amytripline

[kingharold11]

The sciatica won't go away so I am now taking naproxen plus paracetamol and amytripline at night. I am also on the phisios waiting list. I can't think what else to do. Everything I have read on the internet says keep active keep walking (laugh laugh) I am in such pain I can't walk for more than a few hundred yards and then I have to sit down. I have also done the exercises that are recommended they hurt as well. Nothing would give greater pleasure than to be able to walk properly when I want . Wendy The good side is I am gradually getting down the steroids and both I and my rheumy think the PMR has gone.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I really do recommend you seek out a Bowen therapist - I was a bit reluctant to push it for a long time but back before last Christmas I nagged a friend with GCA to contact my therapist. The friend was confined to bed, she could just about struggle to the upstairs loo using her zimmer frame. She visited my Bowen lady, was supported on one side by a friend and a walking stick on the other to cross the pavement from the car to the salon where Joanna has a room - the zimmer didn't fit in the friend's car, my friend couldn't drive. After a one hour session she left the salon with her friend and got in the car. The friend had to go back to fetch the walking stick!

She had 3 sessions over a few weeks and has now graduated to monthly sessions. One day she was on her way out and an elderly gentleman was waiting his turn. He greeted her, commenting she had been to Joanna - and said "I have no idea what it is she does, but she keeps me upright and mobile. That'll do for me."

It was the only thing that kept me mobile at all in the 5 years I had PMR without being diagnosed and is a very gentle therapy - no cracking backs or crunching joints. My first therapist was a lecturer in sports medicine and Bowen and she explained the theory. I understand what it is they say they are doing. My head says it is a bit alternative. My heart - because of my experiences - says it works so who cares why.

A good therapist will tell you that you will know after 3 sessions if it will help. Many know after a single session as my friend did. Myofascial pain syndrome is common alongside PMR - Bowen is the gentlest way of mobilising the trigger points. You may feel very PMR-ish after the first session - I knew there was something going on but I didn't feel ill as such. You need to drink LOADS of water after a session and that helps a lot.

But do try it - it has fewer side effects than drugs!

[paddyfields]

Gabapentin used for neuropathic pain often does it for sciatic pain as the nerve can remain irritated after the original trigger has been dealt with.

[MoiraCT]

After my PMR went into remission I still had problems walking any distance or uphill, due to sciatica-type pain. I had monthly sessions of myofacial release which did hurt, but they were very effective. Before I went for a pelvic floor operation I was happily walking 5 miles at a time. Since the op I've been a bit laid up (all went well, but recovery much slower than I expected). I now find the sciatic pain is back when walking even short distances. Had been planning to go back for more myofacial massage, but now quite tempted by what PMR Pro has said about Bowen therapy. One way or the other I'm getting this sorted!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MoiraCT]

You have my sympathy Moira - I find I have flares of the MPS after anything that means me lying in a funny position or on a dodgy bed. Even the wrong pillow will do it! And a pelvic floor op would fulfil all those criteria!

Our back muscles put up with a lot and compensate awfully well but eventually there is one pull too many and they say "Sod it!" and have a sulk.

I have combined both myofascial release and Bowen when it has been bad enough to warrant it. The release technique also seems to make the results of the Bowen last much longer - because it is a chronic problem I used to go back every 6 months or so for a refresher. And the Bowen is good for all over, not just the hurty bits

[MoiraCT in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Eileen, I hadn't thought of having them both. Info on the web says don't do anything else while having a course of Bowen Therapy, so I think I will go for a couple of myofacial release sessions first, then try Bowen. As you say it sounds as if it would help generally.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MoiraCT]

Well they would wouldn't they But what they don't know and all that...

My lady didn't like you doing anything else too close - she didn't even like having Bowen sessions too close together. I alternated a Bowen session with an osteopath visit once and it worked really fast. But usually the Bowen session achieved all I needed to not be in agony.

[honeyadams]

The only relief I have ever gotten from sciatica attacks is by going to the chiropractor. Getting everything put back into alignment provided quick recovery every time.