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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    sciatic pain following a microdiscectomy. Is this normal?

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    Back & Neck Pain Pain
    I had a microdiscectomy 8 months ago, during this time I have had 3 bouts of sciatica return suddenly. I have looked after my back since the surgery and these episodes seem to occur while doing the most mundane tasks, walking. The two previous episodes resolved within a week with bed rest. The latest one has lingered on for nearly two weeks with no improvement. It occurred while I was climbing a set of stairs, a sharp pain just shot down my leg, it felt as If something had “popped” in my back. I am concerned that I have ruptured my disc again. Should I continue to rest and wait it out or go see my GP?
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    Dr Julie Russell-Clark

    Chiropractor

    low force chiropractor for 27 years experienced in SOT AK diversified activator proficient and Neural organizaiton techniqu proficient. seminars given in perth auckland and sydney … View Profile

    With out an examination or x-ray it is difficult to say exactly what is happening but It is possible that there is a subluxation at the lumbar three/ four level and or a disrelationship of the sacro iliac joints and alignment of your pelvis. This can cause sciatica.  When you weight bear and climb stairs these areas are more prone to being activated and or stressed. Maybe best to  find a low force chiropractor that uses Sacro occipital technique to realign your pelvis in relation to the rest of your spine and muscles systems. 

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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    It would be well worth returning to your GP for a follow up. Following that, being assessed by a chiropractor would be of immense benefit.

    Unfortunately, the interventions we (clinicians) use do not always have the desired 100% outcome. That's the difficulty with working on the human body. Luckily, the body has an enourmous potential for healing. 

    Sciatica can be due to multiple sources, and may even be originating from a different area from the surgery. Best to have someone see it in person and make a more appropriate judement call on it. 

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    Dr Adam Arnold

    Chiropractor, Hypnotherapist

    Dr. Adam Arnold received his chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City MO in 1996. Dr. Arnold has been practising as a chiropractor … View Profile

    I would add to the above answers and concur you need to see a healthcare specialist to determine what is causing this.  from your description of having this occur walking up stairs would potentially suggest when you are standing on one leg (e.g. climbing stairs) your pelvis and lumbar spine are not stable.  There are many practitioners (chiro's, osteo's and physio's) who would be able to assess this and help if this is the case.  I would again suggest seeing your original GP first as they know your history better.

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