I'm a 21 year old college student and I've been struggling with sciatica since September.

I initially hurt my back in the beginning of July deadlifting. After trying to push through the pain and do more than I should I spent the next week in the most pain I had ever experienced in my life. All of it was in my lower back towards the left side. I couldn't sit or stand for any extended period for 2 weeks. With lots of rest my back finally got better in mid August.

Then the sciatica started. Towards the end of August it was very mild and I thought it was just a swore muscle in my leg. By mid September I could barely make it through any classes because I had to sit. I only found relief laying on my back. I went to my doctor and he gave me some muscle relaxers and stretches to do.

By November I saw no improvement and started PT. I did 6 weeks of PT and saw very little improvement.

In December I went to a chiropractor. This only provided some temporary relief.

In January I read Back Mechanic by Dr. McGill. I started doing the big 3 exercises and stopped stretches. This was the only thing that helped me. Towards the end of January I was at the point where I would be pain free if I took ibuprofen or Tylenol. Before then they did almost nothing to help my pain. This has been amazing because I was finally able to live somewhat normally. When the Tylenol or ibuprofen would wear off my pain typically was manageable.

Now at the end of February it seems my pain has been starting to get worse again. Especially when the ibuprofen or Tylenol wears off. I feel like I've been getting worse these last 2 weeks especially. I'm not doing anything different so I don't know why.

At this point I don't know what else to do.

Should I try returning to PT with a new therapist?

I haven't had an MRI, is it worth getting one? I've had X-rays but they don't show much. I do have mild scoliosis but I don't think this is particularly uncommon or my main issue. I'd really like to avoid surgery if I can.

Has anyone had any luck with steroid injections? I haven't found anyone who said they helped for more than a couple weeks.

Honestly I'm at a loss on what to do. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm a full time student so doing things like not sitting to avoid pain isn't really an option. I try my best to maintain good posture and periodically get up.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.