topic Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last? in Wellness

Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

AngelPuppy1 — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 08:58:22 GMT

To add to the list of my health issues, I am now getting sciatica!

Those of you who suffer, what are your treatments?

Is this a long-tome time thing?

I have had on occasion before but thankfully it did not last.

This time, it seems to not be wanting to leave.

First my left side only and now also my right are starting to hurt.

Thank you for answering.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

CalminHeart — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 09:28:11 GMT

I would suggest a chiropractor for sciatica since it starts in the back. It will take a few visits but it's always helped me.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

hckynutjohn — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 09:38:36 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:
To add to the list of my health issues, I am now getting sciatica!

Those of you who suffer, what are your treatments?

Is this a long-tome time thing?

I have had on occasion before but thankfully it did not last.

This time, it seems to not be wanting to leave.

First my left side only and now also my right are starting to hurt.

Thank you for answering.

AngelPuppy1,

Have you spoken with your doctor about this? If so, what did she/he say, and were any tests done to look for the source of this problem? How was this diagnosed as Sciatica?

The Sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in your body and if pressure is put on this nerve it can result in some pretty bad pain, depending on the amount of pressure.

I had sciatic nerve problems many years ago/spent 3 weeks in the hospital, and ended up having open back surgery. The cause was of the rupture of my L-5/S-1 Lumbar discs.

I won't speculate on whatis the source of your leg pain without hearing how it was diagnosed and by whom. The cause of my sciatica was 2 completely ruptured Lumbar Discs, but everyone's source is not the same.

Best to you

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

OnlyShopsOnline — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 10:04:14 GMT

My daughter was diagnosed with Sciatica when she was pregnant. She was sent for physical therapy and she received several "manipulation" treatments. She said it helped immensely.

I've had various nerve and tendon issues in my hands, over the years, along with arthritis. One ortho doc recommended surgery for one wrist/thumb problem. My endocrinologist wrote a Rx for PT. For each flare-up, I saw a physical therapist who specialed in hand treatments, and that worked for me. Haven't had any problems in a year or more.

But, you need to make sure you feel like you have an accurate diagnosis before going for PT.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

violann — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 10:34:16 GMT

I thought I had "sciatica" three years ago, but when I actually went in for a medical diagnosis, it turned out to be Illiotibial band syndrome and Periformus Syndrome.
The pain went around my leg from my hip down my knee to the top of my foot. NOT FUN!!!
A series of stretches took care of it, and every time I feel "the ache" I can stretch and loosen it up and it goes away.
It was so bad I could hardly walk before I got treatment.
Hope you're feeling better very soon.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

Vivian — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 11:26:09 GMT

I've had sciatica on and off for years. It became much less of a problem after I gave up tennis and retired from my desk job, two things that definitely aggravate the condition. I agree with those who suggest that you see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. For me, PT helped. I also became aware that sitting can be the worst enemy so I always remember to get up at least every half hour or so if I'm reading or watching TV.

Right now I'm dealing with a bad knee. I am very reluctantly going to an activity that I can't stand but I know it has worked so well for me in the past...water aerobics. Getting into the water, regardless of whether it's for aerobics or just walking, is very healing.

In my experience, these injuries can take several weeks to heal. Keeping physically strong, going for PT if indicated, getting into a pool and, if needed, medication (ask your health care provider about what you can take) plus loads of patience usually help the pain to go away. Good luck!

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

esmeraldagooch — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:10:47 GMT

I use chiropractic to stop the pain. My neighbor who is a physical therapist sent me this. Yoga pose to keep the joint pain free.
http://www.dailybandha.com/2015/06/the-sacroiliac-joint.html?spref=fb&m=1

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

lovestopaint — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:10:45 GMT

The best thing to do is see a Chiropractor, mine got rid of my sciatica.

I like my family doctor but all he gave me were pain pills, and naturaly when they wear off the pain comes back.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

eddyandme — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:02:00 GMT

Did you have a MRI? Years ago I got diagnosed with sciatic - wrong. I have an LS5 herniated disc. Anyways, went the regular doctor and chiropractor, therapy route - just got worse. At times, could not walk or even stand! After being out sick, all too often, the nurse at work recommended a special doctor at a rehab hospital. I forgot the name of the specialty he's a doctor of, but it worked! Went thru lots of rehab - which can be grueling at times - then was given the choice of options, e.g. operation, chiropractor, or just me - learn to care for it and live with it is what I chose. I know what I can/cannot do; when to just not do! But, please, get a MRI and or a specialist in this field thru a rehab hospital - w/n recommend and orthopod - they tend to be operating proned. Good Luck. And, hang in there you'll get thru this once you get the proper treatment and the choices will be yours.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

eddyandme — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:05:00 GMT

AngelPuppy1, forgot to tell you: disk pain can radiate from bum to feet - all the way down legs from my experience.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

lolakimono — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:23:23 GMT

When I had it, I would have paid a shark to bite my leg off. OMG!

I think I got muscle relaxers so that I could get out of bed and walk enough to stretch it out. I do yoga/pilates and I haven't had it since, although today I'm spending the day with my heating pad after a particularly aggressive Body Combat class yesterday.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

GCR18 — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:09:44 GMT

I had it once and nothing really helped. I went to the chiropractor. It gradually got better and went away. It took many weeks.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

MalteseMomma — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:13:08 GMT

I have had it on and off for many years .I don't think it ever really goes away. Get a back brace and use it when you think you are gonna do heavy stuff or feel it comming on. Take Tylenol.........lol........... and a keep chiropractor on hand....lol I seem to like usng the shower head on massage with hot water.

It can return at anytime ,sorry

BTW siatica is only on the left side, I think

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

151949 — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:13:38 GMT

There can be any number of reasons for a person to have sciatic pain.You have to see a doctor and have tests done to get a diagnosis,and only then will you be able to be treated.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

sfnative — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:46:10 GMT

The type and origin of your pain must be determined. In order to accomplish this, more than plain films are required. Unfortunately, most chiropractors take those plain films, palpate your spine and pronounce a diagnosis, followed by manipulations.

This may help some, but if the condition also results in muscle spasm, manipulations can cause micro-tears of muscle tissue.

In order to be properly diagnosed, it is recommended to see an ortho spine or neuro spine physician/surgeon. Not saying that you need surgery. What you probably need as a diagnostic tool to find out exactly what is going on is an MRI. Plain films CANNOT visualize nervous tissue and disks. MRIs can. So, a physician will first order plain films, followed by an MRI, then using these two diagnostic tools has a really decent chance of being able to pinpoint your issue and coming up with a treatment plan for you.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

MaggieMack — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:54:03 GMT

I would recommend a very gentle yoga practice, one like Restorative or Yin that focuses on long and deep stretches that are held for two or three minutes. And in time, move to a more active practice to permanently strengthen all of the core muscles. Pharmaceuticals may alleviate the pain temporarily, but only fixing what is inherently wrong with the body will offer a long-lasting result.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

Kachina624 — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 22:01:38 GMT

I had one bout of it about 20 years ago. Doctor sent me to PT and after a couple of weeks it finally went away never to return (knocking on wood). I have enough other back issues; don't need to add one.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

Snoopp — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 23:56:26 GMT

I thought that hamstring stretches can help with this. I could be wrong though.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

VaBelle35 — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 00:39:30 GMT

I was diagnosed with it about 10-12 years ago. I had to have an MRI to be sure and then went for physical therapy and was given a prescription for Naproxin.

Physical therapy did nothing for me, the Naproxin helped a lot. Aleve does nothing for me, I need the Rx.

After doing a lot of reading on the internet, exercise is the key to ending sciatic pain. I took up water aerobics. The warm water and the movements work for me. When I feel it coming on, I make sure to get into a class as soon as possible.

I also now do foam rolling. You can find videos on You Tube for the specific area you need to roll out and they will show you how to do it. I do this for my trapezious muscle as well that I get muscle spasms in from a car accident about 20 years ago.

Before you take anything or do anything, you really should make sure you have a proper diagnosis from a specialist who has performed the necessary tests and taken the necessary pictures.

Re: Sciatica - What do you do for this? How long does it typically last?

bamasec — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 01:57:51 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I had one bout of it about 20 years ago. Doctor sent me to PT and after a couple of weeks it finally went away never to return (knocking on wood). I have enough other back issues; don't need to add one.

The 4 experiences I have had have been the worst pain i have EVER had in my life. I cried and rolled strecheded and did everything I could think off to do after looking up on the internet and stretching exercises from my Rheumatologist and Phy. Therapist. Took muscle relaxants, walked. The very first time I had it, it came on immediately without warning on a Sat. night anf left on a Tuesday morning just as quickly

Please does anybody have any suggetions to give me the quickest relief, maybe they have gotten from their doctor or massage therapist, I just need som help it is definitely the worst pain I have ever had, goes right up there with post/op pain just a diffeent kind pf pain.

Thanks anybody that can help me! Alleycat