Sciatica

[glasfryn]

I won't bore you with any details but I had what my doctor said was lumbago for years
eventually went to hospital where the consultant threatened to throw me out until I had a cosisystagramm (s) which showed I had two discs slipped in different directions and had the OP next day
don't let the NHS fob you off, ask for an x-ray.
in those days you could not sue the bar-stewards who let me suffer for over 20 years because they could not be bothered
I really do feel your pain and hope you have a good doctor

 

[albion534]

All these people do realise I'm being sarcastic?

 

[JBD]

I had it about 12 years ago. Carried on working ended up falling off a roof, off work for 3 months,went to a physio at Withdean who put it down to tight hamstrings. Now swim every day all's well.

 

[Midfield Minton]

Pills and the rest only work for a short time if the damage is bad,I had it for over two years with numbness in feet and legs having a shit was murder trying to sit down,after scans and four epidurals they found the nerve was trapped in scar tissue so none of the treatments would work,had a microdiscectomy and no pain since,

Anyone else have crazy times with tramadol

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

pot, kettle, black. We're you bullied as a child?

were you
regards
DR

 

[BN9 BHA]

What medication or exercise helps dull the pain? Any experiences?

Medication- have a word with @ The Kid Frankie

See the substance abuse thread, I'm sure someone at the match tomorrow will sort you out

 

[blue'n'white]

Been to physios without much success until she suggested acupuncture. After a few treatments that did work and did keep it away for a few months.
I've been taking ibuprofen and heavy duty co-codamol which didn't work so I stopped.
The specialist says it is my back that is the problem and the physio says I've got very tight hamstrings.
I have every sympathy as it's agony.
Going on to the tramadol issue - I took them for hip pain and they didn't work either. Didn't have any crazy times at all though I know a few people that did.

 

[The Mole]

Firstly, you have my sympathy - it's a horrid complaint. I suffered with it for a few months about six years ago. There are many different causes - I think mine was stress-related - although there must have been something physical as well. Some back exercises helped a bit. It was very difficult to find a posture where I could relax.

Cocodomol helped me get some sleep.

I hope it goes away soon

 

[The Camel]

I never really experienced pain until I had sciatica.

What I previously thought was a 10 pain, was actually about a 2.

Now sciatica. That's a ****ing 10. Absolute agony and no relief

I must admit not much helped, although I did find the pain was at its lowest when driving.

The only thing I can say is hang on in there, although it seems right now it will go on forever, it does go away eventually.

For me it wascomplete unbearable agony to pain free in about 8 weeks.

Good luck.

 

[1066familyman]

Been to physios without much success until she suggested acupuncture. After a few treatments that did work and did keep it away for a few months.
I've been taking ibuprofen and heavy duty co-codamol which didn't work so I stopped.
The specialist says it is my back that is the problem and the physio says I've got very tight hamstrings.
I have every sympathy as it's agony.
Going on to the tramadol issue - I took them for hip pain and they didn't work either. Didn't have any crazy times at all though I know a few people that did.

To cut a long story short...

...after years of back problems, including sciatica, a pilates video that, among other things, emphasised the importance of stretching out hamstrings was the best discovery I ever made

For tennis elbow I discovered a short youtube acupressure video that was just a few simple steps to follow and the difference it made in clearing up tennis elbow was amazing!

This is the bloke, and here's his one for sciatica. I haven't needed to try this one myself, but got to be worth a try for those with sciatica as you won't do any damage if it doesn't work for you:

[yt]NiTqfTf8b0c[/yt]

 

[Steve in Japan]

OP has my sympathies. Everyone is different, but what works for me is stretching - hamstrings yes, but especially glutes. There's an "ankle on the knee" exercise which I found effective.

 

[JCL666]

To alleviate the pain I used ibuprofen and kinseio tape.
The tape is that multi coloured stuff you see stuck all over footballers and athletes.

However you should definitely see a physio.

 

[Weststander]

Painkillers in the short term.
But get the ball rolling with a plan with your GP.
Physio etc, but then might need injections, if no luck then finally surgery. Much less invasive now and friends were working 3 weeks later.

 

[Dolph Ins]

Exercise is best. My Chiro told me to stop sitting on the sofa. I haven't sat on 1 for a couple of years and have a lot less problems. I don't know if that is the reason but might be worth a try

 

[piersa]

There are a lot of people on here that clearly lack any knowledge on the subject. Bite the bullet and pay to see someone who is qualified to diagnose your problem properly. Avoid the GP unless you need pain killers.

 

[Stat Brother]

My office has diagnosed me with sciatica.

Does anyone have anything else to add, for short term relief, beyond painkillers and manning up?

 

[knocky1]

Concentrating on short term relief may take your mind off the problem but I wouldn't recommend that in the office. Unless your into danger w***ing.

Speedy recovery, I hope.

 

[Pistol Knight]

Had this & its not funny

I was given Dicloflex by my Dr and had physio, exercising didnt help it, or didnt make it worse, it something that will just go with time, its basically a nerve trapped in a muscle, relax the muscle, the nerve slips out, I NEVER want it again, but once you have had it it will be more likely to return
http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/ViewPil.aspx?DocID=26835

 

[neilbard]

10 bottles of this should suffice!

+ Some sort of painkiller!

 

[El Sid]

My office has diagnosed me with sciatica.

Does anyone have anything else to add, for short term relief, beyond painkillers and manning up?

I was talking to a nurse yesterday who told me her fella uses a sort of minty udder cream for pain relief.
I suffer myself and tried most pain killers, so I've ordered Mint Ease from Amazon. Allegedly it cools then warms the muscles in the back.
Anything is worth a try. It should arrive tomorrow - I will report my findings.