sciatica help?weakness in legs

[Amy M]

Hi
Has anyone got any tips on how to relieve sciatica? this is the worst mine has ever been and even though I don't get the sharp shooting pains that some people have, I do get a cramped calf when walking, a lot of weakness at the moment and pain in my buttocks. I've seen a chiroprctor but he hasn't been able to make any difference this time. Anyone got any tips on exercises etc? I don't know the cause of it yet but waiting to see a neurologist. Has anyone else got the same symptoms? Also, when I reach up for something from a cupboard etc, I get instant weakness down the whole of my spine into my legs. Its only for a moment but its horrible. If anyone has the same problem or knows what could be causing this then I'd be very grateful.
Adele

 

[jordinyc]

Sciatica - literal meaning - pain in the back of the thigh & along the sciatic nerve distribution.

Sciatica is one thing and leg weakness that is solely due to pain is another.

Coincidentally while you where Posting, I was Posting the below Thread in answer to a patient that had just had an MRI. Reaching up invloves extending the lumbar spine, so may be relevent. Other most common cause of such weakness of legs is a lumbar disc injury, but more likely to be worse when flexing the lumbar spine. e.g. bending forwards.

[link=http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=285873]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=285873[/link]

Andrew.