Sciatica

[Christipoppy]

My first post on here. I'm at the end of my tether. I've had a bad attack of sciatica for the pat 11 weeks (who's counting) I have taken all sorts of pain killers including Tramadol but nothing is working. I don't know where to go from here. I am due to go on holiday April 11 but will not be walking far it's too painful.

[Jillypops2]

Poor you! I too suffer with bouts of Sciatica ....... I had an injury years ago from a fall and paying for it now I'm older! ..... I too have been in your situation of due due to go on holiday when it starts up.

The best help for me is from my chiropractor - he does some massage, some gentle manipulation and also acupuncture which really helps. I usually find two sessions a week apart settles it down.

I suggest you find your nearest registered chiropractor and give it a try......ask if they do acupuncture too

Another handy thing to help ....buy a roll on Biofreeze

[Christipoppy in reply to Jillypops2]

Thank you. I normally visit my chiropractor once a month but have not found any relief this time. I will try the Biofreeze and acupuncture.

[flamenca1]

Poor you. I know exactly how you feel. I to was due to go on holiday but had to cancel as it was to Malaysia and some days I could not out my foot to the ground.

I was unable to get out of bed and had to lie still. I tried all medications. Oromorph was the only thing that worked but sometimes you are housebound. I was desperate so went to a private Consultant would said I needed an MRI to see what was happening. Went private for that to. It showed I had a spur (bone) growing at L4/5. He did a nerve root block which lasted 5 weeks. Then He operated and shaved it. Perfect. Good luck.

[Christipoppy in reply to flamenca1]

Thank you. I have had a MRI and have a pain clinic appointment for 5th April but it's keeping going until then that is my problem. I think I shall try to find an acupuncturist.

[Hope100]

Poor you I can i no how you feel! I no it's not a long term thing but diazepam works but can only be used in short turn, don't no if you tried it! Also I have a tens machine that helps! These are only short term solutions, but I'd try anything for a bit of pain relief. Hope this helps.

[Christipoppy in reply to Hope100]

Thank you. Have tried my tens machine but it's only very short term relief but at present 10 minutes are better than none.

[olly17man]

Hi Christipoppy 11 weeks is a long time to have continuous sciatica. I would ask if you could have an X-ray. I had it for three months before the consultant agreed to one and it was found that I had a ruptured disc. It meant an operation but it did the trick! Don't just suffer in silence!! Good luck!

[Christipoppy in reply to olly17man]

Thank you. I have seen my GP again and we are now going to try Gabapentin so wish me luck.

[flamenca1 in reply to Christipoppy]

You can try Gabapentin but I was and still am, on Pregablin (sister to Pregablin). It did nothing for me. The MRI should have shown the cause of the sciatica. It is the worst pain ever. I was housebound for weeks. Good luck.

[olly17man in reply to Christipoppy]

Good luck Christipoppy - it's worth a try!

[Christipoppy]

I am, at last, coming out of this latest bout of sciatica. No intense pain for three days just the aftermath tender areas on my legs, which I know will fade. I feel after 3months with my life on hold I can start to live again. No medication helped with the pain. One simple movement, found on a sciatica help site, was useful. This involved lifting the ankle to the opposite knee thus relieving the pressure on the nerve. Now each time I feel the tingle down my leg I do this and it's not been followed by pain.

[whit]

a few years ago i was in constant pain from sciatica , my doc just kept on giving me pain killers, which were as good as taking smarties . i insisted on a scan , and, reluctantly she sent me for one , and, lo and behold i had a bone spur at the bottom of my spine . it was operated on and ever since i have been pain free, you might ask your doc togo for ascan see what happens

[Christipoppy in reply to whit]

Thank you for your reply. I had an MRI scan on 2/2/17 and have an appointment next week for assessment at the pain clinic when I should get some answers. I am going on holiday in two weeks so hope this particular bout is over.