Trapped nerve

Poor you - sciatic type pain is simply hideous. Acupuncture has definitely helped me in the past. And I've also been to a chiropractor. Different things help different people, so good luck finding the right solution for you . Gentle exercise helpful as people have suggested. I find sleeping flat (ie no pillow) helps too

pamdixon thank you. It is painful

Welshy I may be wrong but I thought sciatica was nerve pain.

For many years maybe 30 years, I suffered from hip pain which GP said was arthritis. Gradually got worse until 2 years ago I was using a stick. One year ago after I'd been crying/screaming for two days with pain my husband called for an ambulance. They needed to give me gas and air to get me down the stairs and I was admitted for 3 weeks while they tried to ease the pain. MRI and CT Scan showed spinal stenosis and nerve compression plus osteoarthritis etc. I was in too much pain for physiotherapy and because I couldn't actually stand unaided Physio couldn't help. I was discharged after 3 weeks, home by ambulance so I could lie flat, with a zimmer as a walk aid, and a hospital bed installed. I've been prescribed morphine together with other pain relief.
I am much better although still in pain, a combination of time and pain relief
I can use a stick around the house and a rollater if I go out. Attendance at the pain clinic and their 5 steroid injection treatments hasn't helped so far..
My pain is on the left lumbar, left hip joint, back of left thigh, left calf and into my left ankle bone. It has been referred to as sciatica. Which I understand to be compression of the sciatica nerve.
Hence my belief that sciatica was nerve pain. I could be wrong in my understanding and am happy to be advised otherwise.

Grannydaisy nerve pain is excrutiating and I wish you well.

Yes, sciatica is nerve pain. my MiL was bed bound for 6 weeks with it on one occasion. DH has had but not too seriously.

The pain is excruciating, you have my sympathy.

Thanks everyone. It doesn't seem very clear to me yet what I have. It sounds like a lot of you are in pain

Ice, ice and more ice, gentle stretching and keep mobile. Use a pillow between your legs when you sleep to straighten the spine.
Try an osteopath or chiropractor. Also, sports injury massage is helpful.
This happened to me just before a performance of my one woman show where I use Masks, so very physically challenging. I can only take paracetamol because I have heart failure. I got through the performance - never underestimate the power of adrenaline - since which, my back has recovered rapidly. Such a relief.
Lots of sympathy your way. The pain is horrible.

Watertyger. Thank you. I will try ice and an osteopath or chiropractor are next on my list if physio doesn't work. I agree the pain is dreadful but I think trying different things is helping

I have had a slipped disc in my neck since 2008. It was controlled by painkillers and exercises to start with. But it does come back, flaring up, mostly because I am a Piano Teacher,
I play the Piano every day. I recently asked a GP for a sheet of
exercises and she said 'No' . I wonder why I thought. I am seeking help from BAPAM - the NHS have no idea how to
help musicians - I have been very upset - I can only teach or practice with my Right hand now. I was trying to do
a performance Diploma - but I will have to get better soon
and who knows how long that will take?

I was given an appointment with a physio but he screwed
up my hand with his fingers, it was quite a long time ago.
but it doesn't make me have much faith in them.

Oh DG45 that's sounds dreadful. Hope something helps you soon. I am finding it difficult to try the right thing