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Sciatica - What's The General Opinion?

kittty

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kittty Contributor
kittty
Posted

I've never had sciatica before, but the last two times I was glutened (Monday being the last time) I've had this sharp pain in my lower back that extends down my leg. This time it was worse in my knee. I went to see a doctor this morning (not my usual doctor), and he made sure it wasn't back-bone related. He said it was due to inflammation of the lower back pressing on the sciatic nerve. When I asked him if it could be celiac related, he said "no way".

I'm not buying that answer. I've read about so many people on here who have had celiac-related sciatica. Can anyone explain to me how being glutened can cause this problem? And, what's the best way to relieve it?

Thanks!

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jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I've never had sciatica before, but the last two times I was glutened (Monday being the last time) I've had this sharp pain in my lower back that extends down my leg. This time it was worse in my knee. I went to see a doctor this morning (not my usual doctor), and he made sure it wasn't back-bone related. He said it was due to inflammation of the lower back pressing on the sciatic nerve. When I asked him if it could be celiac related, he said "no way".

I'm not buying that answer. I've read about so many people on here who have had celiac-related sciatica. Can anyone explain to me how being glutened can cause this problem? And, what's the best way to relieve it?

Thanks!

To be honest with you, I don't know if Celiac has an impact on Sciatica. I can share my experience, which is that before going gluten-free (I was undiagnosed, but sick for 20+ years prior), I had several episodes of Sciatica. One in particular was so bad I was all but bedridden for days. It would start as a twinge in my hip and move downward while the pain was getting worse. I had to watch how I sat--crossing my leg a certain way (ankle on top of other knee) would sometimes trigger it. Other times, it just happened out of nowhere.

Since I've been gluten-free (7 years), I haven't had any full-blown episodes. If I feel a twinge, I immediately do an exercise suggested by a doctor at the time. It's pretty simple, just stand and use a chair or countertop or something to keep steady and lift a hip and slowly swing your leg across in front of you (from left to right, not front to back). Repeat with other leg. Do as often as you need.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Can anyone explain to me how being glutened can cause this problem? And, what's the best way to relieve it?

Thanks!

Celiac causes inflammation. Your doctor IMHO is wrong. For me the only thing that gets rid of gluten induced inflammatory pain is time although I do find asprin to be helpful. I hope your painfree soon.

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

I've had sciatic pain for almost 20 years but I doubt it is caused by celiac. Celiac disease might exacerbate it but I don't think it caused it... I don't know. I do know my back gets worse with stress, menstration, and pregnancy. I've been gluten-free for 3months and have not yet noticed any difference.

LauraB0927 Apprentice
LauraB0927
Posted

I struggled with sciatica for years, once I went to the emergency room because it had gotten so bad. Getting glutened causes inflammation in my legs and joints and I've noticed that since going gluten free, I cant remember when my last sciatica "attack" was. Is it a coincidence or related? Not sure, but I'm much happier without it!!!!

Bookworm589 Newbie
Bookworm589
Posted

I have a great deal of inflammation. Doctors do not know why, but suggest I take meds. How can I tell if it is gluten?

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