In reply to Post #1
I had recurring sciatica, stretching and excercising to built up core strength seemed to have helped me the most, I bought a rowing machine and do 5 mins a day when I can, although if your form is wrong while using a rowing machine you can cause more damage/pain.
I had recurring sciatica, stretching and excercising to built up core strength seemed to have helped me the most, I bought a rowing machine and do 5 mins a day when I can, although if your form is wrong while using a rowing machine you can cause more damage/pain.
In reply to Post #1
Get to Chiro that understands trigger points, the sports based ones are usually good. You need to find out what's causing it and what exercises/stretches you neeed to do to fix it. In the meantime as mentioned have a look on YouTube to start doing some stretches. Also google piriformis, that can be a major cause of sciatic pain. I suffered for years with lower back pain/spasms and sciatica, stretching and doing the exercises I was given by the Chiro has pretty much fixed it, still get the odd episode if I get lazy, good luck with it.
Get to Chiro that understands trigger points, the sports based ones are usually good. You need to find out what's causing it and what exercises/stretches you neeed to do to fix it. In the meantime as mentioned have a look on YouTube to start doing some stretches. Also google piriformis, that can be a major cause of sciatic pain. I suffered for years with lower back pain/spasms and sciatica, stretching and doing the exercises I was given by the Chiro has pretty much fixed it, still get the odd episode if I get lazy, good luck with it.
You are doing the right thing finding out exactly why you are suffering! But I can't stress enough the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your core. I thought I was strong and healthy going to the gym and regularly running. But I had neglected my core and as soon as I strengthened it I was so much better. I did pilates which helped me no end, I swear by my chiropractor but i would strongly recommend getting one recommended.
In reply to Post #18
Thank you all for the advice really appreciate it.
Thank you all for the advice really appreciate it.
In reply to Post #18
Absolutely, the core is the key to it all
Absolutely, the core is the key to it all
In reply to Post #1
I was off work for 6 months and lying on the floor for 3 months when I did my back in some 25 years ago.
Chiropractors, physios, osteopaths vary wildly in their ability and knowledge, the first 'sports physio' I saw treated me for a pulled hamstring and caused sciatica to turn into a much worse problem, the second saw me three times and then said 'there's nothing more I can do, lay an the floor and it might get better', it didn't.
My the time I started seeing the third, an osteopath, I couldn't walk more than 50 yards and was basically living on the floor and in a lot of pain, sneezing or coughing was excrutiating.
The third got me from that state to back playing sport over a period of 3 months, it was hard work and painfull as essentially he had to free up the nerve roots from scar tissue, by the time he had sorted me out the NHS had finally got round to offering me surgery, on his advice I declined. I still get problems now and again but pretty much my back will 'lock up' to prevent further damage, usually takes a couple of weeks to free up after that.
My advice? Get a good specialist and follow their advice, get the right diagnosis and then stretches etc should help speed up your recovery. Anti inflammatories work for many, I find a hot water bottle works during the day, as does a hot bath. I sleep on a hard bed and have a flat bedchair (not that I do many noghts nowadays), also don't slouch and don't remain in the same position for long periods, try to keep as mobile as possible, as others have said.
Another thing, stay positive, it's painful and can really make life depressing when you can't do things that you used to or even basic things like walking etc without pain, but with the right management most people make a very good recovery.
I was off work for 6 months and lying on the floor for 3 months when I did my back in some 25 years ago.
Chiropractors, physios, osteopaths vary wildly in their ability and knowledge, the first 'sports physio' I saw treated me for a pulled hamstring and caused sciatica to turn into a much worse problem, the second saw me three times and then said 'there's nothing more I can do, lay an the floor and it might get better', it didn't.
My the time I started seeing the third, an osteopath, I couldn't walk more than 50 yards and was basically living on the floor and in a lot of pain, sneezing or coughing was excrutiating.
The third got me from that state to back playing sport over a period of 3 months, it was hard work and painfull as essentially he had to free up the nerve roots from scar tissue, by the time he had sorted me out the NHS had finally got round to offering me surgery, on his advice I declined. I still get problems now and again but pretty much my back will 'lock up' to prevent further damage, usually takes a couple of weeks to free up after that.
My advice? Get a good specialist and follow their advice, get the right diagnosis and then stretches etc should help speed up your recovery. Anti inflammatories work for many, I find a hot water bottle works during the day, as does a hot bath. I sleep on a hard bed and have a flat bedchair (not that I do many noghts nowadays), also don't slouch and don't remain in the same position for long periods, try to keep as mobile as possible, as others have said.
Another thing, stay positive, it's painful and can really make life depressing when you can't do things that you used to or even basic things like walking etc without pain, but with the right management most people make a very good recovery.
In reply to Post #1
Sciatica is usually a symptom of another problem, and is painful normally only on one side.
It can be caused by a number of injuries, from a limp, (damage stopping you walking straight), to a back injury, compressed disc(s) or other back problems. Even sleeping funny can be a cause!
Basically the sciatic nerve goes from your backside down your legs to your calves, and can affect any part of them, being painful, tingly or numb.
Regular movement is helpful as it can relieve symptoms, but painkillers may be needed if it is bad. Paracetamol is not a cure, it will likely need ibuprofen or nerve based painkillers. Smoking can also make it worse😳😁
First port of call is your GP.
Sciatica is usually a symptom of another problem, and is painful normally only on one side.
It can be caused by a number of injuries, from a limp, (damage stopping you walking straight), to a back injury, compressed disc(s) or other back problems. Even sleeping funny can be a cause!
Basically the sciatic nerve goes from your backside down your legs to your calves, and can affect any part of them, being painful, tingly or numb.
Regular movement is helpful as it can relieve symptoms, but painkillers may be needed if it is bad. Paracetamol is not a cure, it will likely need ibuprofen or nerve based painkillers. Smoking can also make it worse😳😁
First port of call is your GP.
In reply to Post #22
I ended up having surgery in 2004 after several failed epidurals for mine, laminectomy and discectomy. Was in agony for 18 months before the operation. Had a bit of an issue after for about 9 months with scar tissue, but (touch wood) the operation worked and I've had no further issues. If you've a long wait for the MRI, go private and pay, it'll be worth it in the long run.
I ended up having surgery in 2004 after several failed epidurals for mine, laminectomy and discectomy. Was in agony for 18 months before the operation. Had a bit of an issue after for about 9 months with scar tissue, but (touch wood) the operation worked and I've had no further issues. If you've a long wait for the MRI, go private and pay, it'll be worth it in the long run.
In reply to Post #23
All ready done it mate, paid private and in on Thursday morning.
It's so debilitating and too be honest if it requires surgery the saving will be getting dipped into and I'll pay for that as well. This pain ain't sustainable. Can't be having this at 36
All ready done it mate, paid private and in on Thursday morning.
It's so debilitating and too be honest if it requires surgery the saving will be getting dipped into and I'll pay for that as well. This pain ain't sustainable. Can't be having this at 36
In reply to Post #24
Similar age to me, 37 when it started, so I know how you feel. The surgery was a godsend to me.
Similar age to me, 37 when it started, so I know how you feel. The surgery was a godsend to me.
In reply to Post #24
How much is a private scan?
How much is a private scan?
In reply to Post #24
Strangely enough mine is better when I'm fishing.
At work I end up leaning over the bar serving customers, and at home slouched on the sofa, and I probably don't sleep straight.
When I'm fishing, on my bedchair I sleep straight, and daytimes I sit properly and walk around regularly.
I have had arthroscopic knee surgery on my left knee, ruptured cruciate ligament and torn cartilage, and have compressed discs in my back from playing American Football for 20years. My sciatica started up 2 years ago when I went from full time work to spending more time at home with agency work as I was spending more time on the sofa on days off.
At the age of 49 I'm lucky that its not too bad...
I can go a few days with no problems, but sometimes it is tingling from backside to ankle on my right side.
Strangely enough mine is better when I'm fishing.
At work I end up leaning over the bar serving customers, and at home slouched on the sofa, and I probably don't sleep straight.
When I'm fishing, on my bedchair I sleep straight, and daytimes I sit properly and walk around regularly.
I have had arthroscopic knee surgery on my left knee, ruptured cruciate ligament and torn cartilage, and have compressed discs in my back from playing American Football for 20years. My sciatica started up 2 years ago when I went from full time work to spending more time at home with agency work as I was spending more time on the sofa on days off.
At the age of 49 I'm lucky that its not too bad...
I can go a few days with no problems, but sometimes it is tingling from backside to ankle on my right side.
In reply to Post #22
I'd agree the GP, a physio or if paying privately a specialist pain consultant should be your first port of call. To assess symptoms, the MRI will help diagnose any causative nerve root compression/inflammatiom but these aren't the only causes. Conditions such as piriformis syndrome can also cause sciatica/it's symptoms and will only be diagnosed by examination (by someone who knows what they're doing).
Personally GP would be my first port of call to rule out anything sinister/check for red flags and then I'd be limoing stright to a physio for a assesament.
I'd agree the GP, a physio or if paying privately a specialist pain consultant should be your first port of call. To assess symptoms, the MRI will help diagnose any causative nerve root compression/inflammatiom but these aren't the only causes. Conditions such as piriformis syndrome can also cause sciatica/it's symptoms and will only be diagnosed by examination (by someone who knows what they're doing).
Personally GP would be my first port of call to rule out anything sinister/check for red flags and then I'd be limoing stright to a physio for a assesament.
In reply to Post #28
My GP referred me for physio at my local hospital and it took 5 months to be seen.
I asked for a scan and was told there was no need as in 30 years of being a physio she had only sent a handful of people for a scan. She told me that a scan would only tell her what she already knew that it was a problem with my L5.
Her cure was wait until it got better on its own and meanwhile take plenty of exercise and stretching.
My GP referred me for physio at my local hospital and it took 5 months to be seen.
I asked for a scan and was told there was no need as in 30 years of being a physio she had only sent a handful of people for a scan. She told me that a scan would only tell her what she already knew that it was a problem with my L5.
Her cure was wait until it got better on its own and meanwhile take plenty of exercise and stretching.
In reply to Post #26
I went to see a chiropractor and he did a referral straightaway before he would start treatment. GP referred me to the physio at the local hospital but the first appointment was 6 weeks.... hence going for an alternative. The scan is £260
I went to see a chiropractor and he did a referral straightaway before he would start treatment. GP referred me to the physio at the local hospital but the first appointment was 6 weeks.... hence going for an alternative. The scan is £260