What is the best relief from sciatica?

Question

I have acute sciatica for the 4th time and it is worse than ever. I have been taking diclofenac for 5 days and using a TENS machine for 2. Neither seem to be working

Answer 1

Pain is best treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or codeine (in acute cases).

In some cases a cortisone like drug may be injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal column. This procedure is similar to the epidural used during childbirth. A course of this type of treatment may offer temporary relief, but does not address the root of the problem.

Surgery

Some patients with sciatica may find significant relief from surgery. In cases of herniated discs, a surgical procedure called a laminectomy may be performed. In this procedure, a portion of the posterior arch is removed to relieve pressure on affected nerve tissues.

In cases of spinal stenosis, the portion of bone that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve system can be removed.

Surgery is not for everyone. However, for those who have shown no sign of improvement in four to six weeks and who have had CT scans (computed tomography) or MRI that show a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may offer significant relief.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

First of all ice, ice, ice if you don't have an ice pack use a frozen bag of peas or corn. 20 minutes on 20 off. Secondly an anti inflammatory such as ibuprofen. Let me explain, when there is a an injury, what happens is the blood rushes to it saying I am going to fix it because that is its job, what happens is that it heats it up and makes things worse by causing inflamation you can feel the heat when you touch that part of your back. When you put ice on it the blood then says man that is cold I am so out of here you are on your own. That promotes healing. I also recommend a chiropractor, they know everything about the spine and back and sciatica. I have limped in and walked out. Good luck hun

Answer 5

Chiropractor, Massage therapist and the principles in the book (at the end)

Much pain is from muscles below is an example of what may help (based on headaches).
Begin with a couple swigs of molasses or a couple of bananas daily - magnesium (which regulates many things in the body) and potassium (a needed building block for muscles).
Drink at least 1/2 gallons of water per day. Running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil is the analogy the head of neurology at UCDavis told my husband about 10 years ago.

Now to the cause - muscles - your back, neck shoulders and head have tender spots. They are knots in the fibers of the muscles called trigger points. It makes the muscles tight which makes them press on nerves and other things causing the pain.

The cure - start with a professional massage, you will also want to go back over any place you can get to 6-12 times per session up to 6 times per day rubbing (or lightly scratching on your head) every where that is tender until the knots go away. The place where the skull connects to the spine press up under the edge of the skull (to get to those muscles).

For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It teaches what to do and where the pain comes from.

Answer 6

I am a long time sufferer of lower back pain and sciatica and what I found most helpful, though it is not an immediate fix, is increasing flexibility and strengthening your 'core'. Try doing Pilates or Yoga. Pilates worked wonders for me. Also, to relieve immediate flare ups, try lying on your back with your knees bent and cross the bad leg across the other. I find that stretches things out enough to decrease or eliminate the pain.

Answer 7

Stretching and strengthening. And taking off weight.

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Just so you know, mine is a continual problem and I'm only 33. I'm also pregnant and that is just going to make it worse as I get bigger.

Seriously, if you have extra weight, take it off. Stretch the legs and hips and back. And do some strengthening. This is the only thing, plus Advil, that helped my sciatica.

Answer 8

I have every sympathy. I went to physio for 2 years did not help. Tried everything. Then went on holiday to Dominican republic, the hotel had a masseur on the beach (ex physio for Canadian hockey team) he spent 10 Min's manipulating, and hey presto it went that was 8 yrs ago never had a twinge since.

Answer 9

i have had a prolapsed disc and sciatca for yrs now and after loads of medications including diclofenac/ physio/ chyropractice + tens the best relief i found is to phone your local swimming baths and ask if they do hydrotherapy sessions it is simply doing light exercise in a heated pool it does nt hurt and it very relaxing , dont try this inthe bath you need to be stood up .. hope this of help.. also be very careful with the diclofenac as they cayse severe stomach ache + also lead to a hole in your bowel

Answer 10

i find advil liquigels more effective for sciatica. Arching back like a cat eases low back pain for me.