Re: Dr. Whitworth-please

In Reply to: Dr. Whitworth-please posted by James on April 02, 2000 at 17:53:52:

It is unlikely after this long you will attain significant resolution of pain (5 months). Epidurals if administered transforaminally (using fluoroscopy) may help but interlaminar epidurals performed in the office are usually a waste of a lot of money. A radiculopathy is best ruled out by a selective ventral ramus block. The idea of doing more damage is contraversial and the data is not clear on this issue.

: Having been diagnosed with sciatica in Nov 99, I have a problem. I have been on indomethicin 3mos, ibuprophen and taking vicodin. I am seen @ a low income clinic where Nsaids, TCI and pain clinics (learn to live w/ it) are the options. Because of no insurance an MRI is out. I have had several bout of sciatica but this is the first involving foot numbness, calf pain and hip pain. Question: 1-What are chances of this resolving on its own? 2-Are epidurals the next step or prednisolone Tablets/injections. What is your experience with the success rate w/ this tx.
: My Dr. suspects L-5 radiculopathy or at least wants to rule it out, coupled w/ L-3 & L-4 (small amount of DDD).
: Am I doing damage to the nerve by not getting a more invasive or aggressive treatment. Thank you for the help here and on MGH forum.