Sciatica Ouch!

[Sue (AKA ) milosmum]

Hi peeps Well not only am i laid up with this ankle i now have sciatica I think i may have got it with having to use crutches etc at the mo? Anyone any suggestions what i can do to ease the pain? painkillers etc not touching it > I have got doc tomo but i thought...maybe some of you nice folks may have some ideas? anyone had sciatica? totally fed up looking at T.V & 4 walls not been allowed to drive since 17th Aug so am stuck in here. Oh i am just such a moan today

Sue

[Gordy]

oh Sue I sympathise... I suffer with my back from time to time. usually a good dose of Co-Dydramol helps a little.
i also find the knee roll useful www.thephysiotherapysite.co.uk/physiotherapy/exercise/simple-back-exercises or the knees to chest either one at a time or both at the same time... hope you feel better soon

[Chrissie]

(((Sue)))), I bet you are right & it is due to using crutches.Hope Tye's suggestions help

[Deleted]

I'm suffering with a bad back at the moment, using ice packs on it seems to be helping.

[Clutter]

You poor thing

My father suffered dreadfully with lumbago and sciatica at times. He was the old fashioned sort of parent who wouldn't think twice about demanding requesting a cup of tea but would struggle to rise and make it himself when he the lumbago and sciatica were bad.

He said it was better to move than to become locked into position, although it obviously caused him a great deal of pain. That was back in the day when medical opinion was that back pain should be rested.

His took some anadin during the day but his preferred painkiller was whiskey

His lumbago was cured by the discovery that one leg was an eighth of an inch shorter than t'other and use of a heel pad in his right shoe.

I hope you'll be properly mobile soon and that should sort it.

[Sue (AKA ) milosmum]

Aww Thanks all.....Am going to try Tye's link & give that a go Have been keeping it mobile all morning then district nurse came in to change dressing on ankle & gave me a row for not having ankle raised cant win. Hubby has downloaded some dvd's for me so will have a relaxing afternoon with Milo although at the moment he has got all his squeeky toys out <sigh> shame he is missing his long walks with me & springers have sooo much energy poor Milo

[Perpetua]

I can't recommend a wheatbag highly enough Sue, as well as Tye's exercises. . . . they give a gentle diffused heat, rather than the more intense heat a hot water bottle does.

Also at night when you're trying to get to sleep, pop a pillow between your legs to help raise the affected side.

I had a trapped Sciatic Nerve, for some years, blerdy murder it was too . . . never have I experienced such excruciating pain.

Co-proxamel helped me, but I don't know if they are still available now . . . plus I took a pain blocker ( Zamadol ) used in conjunction with Co-codamol.

Edit to say: Like Clutty's Dad, I found keeping mobile/walking to be one of the few things I could do without massive pain, once I'd got into my stride.

[Perpetua]

Sept 26, 2011 12:07:21 GMT lisa said:

I'm suffering with a bad back at the moment, using ice packs on it seems to be helping.

I'd think twice about ice packs Lisa, it depends upon what's causing your back pain of course and opinions vary . . . but wheatbags are an utter godsend for many aches & pains.

[bioxx]

Had a few years ago, left side. 2.5 months, what a joy.

The doc told to just keep moving and try to ignore the pain. Didn't take a day off and went to work. A bit distraction helped at times to 'forget it'. Also got Vioxx but a little research told me to not take it. The pain might be gone but it makes you prone to a heart attack.

Other than that, I just hope it doesn't last that long for you.

[Deleted]

What is wrong with using ice packs Mandy? I would much prefer to be using a hot water bottle but the OH kept nagging me to use the ice packs!
I will have a look at the wheatbags as I normally have some type of pain...

[Sue (AKA ) milosmum]

I tried Tye's link & it has helped along with the co-codamol i have a wheatbag so will try that tonite & the pillow Bioxx Vioxx is banned now doc's not allowed to prescribe it which is a pity cos it was good med for pain relief

[Perpetua]

Sept 26, 2011 16:27:19 GMT lisa said:

What is wrong with using ice packs Mandy? I would much prefer to be using a hot water bottle but the OH kept nagging me to use the ice packs!
I will have a look at the wheatbags as I normally have some type of pain...

I forget exactly what the Osteopath said now Lisa . . . but it was something along the lines of the coldness sending the muscle into spasm, so having the reverse effect on the pain.

Wheatbags are lush, few minutes in the Micro and you're done . . . lovely therapeutic diffused heat they give us well.

Got mine on Ebay.

[monster74]

I suffer with bad back and sciatica, I was given a wrap by the physio dept you wear it just under your tummy it gives your lower back support and takes pressure off your sciatic nerve, you should see if you can get one, they do have to measure you up and get it fitted. I don't know where your based but the London school of osteopathy on the south bank do consultations for £10 and are well worth a visit.

Good luck, hope you feel better soon

Natzx

[Clutter]

Sept 26, 2011 16:27:19 GMT lisa said:

What is wrong with using ice packs Mandy? I would much prefer to be using a hot water bottle but the OH kept nagging me to use the ice packs!
I will have a look at the wheatbags as I normally have some type of pain...

Ice packs are usually used to reduce swelling. Hot packs for achiness.

[Gordy]

alternating heat and cold i think is suposed to stimulate blood flow to the effected area but i found ice packs made mine worse and would contract the muscles which were already tight enough ...the warmth helped to relax them and hence ease the pressure they were exerting on the nerves

Mandy made a great point that i forgot which was to sleep with a pillow between your legs, this will help keep your hips aligned and relieve pressure on your spine

the exercises i posted are great for freeing up the tight muscles too and stretching your lower back out as everyone has said keep moving so it doesnt freeze up

one last thing... how far the pain goes down your leg is an indication how bad your sciatica is... so you can use this indication to see what things work for you to get you back on your feet...sorry couldnt resist the pun