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

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

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.

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

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.

hckynutjohn · ‎06-15-2015

@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

hckynut(john)

OnlyShopsOnline · ‎03-09-2010

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.

"I've been here since October 2006. Wow!"

violann · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Vivian · ‎03-11-2010

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!

esmeraldagooch · ‎03-10-2010

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

lovestopaint · ‎03-10-2010

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.

eddyandme · ‎09-24-2011

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.