Newby Back Siatica Pain Help??

Hi Guys Im a Newbie to this sit I get back and related Siatica pain was wondering what you guys find to be helpful any advice wanted thanks in advance,

Shane,

Welcome to the board.  I'm sorry you are dealing w/ back pain.... especially sciatica!  I have that - it can be miserable! 

Things that work for me for the sciatic nerve pain - trying not to stay in the same position for long lengths of time.  That's usually what causes this pain to flare for me.

I take nerve medication that helps somewhat.  I've used an anti-inflammatory.  I have lidocaine patches that I use that help numb the area a  bit, and that can help.  I've used heat (heating pad) or ice before. 

This sounds crazy (but when you are in pain - you are desperate and will do anything!).... but I find "counter-pressure" works well when the pain is at it's worst.  I've had my husband do deep tissue massage.... and I've even used a tennis ball (or something similar) to give that counter-pressure.  Sometimes, it will give just enough relief to make it tolerable. 

That's all I can think of right now.  Maybe others will have some other suggestions.  I AM sorry you are suffering w/ this!  But I'm glad you found your way to the board.... .and hope to see you more.

Take care -- Tina

I have sciatic pain due to piriformis syndrome... so the mechanism is a bit different for me than it may be for you.

Others have mentioned some helpful suggestions. I get sciatic pain typically form sitting, which will inflame the piriformis muscle. So, getting up and stretching helps.

But my PT showed me a stretch one time that she said will help most sciatic conditions. If you stretch a nerve, it can momentarily stop transmitting. So, if you do a standard hamstring stretch, you can also stretch the sciatic nerve too. If you're able, try a gentle hamstring stretch and see if that helps.