sciatica

[dee dee]

Hi all. For years I have suffered from sciatica with the pain varying from day to day. There have been pain free periods luckily but it seems to be starting again. Ever since having my daughter the pain has become more frequent due to the extra lifting, bending, kneeling, crawling ets etc.

I was only ever presribed voltaren by my gp and have never treated my pain in any other way. I do not like relying on medication and very very rarely pop a tablet, but today the pain has been so bad that I am in tears and have been very grumpy. I even resorted to taking voltaren which seemed to have no effect.

Does any one else suffer from this condition, and how do you deal with/ treat it?

Any help would be great,
thanks, dee dee

[aardvark]

There is a percentage of the population where the Sciatic Nerve actually passes through the middle of the Piriformis muscle in the buttocks, and it gets compressed, and causes pain. I suspect I am one of these people after talking to my chiropractor and masseur.

I find that I can manage sciatic pain by swimming, seeing a chiropractor regularly, and having regular remedial massage.

[Nick47]

I actually suffer from Piriformis syndrome which is the muscular equivalent to the nerve pain from sciatica- a lot of specialists actually mis-diagnose piriformis synd as Sciatica...I too used to be in tears with the pain and found voltaren absolutely useless. I used to pop Panedine Forte.

As they are so closely inter-related a few options that may alleviate some of your discomfort are...

get the end (the rounded end) of a screwdriver/ hairbrush or something about the width of two thumbs and REALLY deep massage the buttock- enough to warm the muscle
try rolling back and/or buttock over a tennis ball or similar
There are a couple of stretches that are good for both the nerve and the muscle- depends how far preg you are though as to whether you'll be able to do them . I'll attempt to explain them if you think they'll help you- just post back.

Like aardvark says swimming or anything in the pool is one of the best ways I know to manage this too.

hope the pain goes away

Nicki

[mummy929]

hi

Definately try massage (deep tissue) it really helps. I'm pregnant at the moment and am suffering with it. I know its horrible. but find a good massage therapist and stick to them.

[lisa&boys]

Hi
Yes Sciatica is the most debilatating condition one can have. I wouldmost agree with others replies. You need to find a massage therapist closeby and make regular appointment. if the therapist is good it should take much to fix. I usually have a 6 week turn around with my clients (i'm a qualified therapist). You will get home exercizes and stretches to do which will help maintain the muscles stretch and oxygenated form which will lower the time of pain.

If you need any further info please contact me as I can email you some home exercizes but you will need to find a therapist that can treat you to get full benefit and recovery.

hugs
Lisa

[melfunction]

Hi dee dee,

I too suffer the pain of sciatica. Mine is caused by a herniated disc in my lower back. Sometimes the pain is so bad, I can't put my leg on the ground. No good when you have a bubba to take care of.

Doctor offered me voltaren also, but as it is very cruel on the stomach lining, I don't take it. I also find the hefty painkilling drugs my dr prescribed, don't touch the pain either. I see a chiro once a week and that does help with the pain management. I also swim when I can and find the more gentle exercise I can do helps.

You need to try and find something that works for you and it may take time. Massage is always a good start.

[carls]

I would recommend trying chiropractic before resorting to too many painkillers. My mother has had problems with her sciatic nerve most of her life and has found chiropractic to be a godsend. :)

[dee dee]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I might try to find a good chiropractor in my area.
Nick 47 I wouldn't mind some extra info on those stretches/ exercises. I am not pregnant so I will be able to give them ago. Thanks.


dee dee

[tickle]

I had what they said was sciatica during my first preg and have found it is coming back now. Does anyone know why some people get it during preg? It went away basically straight after my son was born and now has returned at 11weeks preg with my second.

[Funkychicken]

I had what they said was sciatica during my first preg and have found it is coming back now. Does anyone know why some people get it during preg? It went away basically straight after my son was born and now has returned at 11weeks preg with my second.

It's interesting that some physical conditions only show up in pregnancy. Over the last two years I have put my back out-known as a bulging disc- twice and the pain was horrendous. After much physio i was back on my feet with a much lighter purse also. I then had a course of acupuncture (about 4 visits) and found this gave me much better long-term results. Since being pregnant this time (#3) I have found the area of pain beforehand is fine but I am feeling that dreaded sciatica pain on the opposite side of my back. Odd pregnancy thing. Anyway, to stop rambling, I have had over the last 3 weeks two sessions of bowen therapy which has been fantastic. It is low in manipulation and the best part is the therapist doesn't want to see you again unless the pain is still an issue. In other words the pain can be managed after 1-2 visits. This is much nicer on the purse strings! As a bonus, a knowledgeable therapist can give you/your partner some ideas on pressure points for pain management during labour. Good luck.
Sal-counting down in single weeks now!