Sciatica

[quizzywig]

Last Thursday I suddenly developed pain in my lower back - used ibuprofen rub but to no effect. I went to the doctors Friday and it is as Mr Q suspected sciatica/trapped nerve - never had this before and do not want it again. I've been prescribed Naproxen and co-codamol, I'm using deep freeze and tiger balm but it's taking some shifting! I'm not too bad during the day - standing is lovely, sitting down needs cushions but going to bed it dreadful. I'm using extra pillows and a rolled up towel under the knee but I wake alot in the night and give up totally any time after 4am (I've sent Mr Q to the spare room so he can get a good nights sleep at least). I know its early days with sciatica but I'm getting to where I'm absolutely dreading going to bed!

[Sqad]

Sciatica isn't going to settle down in just over 2 days,
Be patient and keep on with your Drs suggested management.

[woofgang]

Could you sleep sitting up in a chair?

[sandyRoe]

You were very fortunate, Butcherhog. Blessed, some might say. But the rest of us have to rely on more conventional treatments. From experience I know that sciatica takes quite a while to start clearing up.

[quizzywig]

I know it takes time Sqad, just needed an early morning moan!
Butcherhog, that sounds very interesting. woofgang, not sure about a chair - I'm presuming you mean an armchair, we only have settees but I'm sure its worth propping myself up if it helps.
Thank you all.

[Sqad]

\\\\\I know it takes time Sqad, just needed an early morning moan!\\\

;-)

[Mosaic]

Lots f gentle rubbing / massage of the back where the pinched nerve is, and very gentle stretching, will also help alongside all of the above.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/low-back-pain-exercises.aspx
You will not be able to do very much at first, but trying even a little will help in the long term.

[emmie]

how does one know where the pinched nerve is?

[Birdbrain62]

I had sciatica a few years ago, went to phsio etc. one even told me to sit on a squashball. (I hope laughing doesnt hurt). But nothing was doing any good.
Thats when i discovered the Bowen technique, if you can find a pratitioner in your area I wholeheartedly recommend that you try it. Mine was using a room at the local health centre and it was my doctor who suggested that i give it a try when all else failed.
I've been back for frozen shoulder treatment and also friends have been for many more ailments it really does work. Either way hope you're feeling better soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChD_PwkVJhk&feature=youtu.be

[woofgang]

quizzy, the reason that sitting is less painful than lying down (well one of) is that your knees are bent instead of being straight. Long sitting (hips at 90 degrees and legs straight is hardest on the back and sitting with bent knees on a flat surface is also hard on the back because you have to bend the hips beyond 90 degrees. try, if you can, and just for now, sitting upright with something under your feet so they are 8 to 12 inches off the floor but your knees are still bent, hips at no more than 90 degrees. It should help you get some comfort.

[woofgang]

this website is worth a look too. Watch the videos and read the instructions carefully before you try anything and then go slowly with what is suggested. I have no link with it, I found it by chance. The knee techniques described sorted my very painful knee caused by stepping knee deep in a mud hole while dog walking.
http://www.do-it-yourself-joint-pain-relief.com/sciatica-pain-relief.html#Intro

[quizzywig]

Thanks woofgang and everyone, I'm very grateful. I will try to keep my feet raised when sitting down. Will keep you posted!