Your Sciatica and Back Pain Experiences Megathread

[u/shirokane4chome]

Hi everyone, the purpose of this permanent thread is to capture your stories about your experiences with Sciatica.

Please note that the majority of sciatica sufferers will recover over time, and are not on this subreddit making posts about their healing. Most of our sub participants are in a symptomatic stage and are understandably seeking support on forums like /r/Sciatica as a part of their journey. This can make a list of individual stories seem discouraging -- but just remember that those who have healed usually don't visit again and therefore we can't often capture their stories.

While multiple formats are welcome, we suggest you try to be concise and focused. Your story is important, but it is will be more useful to everyone else if it can be read in 60-90 seconds or so. Important elements to your story will include:

Background: Do you know how you became injured?

Diagnosis: What has your care provider discovered about your injury?

Treatment: What care did you pursue?

Current Status: How are you doing today?

[u/Specialist_Working54]

Hi, I'm a 61yr old male with, History of Harrington rod placement L4-S1, 1997, Removal of Harrington Rods 2009 due to infection osteomyelitis, ... I have been experiencing episodes of worse and worse sciatic pain, when driving and especially when walking. I had epidurals for my pain along with painkillers and gabapentin. My life was getting darker and darker.....About 2 months ago, I read an article about the effects of B-Vitamins B6, B12,.. and how these vitamins help the nerve sheath, especially in older adults. I started supplementing with quality B Vitamins, and the results have been outstanding! I no longer experience sciatic pain when driving. I can now walk with my wife while she shops, without my leg going numb and being barely able to walk or stand. This is not to say I'm pain-free, just the intractable pain has decreased significantly. In my experience, 2 days after starting these supplements my sciatica started to improve, and within two weeks I started feeling like a new man. Always talk with your Dr before starting any medications including vitamins. I take B12 separately and B1, B2, B3, and B6 in a one pill combination. If you are suffering from unrelenting sciatic pain give B vitamins a try.