TOPIC: Training for the LA Marathon

<br />Or try the traditional dr. approach - take these pills for 4 weeks, and come back if it still hurts.<br /><br />

Well, my wife has had very positive experiences with her chiropractor, so I'll be calling her.  Keeping fingers crossed.  Getting very exasperated that I can't run.<br />

I can certainly empathize with the frustration.  Having lost much of the paddling summer, after having the shoulder operated on in June, I know all too well what you're going through on that front.  I did alot of paddling Vicariously through friends, driving shuttle, and taking roadside photos, you might consider similar activities once you're certain they won't worsen the problem.<br /><br />But the shoulder has pretty much fully healed, and I'm back to paddling (even in this weather), so I have faith that your back will take a similar course, and you'll be back on your feet (and at top speed) in as little time as can be managed.

I'll say this much for the Chiro - they might be good if you are not hurt and just need things snapped around. <br /><br />HOWEVER, if you are hurt, you need to get diagnosed by a professional (and sometimes more than one) so that you know what treatment is needed.  <br /><br />Jumping on a table for a Chiro, could do much more harm than good.<br /><br />Good luck!

Jen has had really positive experiences with her chiro.  I'm also going to ask my doc for a referral to a sports medicine doctor.

<br />I'm also going to ask my doc for a referral to a sports medicine doctor.<br />

<br />good plan

sounds to me like you need a good stretching. you know....something like hanging up all the high poles at set-up.  =D<br /><br />seriously though, hang in there and be safe.  =)

So I went to a sports doc on Monday, who said he thinks it is likely sciatica with maybe some IT band syndrome thrown in.  He recommended some anti-inflammatory steroids and PT.  I had my first PT yesterday, where the therapist agreed it seems to be the sciatic nerve, but not clear where the compression is.  Started some special stretching exercises, and I am joining a gym so I can do some non-impact exercising.  Maybe I can be back on the road next week.  Keep fingers crossed for me!

Will do!  Hope it gets better soon.  When's the race again?<br /><br />Kim

March 21 - I think I will be able to start running again next week.  I'm going crazy!

<br />So I went to a sports doc on Monday, who said he thinks it is likely sciatica with maybe some IT band syndrome thrown in.  He recommended some anti-inflammatory steroids and PT.  I had my first PT yesterday, where the therapist agreed it seems to be the sciatic nerve, but not clear where the compression is.  Started some special stretching exercises, and I am joining a gym so I can do some non-impact exercising.  Maybe I can be back on the road next week.  Keep fingers crossed for me!<br />

<br /><br />Pain Specialists can ID where the compression is...it all depends on where you have the PAIN, and the numbness...<br /><br />oh - I have to warn you...once you get true Sciatic issues...you can re-injure the same thing very easily and go into a full three weeks of pain and misery.  <br /><br />OK so my advice, see a pain specialist or have your GP Dr send you to one.  Get the epidural shot in the back, which allows for the injury to settle down and maybe heal on its own.  I'm not sure if you need to do this ASAP - or try other things first, as I was lucky enough to get relief (maybe a cure) by getting the shot in the spine!  <br /><br />Believe me - I have three numb toes from the injury, and don't ever expect to get feeling back...also I have some wierd numbness on the side of my leg.  If you start to feel feeling in toes or leg going away - you may want to get in asap and get the shot in the back.  You may be able to get that nerve damage to heal as well.

Wow gary, I'd heard of Sciatica before, but frankly never had any idea it could get that bad!<br />thanx for sharing.  (I feel smarter, and slightly more nervous now)