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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Constant Sciatica And Numb And Weak Leg

Hello, I am a woman of 67yrs of age I have always been very active. I hurt my lower spine horse riding in my early forties and now have a damaged disk and suffer constant sciatica. To add to this I have what I can only be described as a dead right leg it feels numb and heavy and can cause me to fall. I also have a balance problem and burning of the feet as well as RLS. I have had all the tests you can imagine and nothing can tell me what it is. My GP has now referred me a specialist in the field but as I am on the waiting list I have to wait my turn. However, he has put me me on nerve tablets and they have helped with the back pain but I still have this very weak leg, it is getting so bad that I feel I may have to walk with a stick before long. I do have arthritis in the feet and I do have osteop. as well....in other words I am falling apart but I don t want to just yet I would dearly love to walk around my block but it is just not possible unfortunately and unless I have my husband s arm to hold on to when we are out I feel unsafe. I hope you can enlighten me as to what could be wrong. Many thanks Dell
Tue, 21 Oct 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

** It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis.
The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic.
You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination.
Meanwhile you can follow these measures:
- If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves.
- Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
- While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesn't bother you.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist.
- Avoid exercises in times of pain.
- Improvise your posture while sitting.
- Using an LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles.
Also, maintain a proper posture while working, sitting and standing. Keep your back straight.
Physiotherapy plays a major role in treating such conditions.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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Suggest Treatment For Constant Sciatica And Numb And Weak Leg

Hello, Thanks for your query. ** It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc & it increases the risk of disc herniation & spinal canal stenosis. The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic. You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination. Meanwhile you can follow these measures: - If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves. - Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments. - While resting, keep a pillow under your knees if it doesn t bother you. - Avoid lifting heavy objects. - Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist. - Avoid exercises in times of pain. - Improvise your posture while sitting. - Using an LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles. Also, maintain a proper posture while working, sitting and standing. Keep your back straight. Physiotherapy plays a major role in treating such conditions. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care