Pain relief - alternative methods?

[chazza]

My friend has a bulged disc in the spine and sciatica down the left leg. he has been to hs GP and got pain relief and to a physio, but is not improving any. Are there any other methods or suggestions anyone would have?

I have suggested reflexology but even I am sceptical of it!

[YvonneM]

Several years ago my husband had the same problem he had 2 visits to the osteopath and had almost instant relieve

[Siamsal]

I had this. On and off for a decade or more. I had chiropractors (dreadful - made it worse), osteopaths (made it feel better for a while), GPs, painkillers, loads of time off work.

It finally got so bad I had to take the plunge and have it fixed. I've had a few minor twinges since, but nothing major, and I count myself cured. I've had a much nicer life since and really can do anything I want (age and old bones permitting).

[chazza]

How did you have it fixed siamsal? Operation?

[Siamsal]

Yes, discectomy.

I tell you, I often think it's a blessing to be pain free. The surgeon transformed my life.

[chazza]

See they wont do this operation on him cos they say he's too young for that

[Siamsal]

Too young? I've heard of too old, but too young. How old is he?

It's not very common for the very young to do this sort of damage, they have the muscle strength to protect the discs. How did he do it?

[chazza]

Mid 20s

[Siamsal]

Then I think you are being fobbed off. I was first offered the op in my late 20s, but I wasn't as badly off as I became later, so I turned it down. (There is a risk that it can make things worse)

The second best 'treatment' I had was rest. This happened in my late 20s. I had 4 (I think) months off work. I spent 4 weeks almost all in bed (I know they say you shouldn't!) and several weeks after that doing almost nothing, not stressing my back at all, no sitting about, no work, no bending. I recovered well, and didn't have any trouble for several years after that, until it recurred. I think once you have the damage, it never goes away.

Thirdly, try yoga. Several other people have recommended this in other Qs, and I agree. It helps me, I'm sure.