sciatica

Oh my goodness! This is absolutely horrible!! I had an attack about 15 years ago and in the end acupuncture was the only thing that offered relief! Fast forward and one replaced broken hip later, sciatica reared its head again and was every bit as awful as the first time round! It lasted 3 months and has finally just about cleared up! I am having Physio which has helped a lot. It is extraordinarily painful and something I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy!!! Good luck!

After suffering two bouts of this awful affliction I am at the moment free of it. I do think that is because I can recognise the signs of it wanting to rear it's very ugly head. For me the first sign is a tingling down the leg and as soon as it starts I start wriggling - touching toes, bending my waist in all directions etc. It seems to release the nerve which is becoming trapped and so far is working. It doesn't matter where I am when I need to wriggle I do - I would far rather look daft than get sciatica again.
I do hope it gets better for you before too long and do as much exercise as you can.

Stretching exercises are ideal as it learning - or relearning - good posture. I found the pain didn't disappear overnight but it definitely settled and slowly reduced. Use your core more and think before you bend or are considering an awkward movement. I had to take painkillers in the first instance but with the exercises could come off them quickly. Having a 'twinge' reminds me to be careful! I hope it gets better soon. Sciatica is really unpleasant.

Thank you all so much, it helps to feel there might be light at the end of the tunnel! I have a GP appointment next week so I can discuss the pros and cons of various painkillers and I do think the stretching exercises help. I keep trawling Youtube for new ideas which passes the time.

OH is scheduled for a knee replacement in three months time and as we live in the depths of remote rural west country it is vital that at least one of us can drive. Thank goodness we have a fairly lazy dog who is happy with a rather slow walk and then a day in the garden. For two previously energetic people we find the change to a couple of old crocks a bit of a shock. Determind to make sure this is just a temporary blip.

You have my sympathy it is the most painful thing i have ever had. I had it about 7months ago and my GP tried so many different painkillers but the best thing was doing the stretching exercises.I went to the local gym and they gave me a set of stretches to do and was put on the stationary bike as well. It certainly helped with the pain.Moving on 7months i am still suffering the after effects, taking a muscle relaxant x 4 times daily and awaiting an MRI scan as i have constant numbness in one foot and lower back pain all the time, that is bearable though if i dont do anything too major. Really hope you start to get some relief soon it is the worst thing ever.

My husband had a similar pain (cruralgia). Our doctor referred him to a rheumatologist.
First he was xrayed to find the source of the trouble - arthritis in the spine. Then gave him an injection in that exact spot.
Not sure what the injection was but it helped a lot.

My husband just got to the end of it after about 3 months. For the first few weeks he had to use a wheeled walker to get around, he couldn't put his foot on the floor at all because it was so painful.

He saw his beloved osteopath who gave him many deep-tissue massages ( I think that's the attraction for him !). She also gave him an exercise regime which he has stuck to religiously.

For medication he took Pregabalin which is for neuropathic pain. That didn't stop him from drinking alcohol - not that he's a big drinker but he does like a port after dinner and that was fine.

Best wishes to you - in time this will pass.

A doctors wife once told me that it took 16 weeks and a lot of that not such intense pain as you are having now.
The first weeks are hell and you had better take it on board, and not fight it, all those thinga you can't do now you will be able to do again.
Take your pills and hope it soon lets up. I could lie down but not sit, some can sit but not lie down others can't walk.
I didn't have meal at a table for - yes 16 weeks, and then it got better.

It will get better, stick with the chiropractor and the excercise.

If you are on paracetamol based pain killers you can still rub on a local ibuprofen gel (my doctor told me this). Keep as mobile as you can and change sitting positions.
I was really bothered by this a few years ago....serious history of slipped discs....so invested in the best mattress I could afford. Its a deep firm traditional sprung one but with a deep latex based integrated topper. Really supportive but you sort of sink into the topper. All other I found either too firm or too bouncy.
Apart from that get into a comfy position and put something that you define as a guilty pleasure on TV. Used to be Sex in the City for me but is now The Big Bang Theory and the occasional dose of Say Yes to the Dress! Good luck and it does get better!