Sciatica

[Buttonstoo]

I have been suffering with Sciatica for 2 weeks now. I saw my GP a week ago (when she confirmed it was Sciatica). She said it was like a sprain and would take 6-8 weeks to heal and I have to take it easy in the meantime - with a 2 year old and a 9 year old - No chance!!!

I have felt no improvement. Does anyone have any advice/tips for dealing with Sciatica?

[littlemissx]

there really is very little you can do for it.... i bet painkillers dont help do they?? they didnt help me. i suffered with sciatica when i was 15 and still at school... the doc told me it was very rare for someone my age to suffer from it.... some days were worse than others and i used to ring my mum to pick me up literally from the end of the road as i was in so much pain i couldnt walk any further.... you need to just try and rest as much as poss.... obviously this is hard with kids but see if anyone can help out and have them for the odd night etc so that you can rest. the 9 year old is old enough to understand that mummy needs a break but its the younger one you need to see if people can help you with!!

[Hermia]

Sciatica is vile. Taking anti-inflammatories regularly is important. You also shouldn't sit with your legs out straight (a doctor drummed this one into me!), you should always try to bend them a little at the knee. You also need to move around a little. I don't think doctors advise people with back problems to lie down all the time nowadays. I certainly find I'm best if I strike a balance between resting and walking around. Don't lift anything heavy and always bend properly when you are lifting anything.

[Albert Park]

Exercises are what is really required.

I am a long-term sufferer and was taking medication whilst waiting to see specialists.

To cut a long story short, I did not require an operation and was assigned to a Physiotherapist who designed an exercise plan.

This has had dramatic results, although I still feel the effects, they are nowhere near as severe.

Google for Sciatica exercises and stretches. There are loads out there.

Good luck.

[Bazza2764]

I have to agree with the excercise routine that albert suggests, i to have suffered for a long time and after my last bout of it i was off 8 weeks, saw physio and she gave me some movements to do and i have to say if i get feelings coming on i can normally stop it developing into a full blown attack (for want of a better word). ask your doc if they can refer you to see a physio i did and have not looked back.