Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Sciatica Pain
Question: Suffered RLS for years, then finally went on Requip 5 yrs ago. Now have sciatica too. Am in virtual agony. Looking at exercises for the sciatica but with that along with RLS leaves me quite miserable. Requip works [by knocking me out] BUT only have prescription for 2 mg which works for night, but finding I need to take a morning dose to make it through day without having to stand all day…I’m 66 and really need an afternoon nap but can’t nap due to RLS and sciatica. What’s worse is I’m caught between doctors: My Kaiser internist is only familiar with Klonopin, which is all Kaiser prescribes for RLS and it doesn't help me, so he’s uncomfortable about upping my dose of Requip to 3 mg [which he only approved in first place based on a prescription my psychiatrist initially gave me to get me through the night once]. Internist wants me to go back to my psychiatrist for adjustments, and psychiatrist wants my internist to take care of it. Catch 22! As your commenter above said, I CANNOT go anywhere with friends, where I have to sit. Any suggestions? Sure appreciate whatever input you can give.
Brief Answer:
My reply is below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and your current medications.
It is unfortunate that you are suffering and it has made worse because of doctors' lack of knowledge and attitude.
I agree that it is better for you to increase the dose of Requip (ropinirole) to 2 mg two times daily (morning and night).
In addition, you can also start pregabalin (lyrica) that would mainly help in sciatica pain, and also helps RLS symptoms.
After that you would be able to do back extension exercises for sciatica.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
My reply is below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and your current medications.
It is unfortunate that you are suffering and it has made worse because of doctors' lack of knowledge and attitude.
I agree that it is better for you to increase the dose of Requip (ropinirole) to 2 mg two times daily (morning and night).
In addition, you can also start pregabalin (lyrica) that would mainly help in sciatica pain, and also helps RLS symptoms.
After that you would be able to do back extension exercises for sciatica.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor for good opinion. Yes, it's frightening my doctors are difficult. And I live in San Francisco where there's much medical knowledge, it's not as though I live in isolated country-side with only one doctor around.
I had light sciatica for years, then I moved furniture by myself given I'm a widow and sciatica came on permanently; then last week fell forward entering front door, so pretty bad now. So, I ask:
(1) Is Lyrica a cure for sciatica, or just a permanent band-aid? and (2) Requip for RLS makes me yawn and sleep plus upsets stomach. Plus there's been "augmentation" of symptoms. Is there something easier on system, like Mirapex? I must take something daily or I go insane. Do you know if there's long-term damage with these medications. And what's your opinion on chiropractic treatments?
Thank you.
I had light sciatica for years, then I moved furniture by myself given I'm a widow and sciatica came on permanently; then last week fell forward entering front door, so pretty bad now. So, I ask:
(1) Is Lyrica a cure for sciatica, or just a permanent band-aid? and (2) Requip for RLS makes me yawn and sleep plus upsets stomach. Plus there's been "augmentation" of symptoms. Is there something easier on system, like Mirapex? I must take something daily or I go insane. Do you know if there's long-term damage with these medications. And what's your opinion on chiropractic treatments?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
My reply is below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back and providing more information.
Regarding your queries, my reply is below:
1. Lyrica along with physiotherapy helps about 70% people get better for long-term. We can not say "cure" as the MRI would still show problems, however, affected people stop suffering for long-term.
2. I agree mirapex (pramipexole) would be better than requip in terms of adverse effects. You can take it over long term on daily basis, without any significant side effects.
Chiropractic treatments are good and effective, if done by trained & experienced people.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
My reply is below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back and providing more information.
Regarding your queries, my reply is below:
1. Lyrica along with physiotherapy helps about 70% people get better for long-term. We can not say "cure" as the MRI would still show problems, however, affected people stop suffering for long-term.
2. I agree mirapex (pramipexole) would be better than requip in terms of adverse effects. You can take it over long term on daily basis, without any significant side effects.
Chiropractic treatments are good and effective, if done by trained & experienced people.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
