Sciatic nerve

[shazzafloyd]

Hi I recipient's badly hurt my back and herniated a disc. What's people's advice on coping please

[Munroist]

Sciatica normally gets better over time although can take a while and can come back while you are recovering. Generally you need to keep moving but gently, while avoiding the things that might aggravate the herniated disc. This means avoid lifting heavy objects, avoiding excessive twisting especially if you are carrying anything. You need to make sure your spine is kept in a straight neutral position so sleeping on a supportive mattress and sitting properly in a decent chair with some lumbar support. If things are very painful then some pain relief can help to avoid tensing up which can make it worse. Paracetamol is generally least impacting , ibuprofen is good but not for longer than a few days ideally because it can cause stomach issues, and if really bad your doctor may prescribe codeine for short periods. You should try to keep active but reduce anything which stresses your back to give it a chance to heal. Backs are generally strong and will often heal, even herniated discs, so an operation will normally be a last resort if things are dangerously bad. Recovery rates for people who don’t have surgery are similar to those who do, indicating that the surgery may not have much benefit and can introduce risks and complications. Look at NHS advice as well, don’t panic, take your time, take regular rests e.g. lying down, and maybe look at relaxation techniques such as meditation. Good luck.

nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/

By the way you posted on the Restless Legs forum. Is that what you intended?

[thorp in reply to Munroist]

related to Munroist query.

If ,because of other illness, you are unable to walk at night, what can an RLS sufferer do?

any advice would be much appreciated

thank you

[Munroist in reply to thorp]

For me stretching helps a bit. I do 10 calf stretches (bent knee to stretch the soleus) 10 with straight knee to get the hams, 10 more touching toe ham stretches and 10 quad stretches (heel to buttock). If you can’t walk that might still be beyond you though. Quad stretch can be done lying down and you might be able to do hamstring stretches seated, legs out, reaching for your toes. However if you don’t already stretch then be careful and take it slowly , don’t want to add a strain to everything else!

[SueJohnson]

Interestingly gabapentin can help with sciatica pain. Are you taking it for RLS?

[Lcdrrn in reply to SueJohnson]

I recently injured my back and was told to take Gabapentin along with steroids. Was already on Gaba. for RLS but Dr increased dose for a week.