Atrophy of Inner Thigh

[BrownTrout]

Dr. Damien,
I had successful physical therapies after all my surgeries except this last one a year ago. I went to the PT at the local hospital a couple of months after the surgery and he reviewed the neurosurgeon's notes and told me he couldn't help me. That was very discouraging to hear.

I visited another PT a month ago just to see if he thought he could help. He suggested I roll up a towel and put it under my left waist and just relax on the floor for 5 minutes. Said to repeat this if it provided relief and to quit if it hurt. He thought this would help separate the vertebrae that might still be pinching the sciatic nerve. After the first time, it made matters worse (more pain). Tried it again the next day with the same results so I quit that "exercise".

Just seems like those I've visited with so far truly do not understand the nature of my problem and, therefore, are not providing realistic remedies. Maybe I should just return to the neurosurgeon, get another MRI, have him define the problem for me and recommend therapy from someone in their clinic (Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute in Springfield, MO). I'd have done this already but I feel he will just want to operate again, not to mention it's a 3 hour drive to the clinic.

I've done some of the exercises you mentioned in your last post. For example, squeezing a ball between my thighs. I'll also try some of the others you mentioned.

Jim

[BrownTrout]

Forgot to mention that along with the exercises I've been doing to strengthen the leg, I've been addressing the pain by laying flat on the floor with my legs up on a chair and alternating heat and ice packs. This seems to work . . . . for short periods anyway.

Jim