Only my Chiropractor has been able to help me.
My MIL had surgery for her Sciatica and now she doesn't feel up to doing things she used to do. She even missed my boys school concert last night.

My mom had a lot of sciatica and in her case, losing a good bit of weight helped - I guess it took the pressure off the nerve or changed her balance and pressures in her back? One friend, who was very thin, had to have surgery immediately because his leg kept collapsing with the pain. His recovery was very swift - I think it was less than a week. As far as dealing with the pain, my mom always said she couldn't stand up too long or sit too long, so she alternated her actiivities.

Sorry, I can't help with any suggestions as I have not had this or know anyone who has...but hoping you find relief soon....

I have never dealt with it but my daughter has. I have watched her in agony on several occasions. Recently we found something for her that really helps. It is a stretch band/brace that goes just below the knee on the side of the pain. We bought it at Wal-Greens (a drug store) for her. It is called "Be Active" and found in the As Seen on TV Section.. She said it hurts when you first put it on but within the first minute it starts relieving all the pain. Hope you can find one. We have recommended it to others and everyone swears by it once they try it. Best wishes, Susan

I have suffered with this for years and have found great relief in a simple way, which is why most people won't even try it. Get yourself a long strap, I used my bathrobe belt, lay flat on your back with the strap around your foot of the affected leg and raise the leg straight up. Do not force or hurt yourself. When you feel you have raised the leg as far as you can, without discomfort, go just a teeny bit more. Hold for a few seconds and do this several times a day. Later do it before getting out of bed or when you go to bed. You can also sit in a firm chair with another chair under the calf of your affected leg. Use a belt or strap, I first started with an old towel, wrapped around your foot, keep leg very straight, lean forward and pull slightly on the strap until you feel you can't go any more. Then pull just a teeny bit more. Hope this helps someone, it has helped me for years.

I suffered from this about 10 years ago. I couldn't sit or stand for any length of time. I mostly just sat in a big armchair and rested my back. I started doing exercises for it and it went away. [almost] Now before I get out of bed every morning I bring my knees up to my chest, and hold that position for a minute, then I raise my feet up to the ceiling and hold for a bit. I then lower my legs and with 1 knee bent pull that leg across the other, hold for a minute then switch to the other leg and do it again. Doing these simple exercises [stretches] every morning has kept me pain free for years now. I have also learned to pace myself and not work bent over in the garden all day.

I am not sure what I had, lots of pain particular when sitting in some sort of chairs, when getting up could hardly walk.

Been for Bowen treatment. Please Google this and you can read about it. Has helped me a huge amount. Was also told to stretch my body what I could hardly do feeling it at the bottom of my spine. But also so much better. Do give it if this is near you. Has helped lots of people I know with all sorts of problems too. Good luck. Was where you are and so glad I went and got this treatment.

Oh you poor thing. I do believe that it is very painful. Hope you manage to find some relief soon. Hugs Sarah.

Sciatica can be very debilitating. My first attack was during my pregnancy 34 years ago. My Dr, was not concerned. Poor posture while sitting is a common culprit. I found that frequent walking--not marching--with military precise posture helped. I sometimes use an exercise ball at my computer and sewing machine to aid in proper posture when the pain begins to redevelop. I hope you find relief soon.

I SUFFER WITH SCIATICA.I TAKE A HOT BATH WITH EPSOMSALT THEM I GET HB TO RUB THE PAINFUL AREA WITH TIGER BALM BUT MAKE SURE YOUR BACK IS DRY.I PUT A FLANEL MATERIAL OVER THE TIGER BALM.I WILL LYE IN THE FEATAL POSITION WITH A HEATING PAD FOR 15 MIN THEN ICE 15,,I ALSO FOUND USINGING A COMPRISION GARMENT HELPS.LIKE SPANKES..ALSO WALIKING HELPS..I HOPE THIS HELPS..I REALEY FEEL SORRY FOR YOU..I KNOW HOW BADE IT HURTS..LUCY

Please read my comment to lori2. I have dealt with Sciatica for a long time now. My back is also in bad shape and the exercises Lori mentioned are the ones my P.T. has Me to do. They are the only ones I can manage with my back like it is. Sometimes it takes several days to get relief but these will help you if done every day at least twice daily/Lillian/

my mum had to have a cortisone [is that the spelling?] injection in the end, as she was partly paralyzed.

Hi Jan........boy, am I sorry to hear this.......I still have a numb spot on my leg from my attack last September.....I had to catch an hour of sleep at a time in a recliner for over a month.....I had 2 epidurals that did not work......another cutie suggested I get a tens machine and hallelujah, it does make a difference....I use it everywhere, back, leg, shoulders....was worth the investment.....I got it on ebay very inexpensively......you should have a doctor or therapist set it up for you to use at home.........good luck, my friend, I know exactly what you are going through.........

I had this many years ago and I know your pain. Just be thankful that you do not have fibromyalgia. It is the most debilitating condition I have ever endured.

Hi Jan, I would suggest seeing a chiropractor. When I have pain I do the pelvic tilt(google it), also I have 2 belly dancing moves and a tai chi exercise (hip circles) that adds to the regiment, as when I am in enough pain, I will do something about it. The belly dancing is pretty much hip circle 8's in both directions, forward and back and side to side. There is nothing worse than nerve pain and restless leg syndrome is the ultimate!

I also had an operation to release the nerve worked well at the time but have got further problems- one specialist gave me this advise-disc problems often start from people not keeping themselves hydrated-ie not drinking enough water . Also when you garden don't just stand up and stretch - walk in a circle before bending again,also if you are sitting in a chair and drop something don't just bend off the chair to pick it up get up and then bend . sorry to hear you have this but apparently it is becoming very common even in people in their twenties

Hi

For my fibromyalgia I went to a physiotherapist 3 times a week, for about 3 years. It really helped - my fibromyalgia went into regression? and only flared up when I was in severe stressful situations, or overtaxed my body.

I also found it helps to get into a warm bed when I had a bad flareup, and also never to do anything (exercises) in excess. Never overtax your body, but take things slowly.

Easier said than done... But if it is posiible at all, listen to your body and take things slowly. Also see if you can teach yourself to ignore pain - that is what I ended up doing, else I do not know how I would have survived the chronic pain. (I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and back problems combined with fibromyalgia.)

May God give you the strength to cope.

Best wishes
Anneliese

I use a chiropractor who uses electric stimulation before the adjustment.
Works wonderfully for me and I did not have to have back surgery.

SQ