Sciatica, who's had/got it and how did you get rid of it?

[RetroTed]

So I have sciatica in my left leg and the pain is immense
I have seen my gp and I am awaiting to see a physiotherapist in a few weeks but I am wondering if anyone on here has had it and what if anything you did to get rid

There are a few excersises on youtube but nothing has worked

[RetroTed]

andym1603 said:

Had it for years. Done the physio, exercises, traction and accupuncture. None of these worked.
The worst case I had, resulted in me being off work for 3 months. Unable to put any weight on
my legs. When I feel my back tighteningI just take it easy for a few days and all is well again.
Luckily this works for me and have not been off work for some time now.
Co-codemol and Solpadine is a good combination painkiller when needed.
Have you tried a chiropracter?
Andy..

Yes and no joy. I am seeing a physio on monday so hopefully things might be on the up.

[RetroTed]

Teixe said:

I have it, a little better know after a nerve block injection.
I got an MRI done (suppested by the physiotherapist not the GP) that showed a protrusion of the disc, currently waiting for my next appointment, surgery.

If you can get an MRI done it will show how bad you are, it did for me.

I had these sciatic symtoms 3 years ago which got to the point that I was walking slanted and the pain did not go away. MRI showed 2 disc protusions and ended up with Cauda Equina Syndrome google it
Anyway rushed in and had my prolappsed disc removed L5 S1 or 2 can't remember so in theory it shouldn't happen again and guess what......

Anyways back onto this time, the pain is getting worse and no excercises are working so Monday cannot come soon enough.The only way I can ease the pain is by lying in bed...

On a pain chart I'm gonna give this a good 8.5

[RetroTed]

Lost_BMW said:

Like many on here - had awful problems with it and lower back pain from time to time following disc injuries. Some flare ups so bad that even though doctors recommended exercise and I knew I should it was impossible for weeks - even months on two occasions - but only got anything like better after I could.

Physio was variable - one nearly ruined me one worked wonders. Diclofenac is God's own juice! Brilliant stuff. Codeine the Devils' - for me, foul stuff (as was Opium); made me feel awful, didn't help much with pain then the constipation made the symptoms ever worse. Never again.

Medication aside the two things that really helped me were walking - daily up to 6 to 8 miles when I really needed to make improvements - and hyperextensions. These, and stretching, have been my saviour as my hamstrings have become really tight and tend to cramp + seem to set the back off again.

The way I've done them, which seems 'safe' and helps stave off issues (when I neglect them the stiffness and referred pain often comes back) is to lie flat on my stomach, arms either at my side or folded under my chest and then curl the body up and back whilst looking forwards/up. Gradually the height I can gain and the looseness I feel has improved, with good effects on my back. The doctor suggested up to 20 a session up to 3 times a day. BUT as ever take medical advice first!

I'm sure I have had diclofenac and I will try the stretches