeling fine to help prevent future episodes. Good luck!
@DrGeorgeBest ugh.. youre right about the flare up. its been over a week and my back was feeling fine again almost 0 symptoms. then just yesterday as i was putting my boxers on, i guess i was bending the "wrong way" and i felt a pull/pain on my right buttock. i felt the tingles for the rest of the day. i started doing the exercises here and hope that a night's sleep will do the trick. now i just woke up and my lower back is TIGHT AS HELL! i cant bend down again. its just really tight.. sigh
@DrMagillicutty This type of problem can be pretty "touchy" during the first few weeks. The good news is that if things got better once, they probably will again. I know it is frustrating, but in most cases the symptoms will settle down and stay that way for an extended period of time.
@DrGeorgeBest as so youre saying the second or third time it happens it lasts shorter than the previous and stays away longer than the previous? well thats definitely good news. tbh this second flare up is not as bad as the first since now its more of a tightness issue rather than "my back is screwed" issue.
@DrMagillicutty Typically the flare ups are shorter than the initial episode, but it does vary. In most cases, the recovery process is a series of ups and downs with an overall trend towards improvement rather than a uniform predictable pattern. The ups and downs can be frustrating (mostly the downs, people don't seem so frustrated with the ups!), but if you're prepared for them I think it is a little easier to deal with.
@DrGeorgeBest hmm yes youre right. today i barely feel it anymore and its only been 4 days since the re-flare up. the first one lasted over a week before i could feel "normal" again. i really do hope it doesnt flare up again as i am itching to go back to working out. the only way i can prevent this from happening again is to lose the excess fat i have, and i cant do that without exercise lol. thanks.
@DrMagillicutty If you ease back in to working out gradually, be very careful with your lifting form and avoid lifts in which you bend forward at the waist and then straighten / pull back against the resistance (such as straight-leg deadlifts, "good mornings" and unsupported rows - rows with the chest supported are fine), I think youll do fine. I suggest you give it a few more days of feeling good and then just do low-impact cardio for the first few workouts. Good luck!
Good video!
osityan 3 days ago
@osityan Thanks!
DrGeorgeBest 3 days ago
Love this video . It gives me hope for my pain. I also received alot of knowledge and understanding just by watching this 1 video!!
Deztinee10 6 days ago
@Deztinee10 I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 6 days ago
Thanks
MrElisha06 6 days ago
@MrElisha06 You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 6 days ago
Very helpful
GreenBottlesOnly 1 month ago
Thanks for the video. Since July '09 I've had the problems in my lower back, down the left leg with tingling going down my leg, to the feet. Now it's over to the right leg and constantly. It's starts in the lower back, through the buttocks, down my right leg, to the feet, to the big toe. The big toe is sore to the touch. I've applied heat and Aleve, but no relief. Please advised me what to do to relieve this pain. The left leg not too bad, but the right leg and right toe is a nuisance. Thank you
almahugs 2 months ago
@almahugs I suggest you start with the basic McKenzie exercise shown in the video and also use self-treatment methods from my ebook available on the website shown on the video. Since you've had the problem for a few years, it may take a few weeks of frequent use of the treatments to get any results. If you don't have any improvement within 2 or 3 weeks, I'd recommend you see a doctor about getting an MRI to evaluate the situation further. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 months ago
I'm 16 and have been experiencing sciatic nerve pain in BOTH my legs frequently over the last few months, sometimes it even makes my legs numb. Obviously this video has got me a bit paranoid but should I see a doctor? (I'm pretty sure my mo won't take me seriously.)
mcm3760 2 months ago
@mcm3760 *mom, not mo
mcm3760 2 months ago
@mcm3760 I suggest you try the exercise in my video, Sciatica Exercises, Part 1 and apply cold packs to the low back as directed in my ebook available for free on the website shown on the video. If you do not get much improvement within a couple of weeks, or if things get worse, I'd recommend you see a doctor and probably get an MRI to evaluate the situation. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Efficacy of a new glia modulator palmitoylethanolamide (Normast) in Sciatic pain
PainKillerNormast 3 months ago
Thank u much for ur kind reply!!
graceShin0724 4 months ago
Hi, my ct scan shows that moderate broad bulging of l4 & l5 without contacting exiting nerve root. I don't seem to have piriformis muscle problem. I've been having sciatica for 3 months. How can d bulging disc cause pain when it doesn't directly touch nerve? I tried ice pack & the suggested pain relief stretch together with naprosyn 750mg but they haven't made much difference in soothing my pain. What else can I try to have at least one good night sleep?
graceShin0724 4 months ago
@graceShin0724 Swelling and irritating chemicals resulting from the disc injury can cause nerve irritation even if the disc does not contact the nerve. It is also possible that the disc is worse than the CT shows (MRI, particularly upright MRI, gives a better evaluation of discs, but can't always be done). Resistant cases like yours, may need up to several days of frequent treatment to get relief - ice pack every 2 hours and the McKenzie for a minute every 15 or 20 minutes if possible.
DrGeorgeBest 4 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest Thank you so much for your reply. I should try what you suggested !!
graceShin0724 4 months ago
Comment removed
graceShin0724 4 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest After trying the McKenzie for about a week, night pain on my thigh seems to have reduced a bit. But I have this pain on my low back all day, which wasn't there before. Does it sound normal process of getting better or am I making something worse at the cost of improving something??
graceShin0724 4 months ago
@graceShin0724 It sounds like you are getting centralization, which is a good thing. As the symptoms furthest from the spine decrease, it is common for symptoms closer to the spine to increase. This is actually a sign of nerve recovery. In most cases, the symptoms will gradually continue to centralize (move to the areas closest to the spine) and eventually go away altogether. Sometimes, residual muscular back pain may remain, but this can usually be relieved with massage, stretching, etc..
DrGeorgeBest 4 months ago
I have done these in the past and they really do work!
cleanfreak73 4 months ago
My doctor has given me anthrox500 but pain still the same but then he gave the massag and some physiotharapy treatment which was through a machine like a current ( like current in hip and muscle below the knee and feet) . this tharapy gave me some relief from the pain.
Please suggest.
redalert430 4 months ago
@redalert430 You probably do have sciatica from a bulging disc. In addition to the medication and physical therapy, you can begin the self-treatments shown in the video right away. If the McKenzie extension exercise causes an increase in your leg symptoms, you should discontinue it, but otherwise it is good to do frequently as discussed in the video. Once you are feeling better, it is good to continue the stetches a few times per day for prevention. More information is available on my website.
DrGeorgeBest 4 months ago
RECENT: But since last sunday the pain shifted to the left buttock and now the runs down to left leg from lower back to the feet.
Is this pain sciatic ??? Can i start exersice of streaches or should i give rest to lower back?When can i start streaching/exercises
redalert430 4 months ago
I am 27 year old and not fat as well. I play sprts like table tennis and Cricket.
From last few years i felt pain in lower back area. Since last 4 months the pain started on righgt hip/buttock . I kept playing sports.
redalert430 4 months ago
im still not sure if mine is sciatica because the pain occurred out of nowhere a couple of days ago, and when it happened i didnt do any strenuous activity at all. i pretty much just sat and lied down that day but still it happened. i feel most of the pain on my upper left buttock and on the lower left back. its concentrated within a 2-3 inch radius. its painful to bend down and pick something up. how long does it usually last before it goes away? because i dont think its the severe kind
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty In many cases, the underlying problem may develop slowly over months or years and then start producing symptoms without any apparent cause. I suggest you try the two exercises/tests shown in the video. If the extension exercise helps, it may be from a bulgig disc, while if the knee to opposite shoulder stretch helps, it's probably piriformis. If neither seems to do much, it may be a sacroiliac problem which a chiropractor or osteopath can probably help you with. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest is it normal to have muscle tightness after an episode? my condition has improved a lot but i still get pain when im bending down. i usually bend down on purpose to measure progress. but yeah i get tightness from lower to med back and i think NOW thats whats causing most of the discomfort. i still got some tingly feelings along my left leg tho, which gets annoying. what do you suggest i should do now to speed up the healing?
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty Muscle tightness is common since the nerves that produce the pain also control the muscles. Massaging the tight muscles (either by self-massage or from a massage therapist) will usually help considerably too. Try pressing your fist into the tight spots and holding pressure for several seconds and gradually increasing pressure as the soreness eases. In addition to the mid and low back, check for sore spots in the buttock muscles, as these are often the source of leg symptoms.
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty Muscle tightness is common since the nerves that produce the pain also control the muscles. Massaging the tight muscles (either by self-massage or from a massage therapist) will usually help considerably too. Try pressing your fist into the tight spots and holding pressure for several seconds and gradually increasing pressure as the soreness eases. In addition to the mid and low back, check for sore spots in the buttock muscles, as these are often the source of leg symptoms.
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest so does that indicate that my condition is in its final stages? should i just stretch, massage, and gradually increase activity level until i get back to normal? i am noticing some increase in mobility every day that passes. i can even do body weight squats now, but the bending down is still the main pain causer. i really wanna get better so i can work on losing weight properly and preventing it from happening again
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty Yes, most likely you'll get back to normal pretty quickly now. Be careful though because a lot of people rush back to activities they aren't quite ready for and trigger a flare up in the symptoms. As you said, continue the stretching and massage and gradually increase your activity. It's a good idea to continue the stretching even once you are feeling fine to help prevent future episodes. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest ugh.. youre right about the flare up. its been over a week and my back was feeling fine again almost 0 symptoms. then just yesterday as i was putting my boxers on, i guess i was bending the "wrong way" and i felt a pull/pain on my right buttock. i felt the tingles for the rest of the day. i started doing the exercises here and hope that a night's sleep will do the trick. now i just woke up and my lower back is TIGHT AS HELL! i cant bend down again. its just really tight.. sigh
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty This type of problem can be pretty "touchy" during the first few weeks. The good news is that if things got better once, they probably will again. I know it is frustrating, but in most cases the symptoms will settle down and stay that way for an extended period of time.
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest as so youre saying the second or third time it happens it lasts shorter than the previous and stays away longer than the previous? well thats definitely good news. tbh this second flare up is not as bad as the first since now its more of a tightness issue rather than "my back is screwed" issue.
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty Typically the flare ups are shorter than the initial episode, but it does vary. In most cases, the recovery process is a series of ups and downs with an overall trend towards improvement rather than a uniform predictable pattern. The ups and downs can be frustrating (mostly the downs, people don't seem so frustrated with the ups!), but if you're prepared for them I think it is a little easier to deal with.
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
@DrGeorgeBest hmm yes youre right. today i barely feel it anymore and its only been 4 days since the re-flare up. the first one lasted over a week before i could feel "normal" again. i really do hope it doesnt flare up again as i am itching to go back to working out. the only way i can prevent this from happening again is to lose the excess fat i have, and i cant do that without exercise lol. thanks.
DrMagillicutty 5 months ago
@DrMagillicutty If you ease back in to working out gradually, be very careful with your lifting form and avoid lifts in which you bend forward at the waist and then straighten / pull back against the resistance (such as straight-leg deadlifts, "good mornings" and unsupported rows - rows with the chest supported are fine), I think youll do fine. I suggest you give it a few more days of feeling good and then just do low-impact cardio for the first few workouts. Good luck!
DrGeorgeBest 5 months ago
Thank you very much!
DeedeeSch1 6 months ago
@DeedeeSch1 You're welcome!
DrGeorgeBest 6 months ago