A “nerve retraction” injury is similar to a herniated disc that compresses the nerve root. The initial compression could cause many of the nerve injury types noted in this thread: “https://neckandback.com/conditions/peripheral-nerve-anatomy/”.
Your notations; “There are many days where I have no sx or pain, however, I cannot do any form of hamstring stretching, long arc quads or straight leg raise to any degree w/out an immediate aggravation of sx. Nerve flossing/gliding of the sciatic nerve also immediately aggravates sx. I continue to have Left great toe extensor weakness and predominantly L5-S1 dermatome” indicate a root swelling and inflammation. The SLR maneuver or hamstring stretch actually stretches the L4 through S1 nerves through the sciatic nerve. Increased symptoms with these stretches indicates an irritated nerve root.
A new MRI and possibly an epidural steroid injection should be considered.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
