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Posted 3/1/2012 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

Can anyone suggest ways of how best to relieve sciatica? When I have a very bad attack or one that has lasted more than a few days I take Tramadol and/or Naproxen.

I also use essential oils, arnica spray, ibuprofen gel and sports cooling gel. I stretch regularly and try and keep up with exercising 4 or 5 times a week. I tend to have sciatic symptoms 24/7, I just grade something as an attack if the pain get's too much to bear without meds and /or my mobility is compromised to the point of not being able weight bear.

Would very much like to hear from others who live with painfull conditions all or most of the time.

I feel lonley and isolated as I keep most of what I experience to myself.

thanks for listening

realstar  smurf

Posted 3/1/2012 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi realstar, and welcome to the Chronic Pain forum.

I can relate to your pain - I have several problems, but currently dealing with sciatic type pain (L4/L5 distribution - I have disc bulges at that level but they don't appears to be compressing). It's horrendous, and not much touches it when it gets bad. Moist heat does help the leg pain a little bit - I use wheat bags. I'm on Topamax and Oxycontin for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - my main problem - and I use Endone for breakthrough... that does help a little with the pain.

Is it just one leg or both? Have you had any imaging done to check whether there is anything going on in your back, or whether it's due to muscle problems like piriformis syndrome? Does a piriformis stretch help to relieve the pain significantly?

I hope that you can get some pain relief

Laura
Posted 3/2/2012 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Realstar and welcome to the chronic pain forum. I just have a question for you, are you still doing your normal exercise routine when you have the flare-ups of sciatica? If so, I wonder if the exercise is aggravating it? Have you cleared it with your dr doing the exercise during this time?

Just a little food for thought. Exercise is a must especially for those of us that suffer with CP, but I would make sure with sciatica going on. Take care.
Posted 3/2/2012 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there straydog

I have flare ups of sciatica regardless whether I exercise or not. Been working out for 14 years and have examined the relationship between my sciatica and exercise extensively. If only it was that simple.

hope you're well

realstar
Posted 3/2/2012 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there Laura

I get it in both buttocks, sometimes at the same time but mostly one or the other. It does run down the side of my leg. Yes it is connected to piriformis syndrome. The priformis stretch does help as does propreoceptor facilitation. However it usually take many hours of repeatedly doing both these things to get any relief.

I have had an MRI but beyond that no real help. I have scoliosis and spina-bifiad occulta and I am aware that both these conditions make sciatica more likely. I just wish I could find a buttock specialist *lo* and get some proper indepth advice or treatment on how best to tend to ll the muscles of the bum.

hope you're well

realstar
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