Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Hopkinsville, KY

For the past month I have had sciatic pain on my left side. My feet are very painful with my RA and I wondered if that may have something to do with it. I actually just hurt all over. 🤦‍♀️

May 26, 2021
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members deeply empathized with the original poster's struggle with sciatica alongside rheumatoid arthritis, with many sharing that the... Read more

Members deeply empathized with the original poster's struggle with sciatica alongside rheumatoid arthritis, with many sharing that the combination of both conditions creates particularly severe and persistent pain. Several members described their own experiences and treatments, including spinal injections that provide temporary relief (typically lasting about a month), physical therapy exercises to manage symptoms, low-dose anti-inflammatory medications like meloxicam, and one member recommending a neurostimulator device from Abbott Lab as a potential insurance-covered option worth exploring with a pain management doctor. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of chronic sciatica, especially when caused by spinal fractures, herniated discs, or degeneration that may not be surgically correctable, with members offering prayers, encouragement, and the hard-won wisdom that consistent exercise and physical therapy remain essential even when complete healing isn't possible.

A myRAteam Member

Yes I’ve had sciatic pain for 15 years. This combined with the RA is just awful at times. I use some physical therapy exercises to help.

June 3, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Sending prayers for relief of pain and gentle hugs .

May 27, 2021
A myRAteam Member

What to do with sciatic pain?
As you probably already know sciatic pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and down typically only one side of your body.
Is that how it’s working in your life?
Doctors call it Sciatica.
Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often numbness will be affecting the leg.
Is that how it affects you?
The pain associated with Sciatica can become severe, however, most instances are resolved with non-operative treatments in just a month or two.
What does your doctor say?

May 26, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Investigate a neurostimlator. See a pain management doctor and ask about the Abbott lab/St Jude device. Insurance will pay if you qualify. I’m on my third one due to adhesions that can form, but knowing that, it’s still worth investigating.

November 6, 2023
A myRAteam Member

I'll keep you in my prayers 🙏. Love and hugs

May 27, 2021

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Borger, TX