Sciatica pain

Surgery worked for me, I woke up from the anaesthetic and immediately said to myself ‘I’m mended’, that was 13 years ago. I haven’t suffered since.

I really pity you. I had sciatica a few years ago. I was off work for two months. I have never ever known pain like it. I was finally sent to see a physio and she was my saviour. She actually treated me, rather than merely giving me a sheet of DIY exercises. I occasionally get the odd twinge but that's all. I hope you get proper treatment soon.

Indeed, do your homework my consultant surgeon was/is a neurologist.

Believe me you’ll know if you need to have an op.

I used an acti patch for a few weeks when I was first diagnosed and it worked well.I do stretching exercises,Pilates ,every day and its been fine for a while.I do get the odd problem but usually its my own fault ,lifting or moving furniture that I shouldn't Its controllable with effort .I dont want surgery so I'll do whatever it takes to avoid it

If you do go down the surgical route please make sure it is somebody who operates on zilch else but backs. Please do your homework.

I changed my mattress as I'd had it longer than I now know should have been replaced much sooner. My sciatica disappeared, almost overnight. Never had it since!

If you haven’t already then give acupuncture a try.
Make sure you get an approved practitioner.
There is a training clinic in York where you can have cut price treatments by students under supervision.