Update: 14 months of sciatica, no diagnosis, 3 failed injections, 4 specialists. I am much better but still have nerve pain.
Hi all, I’m looking for recommendations for the best spinal surgeons/specialists in the UK. I’ve now seen 4 specialists and still don’t have a diagnosis for my nerve pain. I’m also sharing my situation in case it helps someone else.
Context:
- 32M. Sciatic symptoms started March 2025 after increasing training for an endurance event.
- MRI (June 2025): L5/S1 annular disc bulge, but no significant stenosis or nerve root impingement.
- Seen 4 specialists: spinal surgeon, pain specialist, musculoskeletal specialist, and neurologist.
- 3 failed injections: caudal epidural, medial branch injections, piriformis injection.
- 14 months later, still no diagnosis.
Rehab has been the biggest help by far. I’ve worked consistently with a very good physio and can now exercise more than before without worsening symptoms. Finding the right physio made a huge difference after trying several others.
Medication:
- 1200mg Gabapentin daily
- 10mg Amitriptyline daily
Current triggers:
- Running, jumping, stomping feet
- Sitting on hard chairs or long drives
- Extension movements are the main issue (cobra position is the worst)
- Flexion is mostly fine — I can touch my toes without problems
If I stay in extension for 5–10 minutes, my legs go numb. Running causes loss of sensation in my right leg and burning pain down both legs. Standing returns symptoms to mild levels. Lying on my side gives almost complete relief.
Current situation:
My neurologist has referred me for EMG/NCS testing with a neurophysiologist. He said my case is difficult given the failed injections but confirmed I do have sciatica. He questioned why surgery hasn’t been considered yet, but previous surgeons felt there wasn’t enough evidence. He also suggested a full spine MRI after the electrical tests in case the issue is higher up the spine.
I’m now researching the best spinal surgeons in the UK because I still don’t have answers. This has affected my life significantly, and after paying privately for all of this, I’m losing faith in the medical system.
If anyone can recommend excellent spinal specialists for complex cases, please comment. Thank you.