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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Hurt Lower Back. Diagnosed With Sciatica And Lumbago. Why Is Pain Excruciating?

I hurt my lower back 30 months ago helping someone up from a chair. I have been diagnosed with sciatica and lumbago, but I do not have shooting pain in leg, just constant awful ache in left hip and left leg feels as though there are strong rubber bands around the knee and calf . Also pain in foot and weakness, collapsing hip and groin area. Spinal fusion has been suggested by occupatEvebang@aolcoional health specialist, but my doctor disagrees. Pain constant, but worse standing. Buttock pain is worse sitting and walking aggravates pain. I am in the UK.
posted on Wed, 27 Jun 2012
Twitter Wed, 27 Jun 2012 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 22 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

Back pain such as yours is usually chronic conditions worsened with lifting. Though surgery is the definitive treatment, it is not attempted for each and every case due to risks associated with it, besides long term treatment is possible with conservative line of approach.

If MRI of spine revealed a disc prolapse or nerve root compression (sciatica), the next best test is to get an EMG of lower limbs with H reflex. This will give you an idea about associated nerve deficits. The test can be done under the guidance of neurosurgeon / neurologist.

If the test reveal abnormal test, then surgery is recommended. Else you might plan long term treatment with analgesics, physiotherapy or intermediate intrathecal injections.
Avoiding further strenuous physical activity such as bending and lifting heavy weight is utmost importance.

Hope this helps.

Wish you good luck!

Regards
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Hurt Lower Back. Diagnosed With Sciatica And Lumbago. Why Is Pain Excruciating?

Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum. Back pain such as yours is usually chronic conditions worsened with lifting. Though surgery is the definitive treatment, it is not attempted for each and every case due to risks associated with it, besides long term treatment is possible with conservative line of approach. If MRI of spine revealed a disc prolapse or nerve root compression (sciatica), the next best test is to get an EMG of lower limbs with H reflex. This will give you an idea about associated nerve deficits. The test can be done under the guidance of neurosurgeon / neurologist. If the test reveal abnormal test, then surgery is recommended. Else you might plan long term treatment with analgesics, physiotherapy or intermediate intrathecal injections. Avoiding further strenuous physical activity such as bending and lifting heavy weight is utmost importance. Hope this helps. Wish you good luck! Regards