How Do You Cope?

[lynbrown]

Im an elderly lady with painful sciatica.  I've tried various painkillers but I get too many side effects. I wear support stockings, use a TENS machine and try to walk every day. How do others cope with the pain? I'd love some helpful thoughts,or tips to keep my spirits up?  TIA

[bookbinder]

You have my sympathy, lynbrown. I do not suffer from sciatica, but I searched online, and I found this. I do hope that it helps.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/neck-and-back-problems-and-conditions/sciatica/

[curlyfries81]

Ibuprofen / Diclofenac Gel - ask your GP to prescribe. 

Hot water bottles are very helpful. 

 

[curlyfries81]

I do believe in the power of reflexology.  Try to find a Practitioner who will come to your home.

[Karamia]

I would recommend asking GP for a few acupuncture sessions. I was so sceptical at first but my pain relief was so dramatic after only one or two needles. Completely painless. Needles were put into lower leg and elbow to relieve pain in neck and shoulders. If you get someone who is good at this job they can work wonders. 

Nothing to lose. My pain relief lasted for years. 

[PsalmEquipt]

I recently endured and am now relieved from a lot of physical pain that was upon me. As many believers have experienced, I was encouraged by a specific Bible verse that seemed to be the theme for my healing. For me, it was Isaiah 58:6 "...to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free..."
The words of Yogi Berra also helped in keeping my spirits up. One of the things he said was, "The future ain't what it used to be."
As you continue to search for what will work for you, think in terms of your diet, exercise, and sleep. Chicken soup is a favorite for me, as I've found a variety I now order by the case.
You may also be encouraged by these victory sharings in health and healing. https://godswordworks.org/category/health-and-healing

[davebro3]

It's bloody hard to cope. I sometimes think that people who don't have chronic pain just don't realise what it's like.

Painkillers that aren't addictive and/or difficult to get a prescription for are largely ineffective. I've also tried a number of alternative therapies.

It wears you down and makes it difficult not to become depressed. I don't have an answer. I know that on my deathbed I won't be sorry to be going.

[Omg21]

Acupuncture didn't work for me but did for the friend who recommended it so it's not guaranteed to help but is worth a try.

[ubasses]

Have you tried physio, I remember being in such excruicuating  pain that I could not put the back of my thigh down on a soft chair.  A Physio found out where the problem was, and after treatment I am left with what is called liveable pain.  He also devised a rehab plan of of gentle exercises designed for for my 'genetically inflexible' body which I still do fairly regularly.

Not perfect but so much better. 

[Old_Geezer]

Would a weight loss programme help relieve the pain ?

Perhaps improving posture ?

 

I found I had fewer issues when I lost weight.

[gingejbee]

I was prescribed maximum dose diclofenac for several months while waiting for back surgery at my local orthopaedic hospital (several years ago). Had surgery.

Result...no more sciatic pain!