Leg Weakness Caused By Sciatica- Will Strengthening Help?!

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Leg Weakness Caused By Sciatica- Will Strengthening Help?!

Рет қаралды 6,613

Күн бұрын

In this video, I help you determine what's causing the weakness that you feel in your leg if you're dealing with back, butt or sciatic nerve (sciatica) issues. And then, I help answer the question of whether or not you should strengthen the weakness caused by a pinched nerve or lumbar radiculopathy. I include simple self strength tests, simple ways to measure strength, and help you understand where to focus your efforts if you're dealing with weakness from lumbar radiculopathy.
Leg weakness may result from lumbar radiculopathy- which is characterized by LOSS of nerve conduction due to compression of the nerve roots within the spine.
The most common level of lumbar radiculopathy is L5, followed by S1, then L4. When people with leg pain, numbness, and tingling (sciatica symptoms) experience weakness- the first instinct is to strengthen the areas that are weak.
But, without diving deeper to determine what's causing the weakness, or if the weakness is objective... then strengthening a feeling of weakness could be a waste of time or make you worse.
#drcharliejohnsonpt #sciatica #weakness #sciaticatreatment #strengthtraining #strengthexercises #lumbarspine
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• Leg Weakness Caused By...

Пікірлер: 42

@drcharliejohnson 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Want back/butt/sciatic nerve pain relief & to get back to normal naturally? Click here to set up a time to chat & submit your case for review to see if/how we can help you- www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply

@sylviaricketts5278 3 ай бұрын

Dr. Charley. I have been listening and watching you for months. 3 yrs ago I had a major car accident. Broken pelvis etc. Early January and March 2023 I had two failed surgeries for lumbar hernia. I need to have removed a mesh that I am feeling under my skin. . My nerves are definitely damaged. Plus plus plus. I need to set a time for a first consultation.

@szvqorwnpstahskypfwmp9821 23 күн бұрын

From my experience with severe Sciatica nerve pain and severe loss of strength in my right leg for many years from the right buttock to the bottom of my right foot and toes, I highly regret massaging, riding the bike, sitting on a hard floor, doing leg resistance exercises, sitting too long, stretching, and anything that puts pressure on your Sciatica nerves. Please do not do all these horrible things to your nerves because as you compress and put pressure and stress on all the branches of the Sciatica nerve, it is making it worse by irritating, aggravating, and inflaming which exacerbates the pain and muscle weakness. Please do not do these activities if you have a Sciatica problem. Instead do a lot of walking and light swimming and let your body heal naturally which helps nerve generation and never signals restorations. Again, no massage, no riding a bike no stretching, and no leg resistance exercise until your Sciatica gets better. Thank you for this video and what great advice on Sciatica pain relief. I agree 100%!.

@mrpentium 21 күн бұрын

You said you have had sciatica for many years? Is the condition healing and are the nerves being restored?

@JS-ej6kl 15 күн бұрын

I will try to let things heal on their own. Maybe I’m doing too much and not resting enough.. this sucks

@mrpentium 15 күн бұрын

@@JS-ej6kl with all due respect, if it has been over 4-6 months , maybe you need to strike the right balance between rest and physical therapy, which would include leg raises, glute bridges and stretching, but not overdoing it. Also movement while laying, to grease the wheels, so to speak. God speed.

@JS-ej6kl 15 күн бұрын

@@mrpentium thank you so much! It’s been 4-5 weeks so far.. I will definitely include those exercises and will also seek out physical therapy. Really appreciate it! God Speed.

@mrpentium 15 күн бұрын

@@JS-ej6kl about PT, there’s a lot of therapist out there that really don’t help. You know your body better than anyone and in my case I did research on exercises to strengthen the glutes hip and lower back Also, if you overdo it, don’t think that you have destroyed everything This is a journey of two steps forward and one back But that is still progress after I started my own therapy the pain is there, but it is different. That is progress.

@hanginlaundry360 Ай бұрын

Sciatica with some shooting butt pain with sudden lapses of strength in the calf. Sciatic pain/weakness aggrivated by walking!!! My biggest worry is taking anti-inflams and their effect on my health. On days I'm off work, taking it easy. On work days, taking medicine. Thank you for pinpointing the actual nerve. Not going on walks is hard. That was a big part of my health regimen. May try my stationary bike to see if that causes trouble or not. ...until I can walk again.

@annamay3083 3 ай бұрын

Really good video charlie thank you for all you do for so many people in pain depressed

@drcharliejohnson 3 ай бұрын

You're welcome Anna! Thx for watching.

@user-um9vd2xm1v 3 ай бұрын

Hi Charlie, I’ve done the side to side comparisons and found very little difference in sit to stand and no difference in the other tests. I’ve read the book, The Way Out, and many other writings to help calm my mind and they’ve definitely helped. I have pain, but life is good and I thank you for your good work. I walk 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily and climb stairs which makes me feel better mentally and physically. Here’s my question, on my affected side, the right butt-cheek “hangs lower” on the body, noticeably so, than the other side…even though I do the same taxing of the muscles on both sides. The reason I noticed this is because it’s bathing suit time of year. If I understand you correctly, adding exercises to try to build up the affected side might poke the bear and cause more pain. Your thoughts?

@gooseberristic 2 ай бұрын

Charlie, thank you so much for all the valuable knowledge you share with us! Super thank you for showing us Remi's case. I'm in the same situation and was starting to freak out and obsess over my strength loss. Now I know how to work with it! :)

@drcharliejohnson 2 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@janefaceinthewind6260 2 ай бұрын

Hi Dr Johnson, my case is as follows: diagnosed with plantar fascitis and Baxter's nerve entrapment. PF seems more or less gone. X ray showed arthritis in left hip. Got the left hip adjusted and since then have what could be S1 related burning and stinging pain in both heels but worse on the right side, getting worse with walking. No leg pain but ridiculously tight calves and hamstrings. Physiotherapist suspects tight muscles in pelvis could irritate sciatica which I can feel in both feet (heels and inside of feet). I can't walk any longer than 5 minutes, my life is on standby. Physiotherapist did a treatment where he worked on unblocking nerve flow on left side of outer thigh. Felt extreme release of blocked energy and next day the symptoms were reduced by 40%. He told me to keep walking, however I overdid it and now heel pain is 8/10, unbearable. Any chances you may know what is going on with this pain and what I could try to alleviate this ..? Most appreciative and sending you warm regards, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

@drcharliejohnson 2 ай бұрын

Hey Jane! sorry to hear and thanks for sharing. Sounds like it may be spine related... but may not be (would have to confirm this with some more details and an exam). Honestly, hard to say exactly without some more details here. Although I've worked with many folks with similar symptoms. Would you be open to to potentially working together and submitting your case for me to review? If so, just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply - select a time to chat with us, then follow instructions to submit a "case review." Okay? Hang in there Jane- thx for watching! Dr. Charlie PT

@gregmagnificent4048 14 күн бұрын

I have L5 S1, No Back Pain, Just Buttocks pain especially when I sit down it shoots to the back of my calf right, stinging, I had an ablation 2 years ago, It's Coming Back

@davidyoung1570 3 ай бұрын

This content is amazing, as usual. Couple of questions: 1. Is it normal for an “angry” nerve to make the other leg feel “different” from the other. Just doesn’t feel quite right. Feels a bit heavier, feels a bit tighter? But then again, when strength is tested, it’s about even on both sides? Is this typical of an “angry” or “unhealthy” nerve? 2. And as for sensation? What about “wrong sensation.” Instead of true numbness or tiling. Let’s say, the lateral side of one’s left foot feels different. When contacting a carpet; the foot feels like it’s stepping on something hard? But if I poke it, I feel it mostly fine, maybe some decreased sensation/wrong sensation (I can feel it, but it feels different). Is that classified as unhealthy or angry in your book?

@drcharliejohnson 3 ай бұрын

Hey David! thanks for watching. It is possible (depending upon the cause) to have both sided symptoms and "angry nerves"- although one sided is much more common. It could also be that the symptoms you're experiencing on the other leg are not nerve related at all... but rather what we call somatic referred pain. Basically, when the nerves are not involved, but a structure in the spine (disc, joint, etc) is sensitized and refers pain down into the legs. Sounds either like an angry nerve or referred pain given info in question 1. Question 2- what you describe sounds like altered sensation. Changes in your sensation via light touch/pin prick/sharp dull testing or just feeling "funky" like you describe- is likely evidence of an unhealthy nerve... and it's possible that there is weakness as well- just not as easily detectable during the strength tests above ... sensory fibers are generally the first to be impacted with regards to a loss of conduction- which leads to reduced sensation. All this being said, I'd side with a combo here- the nerve being somewhat unhealthy at the moment (as evidenced by changes in sensation) AND if pain is present- then this is likely a combo of angry and unhealthy... radicular pain (angry) causing the symptoms/inflammation- contributing to nerve swelling and compression/conduction loss (unhealthy nerve)... So, sounds like both radicular pain and radiculopathy to a minimal degree at this point! Hope this answer makes sense. Would you be interested in me reviewing your case to see if/how I may be able to help you? Dr. Charlie PT

@rsimps672 Ай бұрын

I have such strength loss in calf and cant stand on my toes on one side. Numb. Radiculopathy here. Not much pain. How can i decompress the s1 nerve? I don't want permanent paralysis.....

@davidyoung7066 15 күн бұрын

When I sit to stand both legs are weak and my feet go numb

@kevinm9051 2 ай бұрын

I have drop foot on right side and muscle weakness that does not allow me to put weight on that leg. This is due to central spinal stenosis. My understanding is that it takes ten to twelve months for the nerve to heal (if ever). Will the muscles not atrophy if not strengthened during the waiting period?

@drcharliejohnson 2 ай бұрын

Hey Kevin! If nerve function is reduced to the motor units which supply the muscles then you could attempt strengthening- but chances are it will have minimal effect. That being said, my recommendation would be to stay as active as possible in life and exercise. If I may ask- What is the treatment plan to resolve this long term?

@kevinm9051 2 ай бұрын

@@drcharliejohnson Waiting to see a surgeon to develop a game plan

@9ijnht5rdx 2 ай бұрын

Had long term sciatica problems . Went from back to front and calf during therapy.After several courses of PT I tried some strength training and that seemed to help better then stretching. Had quad pain that therapist used roller on and it helped ,but they don't seem to want to continue as my rolling didn't seem to affect it..

@davidyoung7066 15 күн бұрын

I am able to stretch forwards and backwards but still have pain in middle of low back. I have neuropathy and have lost strength from lack of activity. Do you think strengthening will help

@PunchingCacti 3 ай бұрын

Crazy remi described my experience exactly now my right calf won't even work basically I'm still working but I have to limp around lmao

@drcharliejohnson 3 ай бұрын

sorry to hear! His experience is not uncommon. No pressure, but let me know if you're interested in some help- just reply back here. Time to begin measuring things and taking steps to get back to full speed! Hang in there!

@suegoodin5420 2 ай бұрын

Hi! I had a hydrodissection done on my sciatic nerve due to adhesion of scar tissue at my hamstring and muscle near my tailbone. I am 2 weeks out from this procedure and still in a considerable amount of pain. Do you know how long an irritated nerve takes to heal. Thank you so much!

@dessiecoder2116 3 ай бұрын

No pain.................................................................just a weak dorsi flex tight calf

@danielmcclenaghan6956 Ай бұрын

Great video very informative. My progressive strength test is being able to lift my big toe over my next toe. Although conditions need to be perfect, any sign off moistening (like when you just take your shoes off after a day at work) I still can’t do it.😂

@JenM-nb9dc Ай бұрын

interesting but I'm confused. The S1 test was obviously much more difficult on the right side, however the EMG was normal. The EMG was also normal for my upper extremities even though my cervical spine is becoming flattened and I've been symptomatic in that area for several years (and so I am going to have cervical surgery). Why are the EMGs "normal", Am I misunderstanding how that works? I lose function of both my hand and foot on that same side.

@suegoodin5420 2 ай бұрын

@drcharliejohnson 2 ай бұрын

Hey Sue! thanks for watching and sharing a bit of your story- sorry to hear you're still in pain. Truthfully, I would expect that symptoms would be clearly reduced at this point... as the goal of the surgery would be to remove the "cause" of the symptoms. Once the cause is removed, many people experience rapid relief of nerve symptoms. I'm not sure of your medical history or what the diagnostic process looked like, such that it led to this procedure being performed- so it's hard to say why you're still in a considerable amount of pain. I've worked with many folks who have had this procedure and continued to experience symptoms. No pressure, but if you're interested, I'd be happy to review your case personally to see if/how I can help. If you'd like, just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply - select a time to chat, then follow instructions to submit a detailed case review. Okay? Hang in there Sue! Dr. Charlie PT

@dessiecoder2116 3 ай бұрын

Gee not sure how you knew leg weakness was my issue and sent me an email. I saw my doctor. Mine is disuse due to not moving for months. My doctor and the podiatrist both looked at my issue and are REAL doctors. K thanks

@drcharliejohnson 3 ай бұрын

Hey- thanks for watching. If due to disuse- I’m guessing both sides are equally as weak? REAL doctors as opposed to? What’s the plan for getting back to full strength?

@dessiecoder2116 3 ай бұрын

I stand all day making products to order, also lean over. I’m wondering if it’s my back not ankle….. feel rotated as well. Why is the doctor not listening…

@ralphbryansarol8761 10 күн бұрын

I thingk i have problem with my S1 i cannot tiptoe 😢 hope you can help me on how I can heal doc

@Moon888-oy8bb Ай бұрын

Hi Doc, I had sudden weakness to my legs after a "virus" and multiple wasp stings (all in the space of a week); from then on and its been 7 months my legs have become progressively weaker. The spinal X-Ray reveals a slight compression near the L4 (I think from memory). However, as this onset of weakness was so SUDDEN, I am not going to blame the disc compression in the spinal column at this stage. Digging in the garden worsens my condition and sets me back as far as getting out of a chair and walking. I am taking Alpha Lipoic Acid, Bi, B2, B6 and B23, as well as Omega 3 and Vit E. Can anything else be done about this weakness?

@rebeccasmidmore604 2 ай бұрын

I did have bad sciatic pain, then it went and I was left with a limp. I’m assuming it’s an issue with the S1 because I can’t go up onto tiptoes on my left foot but can on my right. I can’t even lift it at all.

@casselskeep 2 ай бұрын

Injured my lower back in 2007 doing a dragon flag. Had local pain and siatica for several years after. This eventually settled with some chiropractic adjustments and foam rolling but still have a niggle on that left side. It now manifests as weakness on that left side which increases with activity. Walking would create a piriformis type pain in left glute and eventually left foot drop and calf raise weakness. This would resolve with rest. Also have some altered sensation on the top of left quad. So presume L4, L5 and S1 involvement. Right glute is also small and weak. I found that clenching my right glute while walking would reduce pain and prevent the left foot drop. I have eventually concluded i may have some joint instability in this lower back region. Mobility exercises always seem to aggravate rather than help. Not sure if my right glute weakness is the source of the issue or if it is also weak because of a nerve issue...