Sciatica My Nemesis

[Iceland1974]

Hi all , completed run 3 week 5 today and outside in the sunny weather too 😀 Enjoyed the 20 minutes especially as I passed the 10 min mark, was smoother and breathing became better. My problem is when I get home and spend time seated or standing still, my sciatica shoots pain all down my right leg , does not seem to give me a minute niggle free , just keeps throbbing . I was wondering if any other folk have sciatica problems/advice , would be appreciated . Funny thing is the only thing that stops the pain is movement so running actually helps , it don't hurt when running so guessing it helps . Thanks for forum as its been an informative tool and guide , plus a good read . 😊 👍

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Ouch! That’s a horrible pain & I have been there! I was medicated by my GP, given specific exercises to do & told to keep moving.. I was advised not to run until the meds were working & they take a few weeks to kick in.. so it was gentle walking & then restarting C25K a few months later. I have had no further trouble & was able to wean off the drugs completely. It’s worth getting it checked out as it often originates from a problem elsewhere.

[Iceland1974 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

appreciated many thanks

[Beach_runner Graduate]

I would recommend a sports massage therapist. I had similar issues, although long before I was running. The pain was caused by tight piriformis muscles. Stretching and massage cured it, although I still ensure I regularly stretch it. Loads of resources on you tube etc for suitable exercises. Good luck.

[Iceland1974 Graduate in reply to Beach_runner]

Good advice , Thanks a million 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Ouch, I really feel your pain... I had a trapped sciatic nerve, ( not caused by running related events), and it is horrible.

We are not medical experts, but it may be a piriformis problem...there are some very simple exercises which you may choose to try, but a visit to your GP or a sports physio might be your first port of call.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

My problem was prolonged, sitting or lying down was a problem, standing wasn't. We are all different...this is why the correct diagnosis is so important.

I will give you a link though which may at some point be helpful... it was given to me by a valued and very experienced runner on the forum and I did the exercises, regularly and got my first night's sleep in three weeks... it continued to improve. A fair few runners over my years have used this and found it helpful.

I will PM it to you... if you wish.

I do stress though, that getting an expert to give you a diagnosis is the best plan.

Do, please let us know how you go on?

[Iceland1974 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for advice and please send any link that may help its truly appreciated 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Will do.x

[kjs81]

Do you know what the root cause of the sciatica is? For me it’s a bulging disc, and unfortunately I had to stop running altogether as it’s too jarring for disc problems. If you know the cause, maybe see a decent physio for further advice?

[Iceland1974 Graduate in reply to kjs81]

I don't know cause just had it a few years now , sometimes goes but been hanging around a few months this time , thanks for advice .