Sciatica - best way to deal with the occasional pain?

Question

I'm not (terribly) over weight (205 lbs at 5’11”). I go to the gym several times a week - on the tread mill for 45 mins with out huffing and puffing, work out with dumbbells, do lots stretching.... have strong thighs (still, from my HS football days) and a pretty muscular upper body (at 50 years old). BUT every once in a blue moon my lower back goes out and it’s the pits. I was laid out over the weekend and made it through with a series of shots. I didn’t hurt myself at the gym. I suppose it was from sitting too long at my desk stressed out over working some numbers that weren’t doing what I wanted then to. I admit to having bad posture... and well, I’ve read about it enough I suppose. I’m just here to ask how you deal with it – besides medicines (shots and asprine).
Is there a particular exercise or excerises that one can do to keep the pain from coming back? Pilates?

Eddie B - you are right with the stomach problems indeed.

Swamy - I guess that's why they call you Swamy.

Pacifia1977 - I suppose you are right. Next time I'm with my GP I'll set up an appointment with the specialist.

Laura - one of the problems is that I haven't had a prosecco in days! Goes to tell ya how bad the back has been.

Izzie - Ciao bella - pls do send the info. I'd very much appreciate it.
Tà

mistify - Thanks so much for the site. I'll be sure to give it a good read this evening.
Thanks.
GC

Answer 1

There are specific exercises, but you need to be evaluated as to which ones are appropriate for you. I would highly recommend you see a physical therapist who is trained in mechanical diagnosis and therapy...that way they can tailor a program to meet your specific needs.

The next time you had an episode of pain, ask your GP for a referral to PT...specifically for someone trained in MDT...you can go to: http://www.mckenziemdt.org to find such a PT

Answer 2

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Answer 3

There are three different modalities that you can use that will help stop you from having your back go out and causing sciatic pain.

The first is chiropractic treatment. They can give you a thorough spinal examination. Find the problem and correct It. They would also be able to tell you what type of exercises to do for this problem.

The second is massage therapy. This will work out the muscles in your back and get rid of any knots that are causing your back to spasm and tighten around the sciatic nerve.

The third is acupuncture. Many people get back pain relief from using acupuncture.

I'm sure if you try one of the above methods you will find that you don't have to go to the emergency room for pain shots. You will feel much better very quickly.

Answer 4

You sound as if you have more than enough problems to deal with that you should qualify for disability. You do not have to take medications unless you find they hep you and you need them. Some prefer to put up with the pain, have learnt techniques for coping and need to feel when it gets worse, which may be masked by some medications. The illness is apart form what you take. However, disability may not be easy to get. Some can mange quite well and get awarded it; others have severe difficulty and cannot lead a fairly normal life but get turned down. It makes no sense. But keep on trying if you do not succeed at first.

Answer 5

Has your doctor ever done an MRI on your back? Especially your lower back? Have you ever been diagnosed with Sacrolisitis? That is the inflammation of your sacrolialic joint. If so, then there maybe more than just oopps going on here. I suffered from sacrolitis for years never knowing that I had an autoimmune disease. Have your doc do some more testing if that is the case. I was diagnosed with Reiter's Syndrome. Suffered for years with flare ups with my sacrolic nerve.

Answer 6

Take a hot bath, go to bed, lie on your back if you can. You should invest in a memory foam matress. worth the money trust me.As for excercise? well you should wait until the attack has abated, and then perform some gentle stretching in order to prevent muscular adhesions forming in the area of the affected disc. For ongoing relief I use Acupuncture and it really helps. Try to avoid the drugs as they can cause a lot of tummy trouble etc.

hope this helps

Answer 7

Ciao amigo,

My daughter's sport's doc advised me to do a list of 36 exercises. It has worked for me, but I did lost 14 kilograms in a period of a year.
Let me know, and I'll be glad to send it to you...

Take care,
Izzie

Ok...I'll may be able to post the image of the exercises in my Y 360, otherwise I'll send you the detail....ci la farò...ciao

Answer 8

Well, since you are aware of many things, I am sure you can find out what is appropriate. Pilates, yoga, massage or homeopathy etc.

Answer 9

I'm no expert on this GC.......you have probably been doing what you should be,already.....just look after yourself please!
L..X