Sciatica Support Group

I have tried chiropractor, physical therapist, Low impact water aerobic exercise, as all the above you have mention. They help only for a short period of time...

Sciatica is an unrelenting nightmare. I had two year long bouts with it and thought I'd lose my mind. Yes tried everything and was about to go into hospital for steroid shots, but it abated suddenly with us of something called Non Citrus Quercitin (Vit Store). As for tight back, MUST sit in supported chair and NOT sit for very long period of time, HAVE to get up and stand or move every 15 mins or so. And stretching is critical. Even during the day put one leg on a chair and stretch the thigh and hip muscles. So sorry for your pain as I know how excruciating it is. I had to quit one job on account of it as it required so much sitting or standing. Hang in there.

Thank youfor your replies Rebeka and Susquehanna It's nice to hear from people who are in the same boat. Im curious about the Non Citrus Quercitin. At this point I will try anything. I cant believe how life changing sciatica can be. One tough thing is the way you cant really plan anything in advance because you dont know if you'll be able to cope when the time comes because of the sciatica. I also have a hard time at work, when my concentration goes totally to my pain. So for today, I will try to stay active hoping to keep the muscles moving. thanks again

Ann,
Lastly you must keep moving. Cannot sit in a chair. Get up as often as possible or stand and move your legs. Sitting is THE most abusive thing you can do. You are pressing on the sciatic nerve. I could not wear panty hose or skirts even for two years. I still can't do it for long...too much pressure.

Hi Annn, the problem you describe sounds like what I have: Chronic Myofascial Pain a.k.a. Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The main thing to know about this is trigger points, (TrPs) small, knotted areas of muscle that cause the entire muscle to contract, often causing neighboring muscles to contract also. The TrPs can be massaged, followed by stretching--this has helped me maintain mobility. For some people it can relieve sciatica, either temporarily or permanently, depending how long you've had it. A really good book re: this is The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies, N.C.T.M.B. If you are fortunate enough to have a certified myofascial trigger point massage therapist in your town, it would be worth it to check them out. Neurontin has been the only thing that gives me relief from sciatica. I have other pain, but from the sciatica, I'm 98% pain free. Good luck, & I hope you find relief very soon.

CrowMother, Thank you for your reply. I will definitely look for the book. As I said, I will try anything at this point. This has become life changing for me.

Isn't it crazy how I felt like I was alone in this battle. Your posting is exactly what i am going through. I am 25 now but have been suffering with it for 3 years with no relief. I do not have cysts on my spine, a bulginh disc. None of things that point to sciatica. I have had 5 MRI's with and without contrast. I have even had a laproscopy to see if it was Sciatica Endometrosis (which you all may want to check into). Nothing helps

I read somewhere that the (Tens Unit) is wonderful to massage the muscle area for sciatica. I have and appointment with and neurosurgeon this Thursday, and I'm going to ask him if this machine will be helpful. I'll let you know...
To read about the Tens Unit, type it in your Google search, maybe it could be useful for you...

Hello Annnn! I feel for you! It's bloody painful, annoying and starts to get to you mentally too!

I tried a few things that didn't really work that well before a friend recommended a chiropractor, after the second session i felt 95% better and haven't suffered since! That was about 1.5 years ago, I have a check up every 3 months, I've had small twinges but nothing more!
She uses the McTimonee technique where she gently(and painlessly!)flicks your bones into alignment which relieved pressure and tension on muscles and nerves etc.
I urge you to find one, if you live in England i can give you her number, I live in Bedfordshire.
Keep trying,good luck!

Murphy K -- Sounds like you're going thru what I am. I too had an MRI and my nurologist said Everything looked great on it. Do you notice that if you sit less, do stretches every hour it is better? I've also taken magnesium which is good for the muscles and try to drink lots of water ( water flushes the toxins out of the muscles, toxins make muscles hurt). I do understand about feeling like you are alone in this battle. I find myself wondering " Why can other people sit and I cant?"

Rebeka - I am curious to know what you found out about the tens unit

Susquehanna - Yep, keep moving helps !

Crowmother - - I got the workbook, It's an interesting read. My massage therapist works on trigger points. I tried neurontin and couldnt tolerate it. Im glad to hear your sciatica has gotten better. Wasnt sure if this ever went away for anyone

Funky monk -- I started out with a chiro and after a few sessions he said he couldnt do anything more for me and sent me to a neurologist. Im glad its working for you.

Good Luck to all of you !