BS: Sciatica

Subject: BS: Sciatica
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 04:28 AM

I didn't know such pain was possible. Any suggestions for making it more bearable?
At the moment I'm alternating ice packs, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 04:36 AM

Go see an Osteopath now! Alternate Ice pack with a hot water bottle no mor than 10 mins at a time though (for each) that should help reduce any swelling but get treatment or you will be in for a long time of pain.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Arnie
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 04:40 AM

Osteopath not a bad idea but I prefer a Physiotherapist - they have a whole range of treatment such as laser, shortwave and manipulation. Much more extensive than an Osteopath and a lot more gentle. It worked for me!

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Gervase
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 01:02 PM

You have my sympathy - it's bloody awful. I find it helps to lie on my back, shoulders flat to the floor, and then swinging one leg up and over the other to flex the spine and turn the pelvis while keeping the upper body flat.
Touch wood, I haven't had an attack for a while, which may be related to starting a new job which has meant a lot of lifting and hefting, strengthening the back muscles.
Smoking dope also helps, but the legality of such 'therapy' might be a problem where you live!

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Amos
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 01:11 PM

I've been saved once or twice by a chiropractor who combines heat, electrical transdermal stim and physical adjustment. But you need to find the right practitioner.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 03:33 PM

beware too uch paracetomol, it clogs the liver and different people process it at different rates.
I went to my quack who told me I had a trapped nerve (he declined to point-out the finer distinctions) so i went to a chiropractor who was going to cure just about everything. But she cured the sciatica.

She spent 30 minutes asking questions and I went back through my history and told her there was nothing, till I mentioned the motorbike accident -
"It was nothing - 20 years previous"
"and you landed where?"
"On my back but it didn't hurt"
"And now?"
"the pain's in my leg"
"An the trapped nerve?"


the quack had all that in my record but you can't read too much in 1 minute.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Peace
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 03:51 PM

Try a reflexologist if you have one near you. Problem with pain killers--which I know you need--is that they can make you insensitive to pain, which is your body's way of telling you something ain't right. Whether you choose a physiotherapist, osteo, chiro, accu or reflexologist, as per above, GO NOW.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: leprechaun
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 09:34 PM

When it gets too bad, I switch to a shoulder holster for a while. But I'm not hefty enough so the handle always sticks out. Sometimes it helps to take my handcuffs of my back pocket for a while.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: hobbitwoman
Date: 11 Dec 03 - 10:41 PM

It's a bitch. You have my sympathy. I went to a chiropractor for awhile but don't know if it helped or if it just went away on its own. She did teach me some good back exercises though. And heat helps. Problem with nerve pain is, not a lot of meds help- unless you're willing and able to stay home and stay doped up. At least that's been my experience.

One thing I have found invaluable is a good chair to sit in while at the computer!

Annie

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: mack/misophist
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 12:59 AM

Since the cause is strictly mechanical, a physiotherapist is a good idea. Better posture and a few simple exercises is really the only treatment that works. It helped me. Hardly ever hurts any more.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Sooz
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 04:45 AM

Thanks for the sympathy. I have a cold compress on at the moment which will soon be changed to a heat pack. I've pretty well given up on the painkillers as they don't work. I can get some relief on my hands and knees as it keeps my guts from pressing on the nerve. It is really weird having a pain I can't touch! My back doesn't really hurt but my leg is excruciating.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 05:01 AM

It's terribnle, isnt it? You have my sympathy. All I can say is, it went away eventually. I have vivid memories of touring the west of cotland, howling and grizzling, kneeling on the back seat of the Saab trying to enjoy the scenery. Kneeling in the car, or hands and knees on the floor at home, seemed to be the positioon of choice. And walking up a hill evry slowly was good I recall, though coming down again wasnt so bright.
   Dope has been mentioed as a good one. I would recommend good old fashioned alcohol which was always a faithful friend. It passes. What more can you say? Whether any treatment is any use, I couldnt say. too many variables to make a decision. try to avoid the painkillers where possible(but obviously it isnt always possible).

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 02:17 PM

I started vioxx for the arthritis and my sciatica of over 10 yeats duration got a kick start; apparently it's the nerve coming BACK from deadness and it was like a sharp knife.

I would strongly second the back exercises.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Nancy King
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 02:37 PM

My doctor said to take anti-infammatory meds like ibuprofin regularly, whether the sciatica was bothering me or not -- just to keep it in my system. But he also said (at a different time) to take Aleve, in the same way, for arthritis, which does seem to help a bit with that problem. I'm not keen on taking both at once, though, so the sciatica still bothers me somewhat. Can't win for losin'...

Are there other exercises besides the one Gervase mentioned above that people have found helpful?

Thanks, Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Miken
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 07:57 PM

My problem was due to a compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle near the hip.. Probably due to extensive use of stair machine at health club. The physiotherapist recommended a stretching exercise (lying on floor,leg at right angle against a doorframe, get as close as you can and hold it for 30 secs). After a few weeks the muscle stretched out diameter decreased, cvompression stopped and pain went away. Switched to the treadmill as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Gypsy
Date: 12 Dec 03 - 11:17 PM

Chiropratic will give you alot of relief. But you gotta do the maintenance yourself. Tips: no wallet in back pocket, ever, make certain that your shoes are wearing evenly, without the heels rocking your hips. Alternate heat with ice, will bring down the inflammation faster. The bottom line is: keep that pelvis level! if you tend to stand hipshot, quit it. I very seldom have sciatic pain since learning this. MacKenzie stretches will help a great deal as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Sooz
Date: 13 Dec 03 - 10:42 AM

Been to the osteopath this morning. Still alive - narrowed the cause down to a prolapsed disc. I'm alternating the hot and cold and have booked some accupuncture for the pain. It hurts like hell to sit in this chair so I'm off now.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 06:35 PM

My post went missing? It was a good post. It was even funny. I can't be arsed to retype it. Here is the condensed version...


F******************************k IT HURTS. Sweet Lord have mercy and take me now.

Any advice you can add to the previous posts would be greatly appreciated... ASAP.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Bert
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 08:11 PM

Lie on your back on the floor bend your kness and raise your legs resting your calves on the seat of a dining chair.

Trade medications regularly. If you use one more than a couple of times your body will get used to it and it will get less effective.

Place a small cushion in the small of your back when sitting or driving.

Lay off the caffeine. Last thing you need is something that wakes your nerves up.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 08:36 PM

I have lots of sympathy for you, gnu. Back pain is no fun at all. I was going to give the same advice as Bert. Lie on the floor, not on a bed or sofa. Keep your back as flat as possible, and your knees up - on a chair like Bert said, or I prefer almost flat on the floor. Pushing against the floor with my feet seems to help me.

I didn't believe it at first, but my chiropractor wife has convinced me that ice is far better than heat for almost any pain. It eases muscles and reduces inflammation. When the chilled part of your body feels like it's beginning to freeze, take the ice pack away for a while. Wrapping the ice pack in a towel is a good idea. Another thing is to put a small, damp towel or washcloth in a plastic bag in the freezer - that makes a great ice pack. We have gel bags that companies send to chiropractors as samples, and they're the best.

Good luck.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 08:50 PM

I get sciatica (if it feels like pain is a prison, is it sci-attica?) sometimes. Just had some a couple days ago. I take a freakin' BIG ibuprofen and try not to sit. Will have to try some of the above suggestions.

What's worse is the sciatica let up, then yesterday, I moved wrong and ZING!!! I get this intense INTENSE pain that starts at my sternum, shoots across my chest and goes down my arm. I couldn't move for a couple minutes. When I could move, I did some neck & upper back stretches and the pain just went away. I've had that before too, and my doc doesn't have a clue (nor would I expect her to). Nerve pain is a stone cold bitch. Often ANYTHING you try to do will make it worse. This chest pain thing was scary, but it was short lived.

Rest, no sitting and an ibuprofen the size of a Twinkie.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 09:58 PM

I get it now & then...I will do something (sometimes involving lifting or work...sometimes not) and I get pain. It does not respond to massage or heat or cold, and pain meds only ease things a bit. Now I do NOT have totally miserable, life stopping pain, but it ain't fun.

I have found no remedy except rest & waiting. It 'usually' eases in a few days, I suppose because some swelling around some nerve eases...*shrug*.
I do have a small bone spur in my 3rd cervical vertebrae, which used to cause intense pain in my arm and/or neck, and finally got an injection directly into the area to reduce swelling. Now I have learned to NOT twist my head in certain patterns. (Looking at the helicopter over my left shoulder will cause my arm to begin going numb..)

All I can recommend is as much rest as possible, sitting so that it is as stress-free as possible, and if no response, seeing if the doctor can do anything. (It took an MRI to find my problem....but the neck is easier than lower back troubles.)

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 10:21 PM

i'm only 50

i dont get pain yet..

just dead leg and pins and needles below my left knee
and sometimes up to my left arse cheek
depending how long i sit down
on computer seat
or on sofa in front of TV..

if i stay active i'm ok...


.. so far...

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Janie
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 11:25 PM

During the day, I can get some relief by slowly bending foward, starting with the head and neck, and just kind letting the spine roll down, with legs slightly bent, feet about 6 inches apart, until I am bent double, arms, head, neck and shoulders just kind of hanging loose for a minute or so, then slowly rolling back up into a standing position, staying loose, until the head and neck are erect again. (It is very much a rolling of the spine action, starting with the head and neck going down, and with the neck and head not rolling upright until the end of the rise.)

At night, to sleep on my back, I find it helpful to fold a blanket into thirds lengthwise, then roll it up, and place it under my knees to keep the legs bent and the lower spine straight. Althernately, I lay on the opposite side from which the pain is radiating down the buttock and leg, bend the top leg, and rest it on a couple of stacked pillows to keep it aligned.

The Ibuprofen really does help if you take it for several days at a fairly high dose to give it time to reduce the nerve inflamation.

Anybody got any suggestions for nerve pain and related muscle spasms stemming from the cervical spine?

Damn - we are getting old!

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Amos
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 11:52 PM

My chiro had me buy a ball-seat--an inflatable durable sphere which replaced my office/computer chair.

When you sit in it, you are constantly making micro adjustments left, right, forward, and back and the small muscles along the spine get worked out in ways that they never d when you are sitting in a standard chair.

It made a good difference.

The wallet not in the rear pocket is a good suggestion, because of the distorting pressure the lump exerts on your hips.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: maire-aine
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 12:01 AM

I get it once in a while in my right hip & down the right leg. Most often happens if I lay on that side. Of course that's the side I prefer to sleep on. If I notice the discomfort, I slee on my back, with 2 pillows under my right knee. That's helped a lot. That & ibuprofen. Good luck.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Genie
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:33 AM

I can empathize with any of you who have trouble with sciatica. Not 100% positive that's what ails me, very episodically but severely, but pretty sure that's what it is, because the pain moves around from side to side, joint to joint, and even from joint to muscle -- always below or at the lower back, never above. When it really acts up, I limp and hobble around so severely that I draw stares and have people rushing to see if they can help. It's probably the result of accumulated traumas over the past 30 years (falling down some cement steps, couple car crashes, broken leg back in '80, falling on my jaw back in '76 -- things I thought were "fixed" but that seem maybe to have left residues).   
I find that stetching my back and my hip and leg joints helps, even if the stretches are very painful to do. And of course I rely on NSAIDS, etc., when the pain really acts up. But the disability (e.g., limping) is most pronounced when I've been sitting for a long time, such as airplane or car rides, and walking it off (even if I need to use a cane temporarily till I get the kinks out) helps. But the best remedy of all is 8 hours of sleep on a mattress that gives good support without being too hard.

I hope the suggestions people are making here help, folks.   But one problem I have re treatment is that, just as with taking my car to a mechanic, when I do get an appointment to see the doc or the PT, my symptoms may not show up at that particular time.   

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:52 AM

I look fine and all but I swear it seems like everything that comes up.....I've had it.

Good advice on the leg up position and exercises but it all depends on what's wrong. If you have a herniated disc or a degenerative arthritis problem then you'll probably hit the point one day when you can only crawl and scream when you're at your best and you'll need a laminectomy. They can now do many of the lammies arthoscopically so downtime is minimal. I had one done surgically but that was 20 years ago. The good news is, I've never had pain since.

So when chiropractic, exercises, herbs, pain killers, steroids, anti-immflammatories, and accupunture don't work.....the operation is a blessing! (I had all the others)

Spaw (Working on a medical degree from the "Igotit College of Medicine.")

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 05:42 AM

Thanks y'all.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 06:39 AM

I just took a trip to NC and flew in 4 different airplanes. Tiny puddle jumpers with the most uncomfortable seats ever! My back and hips are still hurting like hell.
I've lived with sciatica for all my adult life, so I guess I got old before my time.
Jeri, ignoring a chest pain is stupid!

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Rumncoke
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 05:42 PM

Try wearing a kilt.

I used to get all sorts of nerve twinges and muscle spasms until I became interested in making kilts, made some for myself, liked them and gave up wearing trousers, and have never had the pains again.

The kilt is worn higher on the body than jeans and trousers - it keeps the lower back warm and padded against impacts and jabs, and the swing of all the fabric tends to act like a gentle massage.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 06:57 PM

I live in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Come January, I wouldn't have to worry about my pinched satanic nerve until after I dealt with frosty. The nerve might hurt like hell, but better than having a popsicle.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 08:01 PM

Kendall, I know it's stupid to ignore chest pain which is why I asked my doc about it so I could write above. "my doc doesn't have a clue". It's on the right side, it's on the outside of my rib cage, I can exercise fine (it sometimes helps), and it seems dependent on how I move. I'm pretty sure it's a screwed up nerve, but it's not a reliable enough pain to let anybody diagnose it.

I don't have a clue what sets off my sciatica. Sometimes sitting for long periods causes a flare-up but sometimes it doesn't. B12 may help. Mostly likely it won't, but it has no toxic effects and if it were me, I'd try it.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: jeddy
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 08:20 PM

my other half had two prolaxed discs. have you asked for a MRI scan, that will tell them what you are dealing with. she tried the injection, it made it worse, then the op, and that made it worse. she is now on fentanyl patches for the pain they give it to cancer patients and they work wonders. you could also try something else which i can't .remeber will post it tomorrow.

take care all

jade x x x

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 09 - 08:39 PM

Jeri, I can't believe this but I now know exactly what you mean. I was parking my 1934 Pontiac today and it steers hard. I must have twisted just right and I got a sharp pain in my rib cage. I left the car where it was and the pain went away. Must have been a pinched nerve. Hard to say which one, I have a lot of nerve.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:25 AM

Wow! Thank youse guys! I did some of the stuff that I figured "couldn't hurt". Also, I found these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz2CAHJGZkQ&feature=related

http://www.stopbackpainguide.com/information/sciatica-exercises-you-can-do-at-home/

I read a bunch of net sites. Many said it can simply go away in a few days or weeks (or more). When I had it long ago, it was in the butt and it took months, including physio.

I am still going to see the doc and get a referral for physio, but I slept okay last night and I have FAR FAR less pain this AM... I actually slept until 7AM, but I guess I needed it.

Thanks again.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: jeddy
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:27 AM

the other drug that works wonders is: diclofenac... i might have spelt it wrong. it is a sronger form of anti inflamatory. she was also on dihidrocodine for a while, but went on to the fentanyl patches because of taking too many pills.

on both of these painkillers you can take parcetamol as well.

i hope this helps.

take care all

jade x x x

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Becca72
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 01:05 PM

Just make sure the sciatica isn't a symptom of something else...
I have lived with sciatica intermittently since my late teens and didn't think much about it. 2.5 years ago I had it for 3 weeks straight which was longer than any other bout I'd ever had...turns out I had a herniated disc.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 05:53 PM

Jeri and Kendall, I have had that very same pain. I saw the doctor and he couldn't give any advice other than 'its not your heart' which I have to say was a relief. I get sciatica on and off and have noticed it often flares up in the summer holidays. I had thought it was because I did jobs around the house but am now beginning to realise its because when I am not working I spend too much time sitting on the sofa! At work (if I get a chance to sit)I am on upright chairs which probably mean a better position.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:35 PM

Ducky... good advice... and, in addition, I might add that I bought a Lazy-Boy recliner prior to my last slice and dice on my neck so I could use it to sleep in while on the mend.

Well, that chair is too comfy. Watch late night TV and fal asleep in it... and your back suffers.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: nickp
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 04:45 AM

I used to suffer many years ago until I realised that it was keeping my wallet in my back pocket that caused it. Not that there was too much money in it! The opposite, I used to keep all sorts of junk in it as well the the necessaries. I've moved it to other pockets and all soon became well... thankfully, because it was not pleasant.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 03:20 PM

Worse after going to the physioterrorist today for second visit. I had NO pain when I went in, just some pins and needles in the bottom of the left foot.

Traction to ease the pain.Told him again I had no pain AND told him what traction did to me years ago... bad stuff.

We don't use a machine... I do it manually... is the easing the pain? Again, I said I don't have any pain.

Got pain. Traction ended. Pain eased right away.

Muscle pressure relaxation for the pain... again, I don't have any pain.

Pain. Pressure relaxation ended.

Taught me a stomach exercise and me to do it ten times and he left.

Came back in and said I would be hooked up to the zapper to temporarily ease the pain... no pain (WTF is this guy on?). No zapper for me thanks. He asked when my next appointment was scheduled... Thursday and then again Tuesday. Told me to skip Thursday and asked if I had any questions.

Nope.

16 minutes total.

Paid. Came home. Called and made appoitment for Thursday with another physio.

About a half hour later... NEW, different pain, AND some pins and needles in big toe and ball of the OTHER foot. And, some pain in my head... oooo me nerves.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: olddude
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 10:24 PM

5 back operations I am a bloody expert and I wish I wasn't
ok if nothing else works have the doctor hit it hard with cortisone
use the metrodl dose pack .. PM me . if you need a tens unit for the pain I will let you use mine

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 06:36 PM

Well all this talk of back pain and mine has returned with a vengeance! I'm currently in Whitby at a week long festival but doped up to the eyeballs. Trip to the GP when I get home me thinks.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 07:20 PM

Ducky... make sure someone is with you at all times. Walk slooooowww.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: olddude
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 09:26 PM

gary PM me your address, I will send you my tens nerve stimulator. It is a pain control device the docs give for basket cases like me. put the patches on crank up the volts and cover it with and ice pack ... it will take it down a notch ...

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 04:52 AM

Thanks, Dan, but I getting better, slowly but surely. I see the new physio today.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 11:07 AM

Let me know, you have my email if you need advice or help.
Dear God I know that pain ... and all the surgeries didn't help much but I can walk and fish so for that I am thankful.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:45 PM

Got back from seeing the new physio a short while ago...

NIGHT AND DAY!!!!

This guy made the other guy look like an ameteur. And, I know this is not nice and might seem cynical, but my feeling is the other guy cared more about my wallet than my sciatica.

I have a varied program of stretching and exercises to do, repleat with two pages of instuctions with pics. More to come on Monday with a further assessment at that time. He also explained things to me in a clear and concise manner... what, why, when... night and day!

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:53 PM

I am delighted to hear that Gary. It never helped me but the damage was so bad they had no choice but to implant all the rods and screws and bolts ... then when I messed up my neck they had to do the same thing there. ... that is wonderful news to hear that you are feeling better I was very concerned that you would have to go through that. I am glad that is not the case

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: gnu
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 04:13 PM

Thanks Dan.

The amount of assessment, diagnosis, prognoses, explantions, suggestions for future considerations, and other was a welcome relief which allayed my negative thoughts about the immediate future and my recovery. I could even put it into numbers... 57 minutes as opposed to 20 minutes (16 minutes on the second visit). AND, he actually listened to what I said.

Subject: RE: BS: Sciatica
From: olddude
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 05:40 PM

what they never tell you with back operations is after you have one and they do a fusion, it puts strain on the disks above and below the one they repaired so they pop ... and then the next ...etc ..
eventually you end up with a pile of surgeries and lots of steel implanted