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Valued Contributor
Posts: 703
Registered: ‎11-16-2010

My sister is 65 and has had parkinsons for over 25 years  I have watched her suffer for years but now she has been in pain for 24 hours a day  She cant sleep or sit  She has been going to a chiropractor but nothing  I just thought maybe one of you had something that you did to help with this  She takes pills just not to shake etc so medications react with them  I feel helpless so Im coming to the smartest people I know

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,246
Registered: ‎01-08-2011

I have sciatica pain and use a gel freeze belt from amazon.  Hot water builds inflammation which equals pain.  If she is using a heating pad or soaking in warm water for comfort, she is increasing the inflammation, therefore, the pain.

 

There are stretching exercises, if you think she can handle that, they're on youtube.

 

I take meloxicam to help keep the inflammation down, but I doubt her dr will put her on that with her other meds.

 

 

Best of luck.

 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,003
Registered: ‎07-21-2015

@mollymaggie  I feel for both of you.  What helps me is warming the sciatica with a heating pad and using Lo-Bak TRAX Portable Spinal Traction Device by Lori Greiner.  I know it sounds kooky, but the Lo-Bak thing really helps me.  Q used to sell it, I don't know if they still do.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,213
Registered: ‎03-30-2014

So sorry for your sister, I hope for comfort for her.  

 

My grandma also suffered and it was sweet to see how my big ole grandpa could pick her up.

 

Can you see if her doctor will do a phone visit?  This is beyond most anyone's pay grade here.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,315
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Its so painful.  I get it a few times a year.  You really cant sit and even rolling over is very painful.  Ive tried several diffrent things.  Acupincture worked on my mild case.  Physical therapy worked on my severe case.  I was using a walker because the pain was so bad.  I was skeptical about PT, but it worked wonders.  There are stretches you can google and they work if she can do that.  I also use over the counter pain patches and roll ons, like Icy Hot or one of the other ones.  A cream would work too.  I hope she finds some relief.  Its sort of like a toothache..its just always  there.  Oh, also a pillow to sit on for sciatica might help, I got mine on  the big A store online.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

She need to see a MD, an orthopedic specialist, who can recommend suitable medication and possibly PT.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,846
Registered: ‎04-23-2010

Has your sister seen a physician for the sciatica pain?

“The soul is healed by being with children.”
— Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

 

@mollymaggie 

 

I understand the pain related to Sciatica. It is the biggest nerve in the body, and when it is compromised(pinched) in some way? 

 

I went through this many years ago and spent 3 weeks in the hospital while they sent me to PT twice a day/was getting Demerol shots every 6 hours/was in traction, and on Valium(2mg-5mg) twice a day.

 

My doctor finally decided I needed back surgery. In that surgery my L-5/S-1 Lumbar Discs were removed. My Sciatic nerve was so damaged my right foot, sometimes my whole leg goes numb. This surgery was I  1974.

 

A person really needs an MRI to find the exact source of the pain. I could type all kinds of exercises that work for many, but sounds like your sister has other problems, so I will pass on that. 

 

ICE is what should be used with any kind of inflammation, not heat. Heat might temporarily make one feel better, but it exasperated the problem. It does not make it better.

 

I had another back surgery in about 2007. This did not effect my Sciatic Nerve, but surfaced mostly in my left leg around the knee, not the hamstring or calf muscles. My friend, who is a Micro Back Surgeon, removed my L-3 Lumbar disc. 

 

I have done stretching exercises since after my 1974 surgery, only stopping while recovering from my heart attacks and other health issues. At 80+ my spine is still very flexible. While I do have a occasional flare up it does not effect any of my physical activities.

 

Wish I could give you more specific info that would help your sister, but with her underlying issues, she best see her doctor or a Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurologist with this issue.

 

 

 

hckynut(john)

hckynut(john)
Valued Contributor
Posts: 559
Registered: ‎05-19-2014

I just learned lately that physical therapists can specialize in areas just as MD's do. I had a hip replacement and then immediatly bad sciatica and was finally referred to a PT that just worked with the lower spine. I had also gotten so out of condition from not being able to move much, that I could hardly walk. I wish your sister the best. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,660
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@mollymaggie -

I'm so sorry about the pain your sister is in.

 

Here's what I do for years of back/ hip pain-

biofreeze-love this stuff! (walmart)

salon pas pads (not the heat or lidocaine ones just original)

heating pads a lot

a tens unit(this will either help so much or she won't like it-can buy online now)

And aleve or ibuprofin or excedrin when needed.

sometimes ice pack.

Once I had a miracle physical therapist but those are few and far between, a rare breed.

Stretches, some gentle exercises for what the problem is for her (you can find online if she doesn't have any),

and never should be painful! 

And beyond that, sometimes we just have to live with it as best we can.

Though some opt for more invasive procedures andI don't want those because I don't trust them.

 

Oh and yes, I would get an MRI if she hasnt already so they really know whats going on before suggesting any treatment!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"