Sciatica nerve in my leg

[lynbrown]

About 4 weeks ago, after pulling a heavy case around Paris, I damaged my sciatica nerve. The doc prescribed ibuprofen and pain killers. Sometimes the pain makes me want to groan and I cannot walk for more than 15 mins. Does anyone have any tips on helping it to heal?

[jack daniels]

REST! you'll end up inflaming it more & giving yourself lifetime problems
ibuprofen cream rubbed on the area and a compress may help

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.a spx?articleId=330§ionId=11

[lynbrown]

Thanks Jack but the web page you gave told me not to rest but to keep walking ! What do you think is best?

[jack daniels]

Don't overdo anything or lift heavy objects, take it easier. Rest it but not for long periods otherwise it'll feel as if it has seized.

hth x

[andy-hughes]

Find a good physio locally who can massage the pain out, and advise on resting / exercise for healing.

[LoftyLottie]

Agree with both Jack and Andy.

Get an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) and lay down for 15 mins with the pack on the painful area. It will help take down the inflammation and ease the pain. Hot compresses can relieve pain but don't take down the inflammation.

If you go to a physiotherapist they will apply an ice pack before going through some exercises with you. Don't try any exercises though before seeing a physio - you could do more harm than good.

Take things steadily and rest when you need to, but don't stay static for too long.

[Kimthurston]

You want to be careful that you have not suffered a prolapsed disc which is pressing on the sciatic nerve. This happened to me and, despite the GP telling me my disc was okay, for over a year it wasn't and I am now awaiting an operation to remove the offending disc. Go back to your GP and demand further investigation.

[sqad617]

Kimhurston is spot on: is the diagnosis:
1) prolapsed inter vertebral disc (PID)
2) lumbosacral strain
3) Fibrosits.
Treatment depends on diagnosis and so far the diverse advice given is fanciful to say the least.

Sciatica is a symptom NOT a disease.

Take Kimhurston's advice.

[yogasun]

Agree with Kimthurston and squad617
Mr. yogasun had severe sciatic symptoms and it was caused by a slightly bulging disc. This was solved by a microdiscectomy which shaved a fraction off of offending disc - end of all pain.
This was diagnosed from MRI scan. Important to get diagnosis right.