Question I appreciate you answering me, sorry I didn't notice your "rules". Since you did answer and seem to know a great deal can you tell me how often it does get that serious and the treatments?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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I have a sciatica nerve problem, no real cause explained to me, I had x-rays, nothing out of sort but I do have scoliosis. My question is, in reading up on things to relieve sciatica pain I found a lot of warnings about loss of urinary control, etc. etc. Can sciatica progress to that or would it have already happened? I am scared now, thanks.
P.s. I have the numb/tingling in my leg and foot.
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Mary,
I generally only answer Longevity medicine questions. However, I see Sciatica a lot in the ER. It is a condition where you have sensory complaints (pain) and then progressive motor nerve problems (loss of motor neuron function) if it is not treated correctly. Plain x-rays are not diagnostic, but MRI is helpful. Sciatica is present when there is nerve impingement or inflammation around the sciatic nerve or nerve root. It may result in urinary incontinence.
JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net
AnswerExacerbation may be common depending "overuse" of the muscles and skeletal system in the area. Only in severe cases where treatment is ignored or delayed will motor neurons become involved. Usually the pain is too severe to let that happen. Treatments start out with pain medication (central and peripheral acting) and muscle relaxants. Also steroids are used to combat inflammation. Surgical intervention is a last resort.
JP
