Do You Have A “Pinched” Sciatic Nerve? How To Tell + What To Do!
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- Опубліковано 30 лис 2021
- Is a pinched nerve causing your sciatica pain? What should you do about it? To answer these questions, you must first know the 2 different "types" of sciatica & how you can test to see which one you’re dealing with... so that you can properly focus your energy on healing.
In this video, I want to help put your mind at ease (especially if you're questioning whether or not you need surgery) by teaching you what you should know about sciatica and how to do some basic detective work (self-tests) to figure out if your nerve is in fact "pinched" or not.
So what is sciatica? Is it a pinched sciatic nerve? How can you "un-pinch" it? Can you heal without surgery?
People ask me all the time whether they should try an inversion table or decompression table/therapy... or if they need surgery to decompress their nerve... which all leads back to the belief that a nerve is pinched and is the cause of their pain, numbness, tingling, burning/shooting pain down their leg and into their foot.
Well, I've got some good news to share, folks! (and scientific research studies to support it)
Be sure to watch until the end of this video because I recap a side-by-side comparison of the two types of sciatica and exactly where I focus my efforts when helping people relieve this sciatic leg pain, numbness & tingling and where you should focus yours, too...
#drcharliejohnsonpt #sciatica #pinchednerve #sciaticpainrelief
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• Do You Have A “Pinched...
![Stop All Back, Piriformis & Sciatica Pain Exercises! [Until You Watch This]](/img/n.gif)
Thanks for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain using simple self movement tests & a step-by-step approach without needing expensive images or a specialist?
🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide
He starts getting to it around 8:09. But the main stuff is below:
23:28 How to tell which sciatica you have.
25:00, 28:30 mins in explains more of non-pinched-just angry nerve.
28:46 summary of how to tell if you have an angry nerve.
30:05 compares both types of sciatica side by side.
33:28 summary of key points of video.
Thanks man
Is this the equivalent of making sure your 2000 word essay is actually 2000 words?
Sitting is what kills me. 10 minutes in car and I’m so on edge I feel like I have to stand up. Standing is a problem too but only after long periods. Laying down, zero issues.
How are things going? 100% yet? Just checking in…
Its the same for me! When I lay down I feel better!
My story exactly. Sitting is awful! A donut cushion helps a tiny bit but after some time it’s necessary to stand for hours like a horse , or lie down.
@@aribella6913 yes. It’s so tiring too. I hope you get better. I’m several months in and still not much improvement
Same thing... The more I stay active more I feel better, staying in one posture for long time either sitting , standing or even sleeping more than 8 hrs make my pain worse..
What a great teacher Keep up the good work Thank you so much.
Thanks!!
This is just a lot of information. Thank you
so much. Now I have a better idea of this.
So here is my case: no loss of sensation, no strength issues, no tingling, no numbness. Can walk on heels, toes, sit up and down- no problems. Pain is in the right glute, down the thigh, sometimes in the calf (never in the back). Sometimes I can do a leg raise just fine, others I cannot- it hurts. I usually wake up in pain and it slowly goes away after 20-30 minutes walking and maybe 10 minutes of ice (so leg raise in the morning is out of the question, but perfectly fine after the afternoon). After some walking and icing and being mindful (getting up every 20 minutes, not bending around etc), I am fine for the rest of the day until next morning. I sleep on my side with a pillow between knees and ankles. I think my sciatic nerve is neither unhealthy or angry. I think it is insane. Your thoughts? Thank you. Vx
It does sound insane! HAHA- no, in all seriousness, its not unhealthy... because it has function (no loss of strength/feeling there)... so, something is making it angry.
Have you checked out my DIY Diagnostic Guide?! Might help clear things up for you...
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide
Somethings is happening when you sleep thats setting you up for morning symptoms... time for some detective work. Changing surfaces, changing positions (what happens if you dont use the pillow between knees?), and or need to do something immediately before getting up (movement as medicine) to offset symptoms. Make sense?
@@drcharliejohnson of course I have checked out your DIY diagnostic guide , I have been following you for a while. Conclusion is I have sciatica if the straight leg test is done in the morning, but I got no sciatica later in the day 🤣🤣. Many times I wake up and go to the toilet and then get back to bed totally pain free. I snuggle for like 15-20 minutes longer, then when I get up again, I am in pain. Let me just add, presently pain is very low key. Haven't had any "chop leg off" pain since November 2021, keeling it at bay with walking, icing and painkillers. Haven't tried sleeping without any pillows between my legs- might give it a go, although scared. What kind of "before getting outta bed" movements would you suggest?
On the whole I am just so tired of this sh!t I cannot even get upset any longer.
BTW- had an MRI back in November 2021, it showed L5S1 bulge and compression, however a couple of osteopaths and a PT disagree, stating this is muscular/mechanical. I personally do not have a clue.
But thanks so much for taking the time to respond, much appreciated.
Your content is great- please keep it up
Vx
Wow same for me in the left side! So far just X-ray on L2 and L3 , we’re fine and spine. Just referred to physical therapy. Chiro says Piriformis Syndrome and PT going with Hip Burtusis / Sciatica . Just started doing De Charly video 2 exercises for piriformis will se how it works . Based on this video , I feel angry sciatica, this got worse when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and coping with her loss. Can one have both conditions at the same time ?
Incredibly helpful information.
Happy to help Mary!
I had severely debilitating sciatic pain with foot drop. I went to a sports med doctor and a doctor of physical therapy, neither one examined me. I had 3 pt sessions. My pain worsened so I got a shower chair and a walker. I had an apt with a podiatrist. He diagnosed foot drop and ordered an emergency mri. The results were so bad I was rushed to the orthopedic spine specialist. He cleared his clinic schedule to operate on me asap, 5 days later. I had a bone fragment, an old cyst and herniation. My painwas resolved but I had nerve damage and only time will tell whether my foot drop will improve. I thought I should heal naturally, but I couldn't be happier that I am pain-free.
It was a physiatrist not podiatrist
Hey Lisa! Sounds like surgery was the right call for you at that time 🙏🏻👍
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Doc Charlie!
God bless you. What a truly helpful channel!
This is so good. Thank you. I suffer daily with nerve pain and it doesn't show on the MRI, it's been so long suffering this pain and disability, yet I live by icying everyday, limited walking and hip pain with weakness too.
Gald you found it helpful! Let me know if you’d like some help resolving it! Stay strong!
This should be the first video anyone with this concern watches.
Right on Sid!
Love you so much. Keep teaching
❤️❤️💪🏻👊🏼🙏🏻
Dr, Charls..Thank you! with all 🤍.. millions of suscribers for you🕊️
❤️🙏🏻👊🏼
Thank you so much for the info !
I have two questions pls
1-When you say pinched nerve do you mean pinched by a disc only or it can be pinched by a muscle/other tissues?
2-What are the causes of an angry sciatic nerve?
Thanks !
Dr. Charlie, did the tests, unhealthy S1! Had steroid injection and pain is way better…I was miserable before shot…bought me time to find motions that help. Left foot numbness is very obvious, too. Trying not to stretch nerve since that is a disaster. Can you recommend another of your videos to hone in on targeting the right motions, PT, and natural way to heal? By the way, I mentioned before, you’re a fabulous teacher.
I do have to say though that this morning I woke up with no pain standing and walking. When I sat to go potty...yup! That kind of hurt. I worked 3 hours in office and tried to only sit a few times...so it is definitely the bending/sitting that gets it angry...just means I need to rest and heal 😀😀
Dr Charlie I had a spinal cord tumor which caused issues and a neurosurgeon who caused an issue. The main diagnoses I have are Adhesive Arachnoiditis and bilateral sciatica. My PM physician wants to do injections, of course. My Neurologist stated I was not a candidate for any procedures. Should I give an injection (s) a try or run from them? Thanks.
Fantastic. I have an angry nerve but cannot find any yummy positions or movements. Where to go. This condition causes depression and anxiety but it’s a circle - any helpful suggestions
My last MRI showed no disc bulges or nerve root impingement. However, I have an L5 annular disc tear. I get sciatica down to my foot and great toe , mainly on the right side. However, I get similar symptoms on the left side. I have no loss of feeling or weakness in my foot. I had an EMG test that was good and no issues found. What about the Multifidus muscles? Sitting is the hardest for me. What am I missing? Also, my hamstrings are super tight. I cannot even sit on the floor, or do the leg raise test because they are so tight.
Really liking your videos as I've been suffering back and thigh pain and wanting to put it right myself. I've come to realise I probably have meralgia parasthetica and possibly not sciatica. Do you have any advice regarding some of the 'nerve releasing' exercises that abound? Some of them look beyond my abilities, with also having some back pain. Many thanks
Hey! Sorry for delay- missed this comment. how are things now?
Honestly, I’d be careful with any exercises that try to release or floss the irritated nerve as it usually aggravates things
Great video. I am probably going to bore you as my story started 20 years ago .First I when canoeing and after a while both lower legs were numb. I recovered soon after getting out of the canoe. A couple of years later I started doing a lot of cycling and was pretty good at it at a time. Later a took up golf and I started to feel numbness in my left foot big toe area .Being totally stupid after watching your video I started stretching and the problem just got worse .After every stretch session I was in a lot of pain and the numbness got worse. I then said to my self perhaps I am out of balance and started to stretch the other leg. To cut a long story sort I have lost feeling in both my feet and part of my shins. Then I became desperate and went to see the best Neuro doctor is South Africa and he said to me he cant help me and he does not know of anybody that can help me They initially thought I has diabetes but all the test came back saying I did not have diabetes. The I invested in an inversion table which made the problem worse. After watching your video I can relate to the irritated nerve scenario. Can you tell me will the nerves still recover after so many years of abuse and if how long will it take to recover. I am on schedule 5 pain medication and drink sleeping tables every night. I am 65 years old and had make peace with the fact that I will live the rest of my life in pain and discomfort. My person
mail is phpconsult2 @live.co.uk. Although the email is in the uk I was born and bread in South Africa Regards Philip
Does a herniated disc with a bone spur cause nerve compression? Can this be treated with motion based exercises? I want to give sciatica the middle finger.
Thank you Dr. Charlie for this information. I have neck and lower back pain with multiple level of degeneration and arthritis of the spine. C3/4, C4/5, C6/7, L4/5, L5-5
Rhyzotomy was performed on 30/05/2022 for rehabilitation. I was referred to Physioterapist for some exercises but don’t help. The doctor wanted to do operation which I refused. The pain killers help for a while ... Please advise when I am traveling the pain in the buttock is some time severe. Mostly I sleeping on the left side.
Hey Ester! thanks for watching and sharing
With past surgery involved there are likely some more moving parts here/things to consider.
Would you be open to me reviewing your case to see if/how I can help?
If you're open to this- visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply - select a time to chat, then follow instructions to submit a formal Case Review.
Sound good?
Hang in there Ester!
Dr. Charlie
Has anyone asked u where those stairs go? Thanks for video
every time. they go nowhere anymore.
Lot of good info here man thanks. Currently my left leg is really messed up. Butt. Hamstring. Calf and heel are numb feeling. Random spasms. Can’t do a calf raise with that left side. And any stretch sends pain up to my tailbone area. Just randomly came out of nowhere a couple days ago. I guess it’s S1, but idk what the hell to do about it.
Hey- sorry to hear... sounds like sciatica no doubt- and sounds like you've lost some nerve function as of now...
TIME and natural treatment can still work if you're willing to be patient- AND so long as some feeling and strength begins to come back slowly..
Surgery sometimes needed IF no improvement in feeling and strength... as loss of your feeling (numb) and strength (cant go up on toes) is a sign of nerve compression.
Have you met with an ortho or neurosurgeon?
@@drcharliejohnson Hey thanks for responding… Yeah it’s been a little over a week and I still have numbness in my leg down through the calf and into the side of the foot and pinky and ring toes. Not much back pain though it’s odd. Leg is just really tight and can’t walk naturally on it. Nothing is really helping. Heat. Ice. Stretches. I have an appointment with a pain management doctor next week who has helped with other back issues in the past, that’s the only doctor I still have a referral for currently and could get into see quickly, my insurance kind of sucks. 🤦🏻♂️😂 But I guess I should try to see an orthopedic or neuro, and possibly get an Mri 🤷🏻♂️ Every time I get an Mri they always say “slight disc degeneration.” I’ve had many back issues but never had this numbness thing. It’s definitely no fun and pretty scary to not know what is happening or if it’s going to ever get better. Thanks for taking the time. Really appreciate it. 👊🏽
@@drcharliejohnson Just an update because I could use some advice. MRI shows I have the L5-S1 disc bulge and I had a neurosurgeon appointment today, he wanted to schedule me for a diskectomy next week and I’m not sure if I should do it so I asked to let me think it over which they were not happy about at all. Felt like they were really forcing it on me too fast and it kinda freaked me out. The doctor wasn’t very caring and really didn’t make me feel comfortable. Very arrogant and cold. Anyway I still have the weakness, tightness and numbness in the left leg and foot, but I’m just not sure if I should be getting surgery so fast from this doctor or if I should try other things first. 🤦🏻♂️
@@WhereWeWild What has happened to you since? Hopefully things got better without a surgery. I have similar symptoms.
@@elenalepotova6623 It’s gotten a little better but I’m still dealing with it… 🙄🤦🏻♂️ Can’t really sit down for very long, random numbness, random pains, still tough to do a calf raise on the left side but it’s improved a bit. Steroid injection helped a little. Bought an inversion table which helps a little too. I kind of wish sometimes that I had just gotten the surgery cause it was probably the quicker fix but I did get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon and he didn’t think I needed the surgery yet and would get better on my own. Guess we will see. 🤷🏻♂️
This is the first time I've heard about the feeling like water is going down your leg..I live in South Africa have no medical aid..I'm 68..very active and fine until I have to walk any distance. Constant pain in my right butt..then the leg nerve pains are debilitating..my feet have pins and needles and I feel like I'm walking on balloons and the wet sensation..I'm terrified..also pain in right groin and hip area...who do I need to see? Not a lot of money but at this stage I really need to do something..sole bread winner in home...
I had all these symptoms of cold water running down my inner right leg and all kinds of weakness and problems... the doctors said it was all in my head and that I was just too anxious and needed anxiety pills. I did not get any benefit from these pills but I did from physical therapy. The doctors did an MRI so that is why they didn't believe me. I clearly had weakness on my heels, clear trouble getting up from sitting, pain when sitting with my knees slightly higher than my hips in driving, but it did not show up on an MRI I guess... why is that?
Ok so went through the tests. Conclusion lower back is my butt and leg nerve pain. Confused , because sit to stand conclusion was affected leg very weak. Sensory of nerve heightened to touch no numbness. Can I have weakness of muscle with and angry nerve? So laying on the floor on my stomach is the only thing that gives me relief. Sleeping at night is a problem constantly tossing and turning to get comfortable. I’m ready to pull my hair out. What would you recommend I do to get on the road to healing.
Hey Donna! could be that you’ve got a both scenario… meaning still in the acute phase where the nerve is chemically sensitized (inflamed) due to back issue- but you’re also showing potential signs of nerve injury (weakness). Would need to know more details to give best advice truthfully.
Are you open to some help? No pressure- but would love to chat with you to see if we can lay out a plan to help you solve this.
If you’re interested, please visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply
I have pain in my buttock down the back of my leg down to my calf and toes! I hope it is nothing serious! I used to have plantars fashiitis then it went away now I get this sciatic nerve pain and the botyom of my feet like the big toes and the pinky and ring toe gets burning and numb!
hmmm. I can raise my right leg no problem but my right hip is on fire and pain radiates far down my leg. Confusing.
The only thing that relieves my pain is "sitting". Walking & standing in one position for 5 mins will increase pain to an 8 . Over a year now & so far none of the exercises are helping. No pain in my back at all. Just in my hip,butt & down my leg into front of my ankle. Any suggestions?
That’s what I’m having…have you found any relief?
I’m definitely L5. Can’t stand up and then the pain gets so severe going down my leg on the outside, that I literally have to lay down and let the spasm pass. I am on prednisone muscle relaxer, and hydrocodone. And lots of rest and unfortunately I’m on vacation and could not. Do you like it.
Can I join the army with this?
Your tests reveal that my L4 is the problem. Numb shin and weak thigh. The weakness in the thigh is getting better. Is there any exercise i can do to speed recovery? I assume that the pinch is caused by a bulging disc? If it was stenosis, would antiinflammatories even help?
Really miss your how to videos
What is MRI has confirmed that nerves are pinched. L5-S1 nerve root. Disc extrusion. Severe stenosis.
I have pain and tingling down my left leg and in my left butt… but no pain, no problem doing the raised leg test. I can bend and touch my toes just fine, no pain…. All forward bending positions are “yummy”. But bending backwards causes tingling in my left leg and sometimes in my lower back. Physio #1 said stenosis.. physio #2 said not stenosis because the pain always reduces when I walk (I can walk for hours with no pain) but it is worse after sitting for a while and is worst of all in bed every night. So what’s this?
Hey Anna! Thanks for watching.
Movement exam is MOST consistent with stenosis or disc- but story and aggravating factors not consistent with stenosis (relief with walking- also pain sitting)
I have seen disc herniations present like this (actually feels good bending forward and worse with back). That being said, if bending forward is yummy and backward not- then this is somewhat inconsistent with a structural problem- as sitting is a form of bending forward yet you say makes you worse… (this doesn’t line up)
So could be several things and honestly…
Not a major issue to pinpoint this with 100% certainty.
Instead, rather than try to treat the diagnosis- treat the movement and mind pain relationship (we treat the pain experience).
Not sure if you’re open to a different approach, and not sure how I can best help you yet- as there are some missing details here…
Would you be open to submitting details of your specific case and setting up a time to chat so that I can confirm either way if I can help?
No pressure- but if you’re interested- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat/follow the instructions to submit your case for review.
Hang in there Anna!
Charlie
@@drcharliejohnson thanks so much for this detailed reply .. I’m really grateful.. ! re my sitting being a problem… it’s not so much the leaning forward aspect of it as the pain it causes in my left butt after a while 😫 I will have a look at your site thank you.. I’m in Scotland tho….
@@annamacm4063 for sure- you're welcome, here to help. Pain while sitting and at night is a very common problem with folks I work with. And just FYI I consult with folks worldwide, infact- just finished working with a man from Scotland!
And yes, if you check out that link and set up a time to chat- you can follow instructions to submit a case review. I review all cases personally, and If I don't feel 100% confident I can help- then I'll just let you know.
Thanks for watching Anna!
Charlie
Great video - helps a lot. I have a question though that distracts me every time - what is that behind your left shoulder. Looks like a staircase the goes up to a ceiling with no hole in it 🤔
🤣🤣 yup- stairs to nowhere. Duplex- 1st floor separated and closed off due to fire code. Commercial on bottom residential above 👍
Thanks for watching Kevin.
Any other questions for me?
@@drcharliejohnson
At last that solves it :)
On a more serious note I’m now over a year from the “event” that, as it turns out, herniated the L5 S1 disc. I spent Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep last year unable to sit down, drive / anything basically. Then a relapse in Nov. I am finally at a point of just being mildly uncomfortable most of the time but can at least function. I still cannot do up shoelaces on my right foot and have to adopt strange positions to put socks on - but I’ve learned to live with all that. My question is, will I ever get back to being pain free or will I always have a nagging grumbling sciatic nerve?
@@kevinturner8343 hey! Sorry to hear. You should t have to live with an angry nerve. No reason- discs and nerves can heal over time + the right approach!
What have you been doing to solve it? 👍
Well before finding out what the cause was I tried a chiropractor, acupuncture, weird stretching etc. I was told I had piriformis syndrome at one point. Then I found your channel and started to cut to the chase - and found a pragmatic physiotherapist who confirmed I could heal with appropriate exercises. I basically do as many different exercises, movements, walking and so on that do not cause pain. If it hurts then I avoid doing it again. I don’t run anymore and I do not ride a bike (or do up shoelaces).
I might start using the bike again if I can avoid pot holes 😂
Thank you for this information. How much time should I allow for healing before getting concerned? I injured my S1 about 5 weeks ago. Pain is basically gone but numbness and weakness has not changed for several weeks. How long should I wait for improvement? Thanks
I have pain in my left hip. I was told it's coming from my lower back. 💔 I had a injury last year. I had 2 nerve burns. And a nerve block. None of them helped. I'm left with if it gets unbearable come back.😫 I was told after my MRI that my L3,L4,L5 is damaged after my injury.
Hey Sedonia sorry to hear. Are you interested in help?
Oh yes, I need natural healing. No more needles
@@sedoniagreene4271 great. If you’re interested and ready to commit to solving this- please visit
www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply and select a time to chat. This would be the first step forward in the process to see if I can help and if it’s a fit to work together.
Sound good? 👍
I found My motion I should Not do...help a co worker dig up water leak and lift 5 gallon buckets of water to dump and or tip out. Mine is angry 😠 Was in tears a few times and used some foul language 😨 But its OK...I've been resting. Using heat pad and doing what ever makes me feel comfortable. Everyday I just keep saying "see a little bit better everyday and don't do too much"
Can this lead to muscle pain with weakness that are due to knots in muscles which I developed when sciatica was abating from therapy?
I have this weakness and muscles pain since I had a terrible sciatic nerve flared up 7 months ago. I could not walk for 2 months thats the worst pain ever I would not wish this pain on anyone! Did you get any relief and if you did, can you please share what helped you? Thankyou in advance!
@@NansGlobalKitchen hi Nan hope your feeling better. I have found relief with heat pad and rest but also movement. Aleve and over counter ibuprofen.... Its a process and whatever makes you feel comfortable
Does a pinch affect digestion, appetite?
Interested in this as well.
"Door Cobra" was somewhat usefully to me( from another channel). No "run around", no merch, just a CALM presentation.
Yes, all pain causes some loss in appetite. Think of it, if you have an chronic headache, food is not the thing you think of, you think about your headache. Or if you break something, food is not what you think of, until the pain has subsided.
That is why many take pain-relief(legal or illegal) to remove pain, then appetite comes back.
@@pinkraven3197 Can you please tell me what is door Cobra? Thanks in advance!
@@NansGlobalKitchen Find this channel SpineCare and Decompression Chiropractic Centre
So is this why the hot water in a shower is uncomfortable
On leg...like a burning sensation???
Please can you do a video on femoral nerve pain?
You have helped me so much with all the information that you share in releasing my piriformis by strengthening the muscles instead of stretching. Now I seem to suffer from femoral nerve pain and haven't found any good videos, I've tried all the stretches they mention for weeks without relief. Please kindly help!
Thank you!
🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for watching!
You didn’t show any exercises or motion to improve the condition.
Hey Gertie! You’re right! DULP! Have you checked out the other videos on my channel!
Unresolved childhood trauma is the angry nerve. Be extra special nice to yourself.
I hate sciatica 😢