Sciatica Support Group
Sciatica is a term meaning pain that originates from compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and largest nerve in the body. If the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed (perhaps by a bulging disc in the low back) a patient may experience leg pain--the classic symptom of sciatica.
I have just been told that I have sciatica, it started with pain from my buttocks down my leg. now its to where I can't lay down on my right side not even to watch tv let alone sleep. Does any one else have this same kind of pain and can you tell me, what you can do for it besides pain pills. does it ever go away for a while and come back? I even limp sometimes cause I feel pain in my leg.I have back pain with this also which I never had before.I thought this would be a good place to come and get some help, or understanding. I know nothing about this. So any advice is truly a blessing.
You have come to a great place for advice, and comfort from others who know just how you feel. IT SUCKS!!..I KNOW!!..
You said that you were just diagnosed..did the doc give you ANYTHING to give you some relief?
I have tried ice and moist heat,,,everyone is different, but I think the ice helps me more. I know this may sound stupid..but I also find that if I bend backwards as far as I can...I get some relief. The worst thing to do is lay or sit idle. Mine has been bad for a long time now, I now have a TENS unit..which I am still not sure it is helping.
I hope you find something to help relieve your pain.
You are not alone!
{{{hugs}}
Lori
A tens unit helps enormously.
I DETEST cold, but during acute flares, nothing helps like cold packs applied directly to the point of origin.
The only time I've had 100% complete relief is while in traction at the chiro's rehab unit. I'd be there right now if I could afford it.
When in bed, I find it helpful sometimes to prop my legs up up on two pillows. When it is terribly flared, as it does when my muscles get warmed up from walking too far or sitting more than 15 minutes at a stretch, etc., I put a pillow between my knees to enable me to lay on my side.
I've had it since an MVA in Sept 2004 and it has largely subsided, except the walking/sitting thing or picking up something weighty.
***What to watch out for***It can have an adverse affect on your gait and create balance problems. I have serious balance problems since the MVA and last year fell through a large glass flor to ceiling window in our house.
In addition to balance, other parts of your structure can get out of whack from your "favoring" the side with the most pain. That is just one more reason to consider ongoing chiropractic treatment if you can afford to do so.
Good luck and God Bless!