Community Chat

[MickD]

I've done accupuncture, "super slow" physical therapy, chiropracter. I had been a serious runner x 30 years before sciatica hit me a few years ago. When it flares up I do the above and pilates really helps instead of running when I need cardio.. just got the total gym a few months ago to use as well.

[Kachina624]

I had a bout with it about 15 years ago. My doctor referred me to physical therapy. I went for about 2 weeks and my pain went away.

[millieshops]

Terrible pain, but I, too, had my first sciatica attack long before old age. I was 29, missed two months of work and limped for the next 6!

Chiropractic, anti-inflammatories, prescribed exercises all helped somewhat, but it was time that I needed most, I've had several repeated bouts since, but none as severe or as long lasting as that first one.

[jubilant]

On 9/8/2014 brii said:

I had sciatica problems since my 20's. The only thing that really helps me is stretching and exercise.

Same here. I do 20 minutes of stretching every night before I go to bed and as needed. It really helps.

[JustJazzmom]

Sciatical pain or discomfort usually runs down the center of the back of the thigh (when I was pregnant I had it so I know).

Heat usually helps as well as stretching exercises. Feel better soon.

[hckynut]

On 9/8/2014 dreamytoo said:

I have a severely arthritic right ankle and bad knees...the past two weeks have been horrible with extremely high humidity and dew points, so I have been limping quite badly. Saturday I noticed a new pain starting on the outside of my leg just below the knee moving up the leg. I just thought it was from the limping...that I was out of whack. Today the pain is all the way up into my hip, I can barely walk.

My mother mentioned sciatica...yikes am I officially an old person? I remember when I took mom to the doctor for it a few years ago...he gave her a steroid, anti inflammatory and pain meds.

If you have had sciatica what has helped you?

TIA

My battle with sciatica, twice? On the first one it took open back surgical removal of my ruptured L-5/S-1 lumbar discs. The 2nd go around a friend of mine that is a Spinal Specialist Orthopod removed my L-3 lumbar disc, that was ruptured.

From what you say what your are experiencing could very well what is known in the "athletic world" as a "secondary injury". When one is in pain in one part of their body, they unconsciously shift their weight to another part of their structure to help with the pain.

Many "secondary injuries" often end up being worse that the primary one. It is never good to "self diagnose" any spinal type of problem. Sciatica and arthritis are terms I see tossed around loosely at times when in fact there is no nerve involvement at all. Remember now, the Sciatic Nerve is the BIGGEST Nerve in the human body, so one can expect it to rank way up there on the human pain scale.

When it doubt? Always use ice as it will never hurt any injury if used correctly. If you want a diagnosis you might schedule a visit with your doctor.

Wish you well with this.

[dreamytoo]

Thanks again all...I did some gentle yoga postures today and it did help somewhat. My body was really craving pigeon pose, but I did eye of the needle instead. My yoga practice has dwindled to practically nothing since I broke my shoulder and then tore my meniscus...I need to start working at it again.

So at this point not really sure it is sciatica or something in my hip flexor from limping so badly. The pain starts on the outside of my leg just below my knee, travels up into my thigh, behind the thigh and my rear, up to my lower back. I may require a trip to the chirocracker.

[hckynut]

On 9/8/2014 dreamytoo said:

Thanks again all...I did some gentle yoga postures today and it did help somewhat. My body was really craving pigeon pose, but I did eye of the needle instead. My yoga practice has dwindled to practically nothing since I broke my shoulder and then tore my meniscus...I need to start working at it again.

So at this point not really sure it is sciatica or something in my hip flexor from limping so badly. The pain starts on the outside of my leg just below my knee, travels up into my thigh, behind the thigh and my rear, up to my lower back. I may require a trip to the chirocracker.

Might also google ITBS as it has some of the same symptoms, especially with the knee and the hip.

[Shorty2U]

I have a bad back (and hip). What has helped me for sciatic pain is steroid epidural injections and Ibuprofen (which reduces inflammation). But if I were you I'd see a Dr. and ask him or her. Good luck!

[Lindsays Grandma]

Having suffered that pain since I was in my 20's ,my suggestion is to make an appointment with your doctor without second guessing the problem. You may need an mri. Please don't try to self medicate yourself and as I said, make an appointment with the doctor.