I was in an elevator accident years ago. Sciatica excruciating, herniated L4 and L5, pain radiated from my lower back around into my hip. I could not even turn over in bed without a muffled scream and sweating in pain. Took painkiller until it injured my stomach lining, about 5 days worth. Gave it up totally. Told surgery could become multiple surgeries and would never solve pain problem even once healed so I opted to heal naturally with very simple back exercises at home, bed rest, minimal walking and rehab at the ortho's office. I did some of the following that did help.
Never, ever sat down for 6 months except for bathroom. Ate meals that were placed on the top of an antique chest that was the perfect height for eating standing up. Never sat at a table.
Walked around very, very slowly and carefully inside of my home.
Iced my back for 20 minute intervals and then let it warm up again for 30-60 minutes. Repeated this all day long. Some orthopedic surgeons recommend alternating heating pad with ice. I never did it, I iced and then naturally warmed up and then returned to ice. I purchased several back sized ice packs from the medical supply store.
I was prescribed a TENS unit that helped minimally during the recovery but more so after it was completed and I was capable of physical activity--hiking, long walks, biking, etc.
I spent my time lying down as flat as I could in bed for hours with short breaks to get up for bathroom or a meal. We purchased a new firm mattress, nothing with any pillowtop or softness, a danger to misplaced and herniated disks. Sometimes I stacked up 3-4 thick blankets on the carpeted floor and would lie on them with a single pillow under my head.
I would roll out of bed, never, ever sat up in bed, in order to get out of the bed. I would also roll back into it. I would not bend my back if at all possible.
I was driven to rehab and to the MD's office. I lied down in the back seat. I never sat upright in the car. Never.
It healed up. I gained flexibility slowly with a regimen of simple back exercises. I have had residual problems for years but made it through the worst. I have a very active life and walk dogs daily.
One exercise that helped me immensely--lie down flat on floor and exhale as you press your lower back against the floor for 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise for up to 5 minutes but not at first. Be sure your legs are bent at the knee and your feet are on the floor so you do not hurt your lower disks. This strengthened my back and helped me recover quicker than anticipated. So did lying flat and bicycling my legs in the air very slowly for 10-20 seconds at a time. The Williams flexion exercises, selected for my specific injury, were invaluable, and still are, years later.
Best of luck to you. The wait for an MD can be exasperating.
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