Guest guest Posted January 26, 2004 Report Share Posted January 26, 2004 One more thing to add to this. If it comes to an operation, back surgery will only relieve the leg pain and not the back pain. (I worked for a neurosurgeon and come from a family of doctors). When I had this pain, and I could hardly walk, my neuro nephew recommended I take Aleve. My doctor approved and I started on three to four a day but that was too much, so I cut back to two and that took care of me and I can now walk pretty well as long as I don't strain my back any. Just my 2¢ worth. Marie 's MOTD Mon Jan 26 Message of the Day LUMBAR AGONY Have you ever felt pain in your lower back or hips that radiates down from your buns to the back of one side and into the leg? It`s a horrible feeling, and it is caused by a disc on your lower spinal column pressing on the roots of your sciatic nerve. Sciatica may feel like a bad leg cramp that lasts for weeks before it goes away. It hurts when you sit, stand, and sneeze. You may also feel weakness, " pins and needles, " numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down your leg. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, about the dimension of the human finger. You`re most likely to get sciatica when you`re 30-50 years old. It may happen due to the effects of general wear and tear or something you did to your back that you don`t remember. The condition usually heals itself if you give it enough time and rest. If not, if it still hurts, make an appointment to see your doctor. Tell him how your pain started, where it travels, and exactly what it feels like. Most cases of sciatica affect the L5 or the S1 nerve roots. An X-ray or maybe an MRI will tell which nerve roots are affected. Your doctor will also suggest bed rest while the inflammation goes away. You may also have to take something to relax your muscles. Now you certainly can't lie in bed all day! You have to get up, because movement helps to reduce inflammation. Once the pain of sciatica has passed, there are exercises, stretches, and other measures that may prevent its return. 1. Practice good posture. Stand up straight, chin up, chest out, shoulders aligned with your hips, and your buns tucked in. Your knees should be bent slightly. 2. Do your ab workout every day. These exercises will strengthen your abdominal muscles that help to support your lower back. 3. Lift objects safely. Always lift from a squatting position using your hips and legs to do the heavy work. Never bend over and lift with a straight back. 4. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you sit at work, take regular breaks to stand up and walk around. 5. Use proper sleeping posture. Take pressure off your back by sleeping either on your side or on your back with the pillow under your knees. 6. Watch those high heels! Shoes with heels that are more than 1-and-a-half inches high shift your weight forward, throwing the body out of alignment. Please take care of every part of your body today! Love, To unsubscribe DO NOT send a message to the list.Please click on this link and unsubscribe: 100-plus/join Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2004 Report Share Posted January 26, 2004 Marie - I see you're finally getting the list mail! >(I worked for a > neurosurgeon and come from a family of doctors). So you're giving us the inside scoop, so to speak. Thanks. >When I had this pain, and > I could hardly walk, my neuro nephew recommended I take Aleve. I have it in my right leg, but exercise-induced, so 's recommendation of exercising to relive the pain is the exact opposite of what my doc (Osteopath) said to do. My doc had me on a few different anti-inflammatories and said to just take what helps me best, whether it's Aleeve or aspirin, so when it gets really bad, a dose or 2 of regular strength Ecotrin usually does the trick. Only certain exercises cause the pain, like the treadmill or outdoor walking. I can do any or tape and it won't bother me at all. Sue in NJ And a request to you, too, to please trim your posts of old replies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2004 Report Share Posted January 26, 2004 Isn't it strange that we can walk on a treadmill without too much pain but can't walk on the sidewalk at all - at least I can't. My own opinion is that when I am on the treadmill I walk with a more balanced gait. Yes, my mail seems to be working now-- thanks a lot. Marie Re: 's MOTD Mon Jan 26 Marie - I see you're finally getting the list mail! >(I worked for a > neurosurgeon and come from a family of doctors). So you're giving us the inside scoop, so to speak. Thanks. >When I had this pain, and > I could hardly walk, my neuro nephew recommended I take Aleve. I have it in my right leg, but exercise-induced, so 's recommendation of exercising to relive the pain is the exact opposite of what my doc (Osteopath) said to do. My doc had me on a few different anti-inflammatories and said to just take what helps me best, whether it's Aleeve or aspirin, so when it gets really bad, a dose or 2 of regular strength Ecotrin usually does the trick. Only certain exercises cause the pain, like the treadmill or outdoor walking. I can do any or tape and it won't bother me at all. Sue in NJ And a request to you, too, to please trim your posts of old replies To unsubscribe DO NOT send a message to the list.Please click on this link and unsubscribe: 100-plus/join Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I just I am just an odd duck all the way around. I love walking outside and use my treadmill as a last resort. I prefer to do all my walking out side. I use my treadmill only when the weather is too bad for me to go out. Like today. Its snowing like crazy. And there is a layer of ice under the snow. So for a few days, I will do my walking in side. I usually do 2 to 3 miles out side. But only one inside. Jelayne Subject: Re: 's MOTD Mon Jan 26 Isn't it strange that we can walk on a treadmill without too much pain but can't walk on the sidewalk at all - at least I can't. My own opinion is that when I am on the treadmill I walk with a more balanced gait. Yes, my mail seems to be working now-- thanks a lot. Marie ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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