sciatica

[Mailin]

I an a 70 year old male and have had sciatica for at least 2 weeks,the doctor has prescribed paracetamol and codiene tablets and ibuprofen.These tablets are having little effect told the doctor but just told to carry on taking the tablets and use a ice pack.I was offered a telephone appointment in 3 weeks time with the physiotherapist but didn’t want to bother with that as I have too much pain.have tried ice,heat,limited exercise,various creams but with no or little effect.Any advice greatly appreciated because the pain/discomfort is really getting me down.

[Madlegs1]

There are good stretches on YouTube to relieve sciatica.

Mainly the glutes.

It will go after a while, but is very debilitating.

[Mailin in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you for your advice ,sorry for such a long post but it’s really getting me down now,I will take a look at YouTube.

[Happyrosie]

and adding to Madlegs … the various arthritis charities have pointers to this and that. But it does take time!

[Shusky]

Have you considered trying acupuncture? Some physiotherapists offer it alongside some exercises. Good luck x

[Cyclejoan]

I have a nerve problem similar to sciatica but my pain management consultant advised that codiene paracetamol and nsaids don’t work on nerve pain and they don’t. Try acupuncture. Or you may need a nerve block procedure which I am waiting for. Good luck. Joan

[bamboo89]

Pity you didn't go to the physio, that might have been useful. Certainly painkillers don't work on nerve pain, but check out this video below - its a bit long winded but fully describes the anatomy involved with a couple of initial exercises to do, I found it very useful

youtu.be/D_RG1tT1ZKQ(Not working as expected?)

[Orladog]

I have had sciatica several times over the years, the last starting July last year. It is very difficult to cope with and there is no quick fix . I have found that gentle walking really helps (even if it hurts when you start). Ibuprofen and Paracetomol did take the edge off for me, as well as ibuprofen gel that you massage in. Also an ice pack for 30 mins followed by a warming pack (the ones you heat in the microwave) for as long as you like. You should also make sure your chair is supportive so you sit upright. It can take some time for the pain to ease but it does eventually improve. Physiotherapy is very helpful if you can get it, especially once the pain lessens.

[ChrissiG]

I have been suffering with sciatica on and off for a couple of years. Also low back pain. My GP sent me for an MRI which shows some collapsed discs pressing on nerves. I’ve now been referred to the spinal unit at the hospital for treatment (hopefully!) Possibly injections or burning the affected nerves away.

Maybe worth asking your GP about an MRI especially if you also have back pain. I would try the physio too. It does seem counterintuitive when you’re in severe pain but can really work well.

[jkd06 in reply to ChrissiG]

Hi Chrissi G, I have had a microdiscetcomy in the past and also Cortisone epidural which happily worked. I am now on my 4th bout of severe sciatica. Have just had an MRI and waiting to see what treatment the surgeon may advise. What do you mean by 'burn the affected nerves away'? Did you mean they may laser the disc prolapse...?

[ChrissiG in reply to jkd06]

my sister had injections into the nerve at the base of her spine which worked so they then burned the offending nerve away for a more permanent solution. Her symptoms were tingling down the back and into her legs. Sorry but I don’t know what the procedure is called - or whether I will be offered it - until I’ve seen the consultant.

[ChrissiG in reply to ChrissiG]

Just looked it up and it’s called nerve ablation.

[jkd06]

Hi Mailin, I feel your pain! I am a long time sufferer from sciatica, having had severe bouts 4 times. If you are in the UK, the GP will not send you for a scan, or refer you to a constultant fo r quite some time, if at all. If this is the first time you have done this, the prognosis is that it will right itself within 10-12 weeks or less. They will only advise physio. The best you can do is to try to walk a little each day, and I would not do any stretches which seem to aggravate the nerve. There are so many silly videos on You Tube, uploaded by people who have never had sciatica. In terms of drugs.. I was once so bad I insisted on getting prescribed Oxycontin and Diazepam, That was in 2010, and pretty extreme as I was in agony and could not walk. This time I am on amiltryptiline 1 x 25mg, and codeine 60mg x 2. Amiltryptiline seems to be the preferred choice, it takes a few weeks and upping the dose but it has relieved the pain a great deal for me. I would avoid pregrabilin and gabapentin if possible as the side effects are pretty bad. Best of luck, I really hope it resolves quickly by itself...

[Mailin in reply to jkd06]

Thank you for your help and advice,it just makes me so tired and frustrated that I can’t do much.

[b1b1b1]

I believe there are very good exercises that relieve sciatica. You need to see a physical therapist. Your doctor should have sent you to one, and it should be an in person visit.

[Shar28]

Hi, seeing a chiropractor really helped me when I had sciatica, far more than a physio or osteopath. And they can refer you for a private MRI, for about £250.

As for pain relief, just paracetamol as I was pregnant at the time. The opiods don't really help and arent really recommended any more but there are drugs which help with nerve root pain.

Best wishes.

[AgedCrone]

See the physio …..sciatica can really linger on & with luck seeing a physio who can examine you ,& then give you some simple movements to carry out that will relax whatever is causing the problem.

I’m afraid other options are just slow waiting games……physio can be the fast track.