I got sciatica again.

Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today.
Shopping will be VERY slow and measured.

Would anti inflammatories help? Things like fish oil capsules?

sprint i have the solution.

you need to strengthen your core by walking backwards and pulling a sled

this has totally fixed mine

weak glutes and tight hamstrings are the enemy

this keeps your spine straight and you put a belt around your waist and pull.

dont do the squat pulls to begin with

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RG-aNzdKEE

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 8:09am:

I got sciatica again. Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today. Shopping will be VERY slow and measured.

THAT WORD 👉 SCIATICA!!!

It traumatises me no end 🥺☹️😳

How do I manage it? Well after my MRI scans confirmed the condition and the severity of it ( sciatica is experienced according to certain levels ) this is how I manage this awful condition:

1. Don't ever over do it in the garden. Do the hour or 2 then stop.

2. Always be careful. Never lift/push heavy objects. Do not strain your body. It's not worth the resultant excruciating nerve pain.

3. Learn to love your hot wheat pack. Every time you lie down to rest or sleep. Place directly under the region of pain.

4. Keep to Panadol Rapid as your go to pain reliever ALONG with regular hot showers ( I have to ask my hubby for help if the pain is outta control).

5. Once you're ready for bed...1 Mersyndol tablet plus hot wheat pack to encourage some sleep. Sleep is a great way to battle pain.

6. I've also been taking a few vitamins and minerals. I'll grab a few screenshots of what they are and post them up for you.

7. There's a lot to be said for soothing relaxing music too.

Hope this info helps Sprint. You poor thing 🥺

I was very unlucky and had an 80% disk herniation when I was 30 from an accident, and had god awful sciatica. I got a microdiscectomy which worked well  but I still get some very very minor sciatica but never enough to slow me down.

No matter how bad it is tho, the worst thing you can do is be sedentary as it makes you worse.

And Aqua is dead set right on what he recommended.

Nice little duchy to visit but I wouldn't want to live there..

Got meself three spinal fractures - that lumbar was a beauty with dancing leg and all ... fixed it meself...  I used to use parallel bars to lift self up by arms (younger, fitter and stronger then now arthritic wrists play hell), draw all the back and tummy muscles up as far as I could , then let them all go... multiple cracks and better for a while..

One morning while lying in a warm comfy bed, I thought of what the then bro-in-law said about contortionists, and figured it might help if I gave that a go... stretched out as far as I could, took one hip and turned it as far as it would go and CRACK... an almighty bang.... oh, said I... hope I haven't done something... best I twist the other way and see that all is OK.... two almighty cracks bordering on thuds... and the most relaxed, peaceful feeling washed over the whole lower back.

I'd been unable to even sit flat into a car seat, always lifting on the left and in pain, doctor said one day the wheelchair... left shoe always walked on outside edge and wore out funny....

Suddenly I was straight and walking flat and sitting in car seat properly...  HEAVEN!  Mind you I was thin as a greyhound at that time, and could twist.

Been much better - no sciatica at all for decades now, and though still a little weak, works fine most of the time.

Just lucky.

Thanks all.
Mine is not really bad. it comes every 3 - 5 years.
I do a LOT to prevent it.
Funny, for mine a cold pack helps !

I suffer from infrequent (luckily) sacroiliac joint pain in my left hip.
I use a gel bag that I heat up in the microwave, which at least eases
it for an hour or so.  Problem is I'm a side-sleeper, and find it difficult
to get comfortable on either my left side or right side.

NSAIDs do nothing to help, nor does physio.  It usually lasts a week
or ten days, and then disappears over a day or two.

AusGeoff wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 2:57pm:

I suffer from infrequent (luckily) sacroiliac joint pain in my left hip. I use a gel bag that I heat up in the microwave, which at least eases it for an hour or so.  Problem is I'm a side-sleeper, and find it difficult to get comfortable on either my left side or right side. NSAIDs do nothing to help, nor does physio.  It usually lasts a week or ten days, and then disappears over a day or two.

Yes, the more you can do yourself, the better.
I have done lots of gentle lunges and 'pigeon poses' today.
Some of these helped me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HOvGr6Tqa8

Lisa Jones wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 10:49am:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14th, 2022 at 8:09am: I got sciatica again. Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today. Shopping will be VERY slow and measured. THAT WORD 👉 SCIATICA!!! It traumatises me no end 🥺☹️😳 How do I manage it? Well after my MRI scans confirmed the condition and the severity of it ( sciatica is experienced according to certain levels ) this is how I manage this awful condition: 1. Don't ever over do it in the garden. Do the hour or 2 then stop. 2. Always be careful. Never lift/push heavy objects. Do not strain your body. It's not worth the resultant excruciating nerve pain. 3. Learn to love your hot wheat pack. Every time you lie down to rest or sleep. Place directly under the region of pain. 4. Keep to Panadol Rapid as your go to pain reliever ALONG with regular hot showers ( I have to ask my hubby for help if the pain is outta control). 5. Once you're ready for bed...1 Mersyndol tablet plus hot wheat pack to encourage some sleep. Sleep is a great way to battle pain. 6. I've also been taking a few vitamins and minerals. I'll grab a few screenshots of what they are and post them up for you. 7. There's a lot to be said for soothing relaxing music too. Hope this info helps Sprint. You poor thing 🥺

Day strength or night strength? Just how much codeine do you take, Larry? Mersyndol is not available without a prescription.

I took 3-4 half tablets of Mersyndol day strength over about 4 years when the arthritis pain got really bad (half a tablet at a time that is.)

Once when I had backspasms I took a full tablet of Mersyndol Night Strength. Knocked me out for a few hours but the spasms were still there when I woke up.

Dosing with codeine daily has to be bad for you. For one thing—you will need to take more and more and end up addicted.

Quote:

How do I get sciatica to go away? How is sciatica treated? Appling ice and/or hot packs: First, use ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. ... Taking over-the-counter medicines: Take medicines to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. ... Performing gentle stretches: Learn proper stretches from an instructor with experience with low back pain. 25 Mar 2020 Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & Pain ...

From a quick google.

Inflammation—fish oil tablets help with inflammation.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 1:00pm:

Thanks all. Mine is not really bad. it comes every 3 - 5 years. I do a LOT to prevent it. Funny, for mine a cold pack helps !

Interesting. I've never been able to grasp the idea of a cold pack for sciatica. I find heat is required for my sciatica to start improving.

AusGeoff wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 2:57pm:

I suffer from infrequent (luckily) sacroiliac joint pain in my left hip. I use a gel bag that I heat up in the microwave, which at least eases it for an hour or so.  Problem is I'm a side-sleeper, and find it difficult to get comfortable on either my left side or right side. NSAIDs do nothing to help, nor does physio.  It usually lasts a week or ten days, and then disappears over a day or two.

I can't sleep on my side either when my sciatica flares up.

I've been in traction some 4 times in the last 12 months. It did nothing (for me).

My sciatica episodes last 3 to 4 days. These are now occurring once every two months. As I stated earlier ... Panadol Rapid is my go to pain reliever. Mersyndol is a tablet that I can take IF I find that the pain is that severe it prevents me from getting any sleep.

So far I've handled my sciatica as per my doctor's advice and care. And that's kept me out of hospital and out of surgery.

Is your Mersyndol legal, Larry?

Gordon wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 11:36am:

I was very unlucky and had an 80% disk herniation when I was 30 from an accident, and had god awful sciatica. I got a microdiscectomy which worked well  but I still get some very very minor sciatica but never enough to slow me down. No matter how bad it is tho, the worst thing you can do is be sedentary as it makes you worse. And Aqua is dead set right on what he recommended.

I wouldn't mind hearing a bit more about this disc procedure.

Guess it is illegal—or a big stash bought when it was legal?

A codeine addiction explains a lot about your behavior, Larry!

Codeine is an opioid and highly addictive. I would not recommend it for a recurring condition like sciatica‚ you will quickly become addicted. Try fish oil tablets, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which will reduce inflammation. Using a hot then a cold pack might be more effective than just a hot or cold pack. I used hot showers, hot as I could stand then for the last half minute—just cold water. All helps a bit.

Lisa Jones wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 8:53pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14th, 2022 at 1:00pm: Thanks all. Mine is not really bad. it comes every 3 - 5 years. I do a LOT to prevent it. Funny, for mine a cold pack helps ! Interesting. I've never been able to grasp the idea of a cold pack for sciatica. I find heat is required for my sciatica to start improving.

yes, your previous 'hot pack' posting caught my eye.
Many years ago during a sciatica occurrence I was using hot packs and thought it was worsening the situation. I tried a cold pack since heat was escalating the pain.
It worked !
Thought my sciatica was from an inflamed or trapped nerve. Coldness may make the nerve smaller, heat will inflame it more.

Just did a whole lot of stretching, keeping coolish.
yep, seems 'weird'.

Try cold then hot Sprint.

So, Larry, how do you get your codeine? I doubt you have a prescription so you either have a huge stash from before they stopped Mersyndol being sold over the counter or you get your codeine from an illegal source, a drug dealer.

Which is it? How long have you been taking codeine night strength every night? Do you take one tablet or several?

Do you get the famous “codeine rages?”

I think IQ was taking codeine and booze and he mentioned codeine rages.

Jovial Monk wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 8:27am:

Try cold then hot Sprint.

I have done the cold/hot/cold etc .......  treatment on bruises. It works VERY well. People do not do it as it is 'too much problem' .....
It is MUCH better than having a bruise/sprain for days.

For this sciatica, I though the sciatic nerve was inflamed, this caused muscles to tense up all around the nerve.
It was bad last night and this morning. I forgot about the ice during the night.
This is what it is like when I am unwell, my thinking goes astray.

Used the ice today, stretching, more ice, nurofen, stretching,  ice. It's a lot better.
This morning was pretty bad.

Fish oil capsules help with inflammation, are gentle unlike NSAIDS.

Keep track of Nurofen usage—kills your liver!

I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since.
BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest.

Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice).
Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg

Frank wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 6:59pm:

I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg

I had mine done at St Vincents... Tim Steel, one of the best.

Gordon wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 8:26pm:

Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg I had mine done at St Vincents... Tim Steel, one of the best.

Yes, him.

Frank wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 6:59pm:

I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg

A monkey chair, eh? Do you have to sit in it to eat?

So brave. Do you know what you are, dear boy?

You're keyholed. We mean this in the nicest possible way, no?

I had been in a car accident age 21 as passenger… car was t boned… spun around and my right hip was walloped where the gear stick was…
Took ages to stop limping… then I had pregnancies and as the bones move… I ended up being reminded of that old injury… it just never got better… no matter how many chiros I saw.
And the occasional sciatica was thwarting…. as a young mum and household to run… it never ceased to remind me it’s there.
Now fast forward decades…. In feb this year I saw a RA specialist and he injected cortisone in my hip.
I have not had any hip or sciatica problem since! I could almost cry with joy!
Then I get pissed off as I wonder why no doctor has ever done that for me throughout my life!
Sure I have a high pain threshold… but maybe I needed to really whinge louder? We’re they not hearing me? All my life?
This RA specialist also is the only doctor that did tests for me and found I had lupus!
Now this has made sense with all I have been through… it answered a lot of questions re: health and pain issues.
And to think… I said to my husband… “what’s the point going to a specialist and being out of pocket couple hundred $$$$ when they just brush me off and say nothing wrong!”

Wrong! I almost cancelled the appointment after nearly a 3 month wait. To reluctantly go half heartedly… to finding out how frikken amazing he was! Wow… just when I lost all hope!

I still can’t believe there is no pain in my right hip any longer!
Days of joy!

I needed a total hip replacement surgery to get rid of (80%) pain in my right hip. Left hip is fine, practically no arthritis there.

Jovial Monk wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 4:57pm:

I needed a total hip replacement surgery to get rid of (80%) pain in my right hip. Left hip is fine, practically no arthritis there.

If you can get it done… go for it… I’ve heard so many say how much better life is with either hip or knee replacements. Big scar in place of pain-be-gone!

I have had it done, 2012 IIRC

Jovial Monk wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 5:10pm:

I have had it done, 2012 IIRC

O I C  :)
You have had it done… not needing it to be done
So 80% pain gone? Sounds like a good outcome.

Sophia wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 4:47pm:

I had been in a car accident age 21 as passenger… car was t boned… spun around and my right hip was walloped where the gear stick was… Took ages to stop limping… then I had pregnancies and as the bones move… I ended up being reminded of that old injury… it just never got better… no matter how many chiros I saw. And the occasional sciatica was thwarting…. as a young mum and household to run… it never ceased to remind me it’s there. Now fast forward decades…. In feb this year I saw a RA specialist and he injected cortisone in my hip. I have not had any hip or sciatica problem since! I could almost cry with joy! Then I get pissed off as I wonder why no doctor has ever done that for me throughout my life! Sure I have a high pain threshold… but maybe I needed to really whinge louder? We’re they not hearing me? All my life? This RA specialist also is the only doctor that did tests for me and found I had lupus! Now this has made sense with all I have been through… it answered a lot of questions re: health and pain issues. And to think… I said to my husband… “what’s the point going to a specialist and being out of pocket couple hundred $$$$ when they just brush me off and say nothing wrong!” Wrong! I almost cancelled the appointment after nearly a 3 month wait. To reluctantly go half heartedly… to finding out how frikken amazing he was! Wow… just when I lost all hope! I still can’t believe there is no pain in my right hip any longer! Days of joy!

Wow

Sounds like a  movie starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law...

I tried the cortisone injection treatment for sacroiliac joint pain.

In my case a total waste of time.     :'(

Karnal wrote on Oct 16^th, 2022 at 2:55am:

Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg A monkey chair, eh? Do you have to sit in it to eat? So brave. Do you know what you are, dear boy? You're keyholed. We mean this in the nicest possible way, no?

Well, it could be worse - I could be a wee Paki like you.  Imagine the fkkn AGONY of that!!!

Frank wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 6:59pm:

I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg

Thanks Frank.
Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT.
I ignore posts that are irrelevant.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 7:56pm:

Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg Thanks Frank. Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT. I ignore posts that are irrelevant.

Sitting is the new smoking.
But if you must sit, sit well - monkey chair.
Standy desk + monkey chair +  moving, walking.

NOT while in pain, though. I went to a physo, very nice, helpful but no use. It just got we\ore and worse. if the toothpaste is too far out you have no way of putting it back in the tube. Follow the advice you TRUST. Exhaust all options before going for surgery. But if that is the answer then that is the answer.
ALWAYS ask about what if it doesn't work.
I can't believe my luck so far - no issues for 7 years post operation.

AusGeoff wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 7:39pm:

I tried the cortisone injection treatment for sacroiliac joint pain. In my case a total waste of time.     :'(

I’ve heard others tell me it didn’t work for them… and I asked them if they rested for 24 hours after… which they said no….I’m not sure if this is why I may have been fortunate for it to work… I read this online and did what it said. Was hard to stay still as I was edgy to do stuff but I persevered and maybe.. it’s the reason it worked for me…

”After a cortisone injection, it is strongly advised to rest the affected joint for 24 hours and refrain from doing strenuous activity or exercise for several days. Resting after the shot is vital to reduce inflammation”

Frank wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 8:08pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 22nd, 2022 at 7:56pm: Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg Thanks Frank. Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT. I ignore posts that are irrelevant. Sitting is the new smoking. But if you must sit, sit well - monkey chair. Standy desk + monkey chair +  moving, walking. NOT while in pain, though. I went to a physo, very nice, helpful but no use. It just got we\ore and worse. if the toothpaste is too far out you have no way of putting it back in the tube. Follow the advice you TRUST. Exhaust all options before going for surgery. But if that is the answer then that is the answer. ALWAYS ask about what if it doesn't work. I can't believe my luck so far - no issues for 7 years post operation.

Congrats.
From what you have written, I assume you take good responsibility for your own well being.
As do I.

Some people seem to try to harm themselves.
What I see some people at work do, I step WELL back and keep clear.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 7:56pm:

Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg Thanks Frank. Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT. I ignore posts that are irrelevant.

I do that too Sprint.

Hey Frank could you PM me regarding your keyhole surgery please? I wouldn't mind a recommendation re doctor and hospital IN CASE I need to have surgery (mind you I'm trying to avoid doctors and hospitals full stop).

What I found helped my sciatica was to keep moving (hence the incessant gardening lol). I should point out that I do measure my time in the garden AND I no longer do any heavy lifting. Hubby does all that for me OR my eldest son.

I have learned that regular super hot showers and specific shower gels help me. I average 3 a day

I also use a 3 minute in the microwave wheat pack which I place on my bed so my sciatica affected area lies directly on top of it. As a matter of fact I sleep like that every night. It's sooo soothing.

IF I have an episode of unbelievable pain (that hasn't happened for some time so I guess I'm due soon 🥺☹️) I go for 2 panadol Rapids straight before bed. If that doesn't help at all and I'm in agony (to the point where I'm lying in bed thinking ambulance and hospital) THAT'S when I grab my Iphone and email my GP who has all my MRI scans regarding my level of sciatica. There are a number of levels and I'm up there in the severe area regrettably. By early morning he's emailed me back and organised some serious pain relief ( Mersyndol ). He then emails the script to my local pharmacy and my hubby gets that for me as soon as the pharmacy opens. Unfortunately Mersyndol is expensive and it upsets my tummy so I only have the stuff as a last resort. But it does help and I can at least get some sleep.

Anyway ... it's been some time since I've had sciatica pain so I'm making the most out of being pain free and trying to enjoy each day. I am ever so careful not to over strain myself.

Note : physiotherapy did not help me much. I had heaps of sessions and some even involved being in traction. I couldn't see any difference.

Exercises which I find helpful: at night when in my pjs...hubby massages my legs and feet (20 mins all up) so I get him to finish off by grabbing me by both ankles and gently lifting them and then pulling them a few cms towards him at the same time. He does that twice. That seriously helps my pelvic and lower back areas.

We're all different and everyone has a routine which is more or less their coping mechanism which works for them.

The problem I have with sciatica is this : I'm waiting for the next episode of unbearable pain to hit but I have no idea when/where it's going to take place so I'm on edge and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. I HATE that! ☹️

Frank wrote on Oct 15^th, 2022 at 8:28pm:

Gordon wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 8:26pm: Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg I had mine done at St Vincents... Tim Steel, one of the best. Yes, him.

Ahhh! I'll mention that name to my GP AND I'll also check out what other names he reckons.

Lisa Jones wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 10:31pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 22nd, 2022 at 7:56pm: Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg Thanks Frank. Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT. I ignore posts that are irrelevant. I do that too Sprint. Hey Frank could you PM me regarding your keyhole surgery please? I wouldn't mind a recommendation re doctor and hospital IN CASE I need to have surgery (mind you I'm trying to avoid doctors and hospitals full stop). What I found helped my sciatica was to keep moving (hence the incessant gardening lol). I should point out that I do measure my time in the garden AND I no longer do any heavy lifting. Hubby does all that for me OR my eldest son. I have learned that regular super hot showers and specific shower gels help me. I average 3 a day I also use a 3 minute in the microwave wheat pack which I place on my bed so my sciatica affected area lies directly on top of it. As a matter of fact I sleep like that every night. It's sooo soothing. IF I have an episode of unbelievable pain (that hasn't happened for some time so I guess I'm due soon 🥺☹️) I go for 2 panadol Rapids straight before bed. If that doesn't help at all and I'm in agony (to the point where I'm lying in bed thinking ambulance and hospital) THAT'S when I grab my Iphone and email my GP who has all my MRI scans regarding my level of sciatica. There are a number of levels and I'm up there in the severe area regrettably. By early morning he's emailed me back and organised some serious pain relief ( Mersyndol ). He then emails the script to my local pharmacy and my hubby gets that for me as soon as the pharmacy opens. Unfortunately Mersyndol is expensive and it upsets my tummy so I only have the stuff as a last resort. But it does help and I can at least get some sleep. Anyway ... it's been some time since I've had sciatica pain so I'm making the most out of being pain free and trying to enjoy each day. I am ever so careful not to over strain myself. Note : physiotherapy did not help me much. I had heaps of sessions and some even involved being in traction. I couldn't see any difference. Exercises which I find helpful: at night when in my pjs...hubby massages my legs and feet (20 mins all up) so I get him to finish off by grabbing me by both ankles and gently lifting them and then pulling them a few cms towards him at the same time. He does that twice. That seriously helps my pelvic and lower back areas. We're all different and everyone has a routine which is more or less their coping mechanism which works for them. The problem I have with sciatica is this : I'm waiting for the next episode of unbearable pain to hit but I have no idea when/where it's going to take place so I'm on edge and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. I HATE that! ☹️

Wow.

Look, try an ice pack.
nothing else is working.
You are in a no lose situation.

An ICE pack?? For sciatica??

Not a HEAT pack?

Are you sure????

Edit : OMG!!!

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-use-ice-cool-down-your-sciatica-symptoms

When red-hot sciatica pain sears down your leg, using ice therapy can be uniquely effective in immediately soothing the pain.

Use ice therapy as soon as your pain starts. Ice or cold therapy is recommended when your sciatica is acute or flares up. Cold therapy typically works by:

1. Increasing your tolerance to pain and slowing down the speed at which your nerves send pain signals to the brain

2. Acting locally, as opposed to taking oral pain-relieving medications, which have a body-wide (systemic) effect

The application of cold directly affects your body tissues, providing more effective pain control.

How ice therapy reduces sciatica pain:

When you use ice therapy, the following changes occur in your sore tissues:

1. Lessens pain. Cold therapy reduces pain by decreasing the conduction of nerves of the skin.

2. Numbs the area. The reduction in tissue temperature causes a numbing effect due to the constriction of blood vessels and a decrease in blood flow.

3. Reduces muscle spasm. Cold therapy decreases muscle spasm, which usually creates pain, by cooling the muscle fibers.

4. Decreases inflammation. Lowering the tissue temperature causes a decrease in tissue metabolism and oxygen intake, reducing the overall inflammatory process.

5. Prevents swelling. Reduction in inflammation results in decreased fluid collection and swelling.

Ice therapy can provide effective pain relief when used in acute conditions and may also help prevent the need to take pain-relieving medications.

Apply the icepack to your lower back

Sciatica is caused by an underlying lower back condition. The lower back problem typically pinches or irritates one (or more) of your sciatic nerve roots, which in turn sends pain and other symptoms along your long sciatic nerve.

When you use ice therapy for sciatica pain, apply the icepack to your lower back and rear pelvis—where the sciatic nerve roots are located. Icing this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.

Lisa Jones wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 11:12pm:

An ICE pack?? For sciatica?? Not a HEAT pack? Are you sure???? Edit : OMG!!! https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-use-ice-cool-down-your-sciatica-symptoms When red-hot sciatica pain sears down your leg, using ice therapy can be uniquely effective in immediately soothing the pain. Use ice therapy as soon as your pain starts. Ice or cold therapy is recommended when your sciatica is acute or flares up. Cold therapy typically works by: 1. Increasing your tolerance to pain and slowing down the speed at which your nerves send pain signals to the brain 2. Acting locally, as opposed to taking oral pain-relieving medications, which have a body-wide (systemic) effect The application of cold directly affects your body tissues, providing more effective pain control. How ice therapy reduces sciatica pain: When you use ice therapy, the following changes occur in your sore tissues: 1. Lessens pain. Cold therapy reduces pain by decreasing the conduction of nerves of the skin. 2. Numbs the area. The reduction in tissue temperature causes a numbing effect due to the constriction of blood vessels and a decrease in blood flow. 3. Reduces muscle spasm. Cold therapy decreases muscle spasm, which usually creates pain, by cooling the muscle fibers. 4. Decreases inflammation. Lowering the tissue temperature causes a decrease in tissue metabolism and oxygen intake, reducing the overall inflammatory process. 5. Prevents swelling. Reduction in inflammation results in decreased fluid collection and swelling. Ice therapy can provide effective pain relief when used in acute conditions and may also help prevent the need to take pain-relieving medications. Apply the icepack to your lower back Sciatica is caused by an underlying lower back condition. The lower back problem typically pinches or irritates one (or more) of your sciatic nerve roots, which in turn sends pain and other symptoms along your long sciatic nerve. When you use ice therapy for sciatica pain, apply the icepack to your lower back and rear pelvis—where the sciatic nerve roots are located. Icing this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.

It won't work for all sciatica.
In my case, years ago I was using heat and it was getting worse.
Then the penny dropped, my sciatica is most  likely caused by an inflamed nerve.
To reduce the size of a nerve, cool it down.
So I tried ice, it worked.

At least it is readily available, cheap and not addictive :-)

Ice blocks wrapped in a wet tea towel is the traditional method.
It has to be wet to conduct the temperature.
A dry towel is an insulator.

This is a good stretch for it

https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/OmtOzGVeNV7CdNghLJmopA7bpEk=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Depositphotos_3170130_original-56a060443df78cafdaa14e3f.jpg

Just can't fix that T3-T4 bastard... when it plays up it's like a knife in the back... years of exercising and stretching with the neck fracture cut out the electric shocks down the arm and the inability to turn head to the right..... not for the faint-hearted.... should be a cripple but never say die...

Sciatica... meh ... fixed long ago.

Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Oct 26^th, 2022 at 10:57pm:

Just can't fix that T3-T4 bastard... when it plays up it's like a knife in the back... years of exercising and stretching with the neck fracture cut out the electric shocks down the arm and the inability to turn head to the right..... not for the faint-hearted.... should be a cripple but never say die... Sciatica... meh ... fixed long ago.

what did you do for your sciatica?

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 26^th, 2022 at 11:02pm:

Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Oct 26th, 2022 at 10:57pm: Just can't fix that T3-T4 bastard... when it plays up it's like a knife in the back... years of exercising and stretching with the neck fracture cut out the electric shocks down the arm and the inability to turn head to the right..... not for the faint-hearted.... should be a cripple but never say die... Sciatica... meh ... fixed long ago. what did you do for your sciatica?

Way back - for a few weeks I used parallel bars to lift whole body and pull up back and stomach muscles and then let go ... more cracks than a comedy festival... but I was young, fit and strong then and only in my late thirties and like a rake ... then one day I did a contortionist imitation in a warm soft bed and  got three clunks out of the lumbo-sacral and apparently reset a dislocated disk and vertebra... no harm done and I stopped wearing out my left shoe on the outside all the time..... better as I get older.

Like the chiros do... stretch yourself out full length.... roll to one side... put upper foot on other knee, hand(s) behind upper hip and push and twist.... then same for other side - but I WAS like a greyhound then ....worked wonders.  Such a relief to run on two feet flat on the ground... tough old bastard... you had to be there.

Stuff the doctors and their wheelchair.

The old girl has back problems but carries so much extra padding she is impossible, so I just give massage.

these are good ones, well explained

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VAnQXeQUL8

Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Oct 26^th, 2022 at 11:10pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 26th, 2022 at 11:02pm: Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Oct 26th, 2022 at 10:57pm: Just can't fix that T3-T4 bastard... when it plays up it's like a knife in the back... years of exercising and stretching with the neck fracture cut out the electric shocks down the arm and the inability to turn head to the right..... not for the faint-hearted.... should be a cripple but never say die... Sciatica... meh ... fixed long ago. what did you do for your sciatica? Way back - for a few weeks I used parallel bars to lift whole body and pull up back and stomach muscles and then let go ... more cracks than a comedy festival... but I was young, fit and strong then and only in my late thirties and like a rake ... then one day I did a contortionist imitation in a warm soft bed and  got three clunks out of the lumbo-sacral and apparently reset a dislocated disk and vertebra... no harm done and I stopped wearing out my left shoe on the outside all the time..... better as I get older. Like the chiros do... stretch yourself out full length.... roll to one side... put upper foot on other knee, hand(s) behind upper hip and push and twist.... then same for other side - but I WAS like a greyhound then ....worked wonders.  Such a relief to run on two feet flat on the ground... tough old bastard... you had to be there. Stuff the doctors and their wheelchair. The old girl has back problems but carries so much extra padding she is impossible, so I just give massage.

Thanks for the details

Lisa Jones wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2022 at 10:31pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 22nd, 2022 at 7:56pm: Frank wrote on Oct 15th, 2022 at 6:59pm: I had keyhole surgery for for sciatica about 7 years ago. As the surgeon at St Vincent's said about the protruding jelly-like substance that presses on the sciatic nerve; you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Remove it. He did. Never looked back, never had any issues since. BUT have heard horror stories about subsequent procedures for the (unsuccessful) fusion of vertebrae, chronic, unrelenting pain and all the rest. Tip: do not sit so your hip is lower than your knees. It puts more pressure on your back. Don't sit for long periods. strengthen your core, as aqua says, but not while you are in pain, it will just make it worse. Don't go to a physio WHILE in pain, it will just make it worse (surgeon's advice). Get off yer arse and if not, get a monkey chair if you can. Amazing. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Rem7CAtlS._AC_.jpg Thanks Frank. Seems many people have this and the severity varies a LOT. I ignore posts that are irrelevant. I do that too Sprint. Hey Frank could you PM me regarding your keyhole surgery please? I wouldn't mind a recommendation re doctor and hospital IN CASE I need to have surgery (mind you I'm trying to avoid doctors and hospitals full stop). What I found helped my sciatica was to keep moving (hence the incessant gardening lol). I should point out that I do measure my time in the garden AND I no longer do any heavy lifting. Hubby does all that for me OR my eldest son. I have learned that regular super hot showers and specific shower gels help me. I average 3 a day I also use a 3 minute in the microwave wheat pack which I place on my bed so my sciatica affected area lies directly on top of it. As a matter of fact I sleep like that every night. It's sooo soothing. IF I have an episode of unbelievable pain (that hasn't happened for some time so I guess I'm due soon 🥺☹️) I go for 2 panadol Rapids straight before bed. If that doesn't help at all and I'm in agony (to the point where I'm lying in bed thinking ambulance and hospital) THAT'S when I grab my Iphone and email my GP who has all my MRI scans regarding my level of sciatica. There are a number of levels and I'm up there in the severe area regrettably. By early morning he's emailed me back and organised some serious pain relief ( Mersyndol ). He then emails the script to my local pharmacy and my hubby gets that for me as soon as the pharmacy opens. Unfortunately Mersyndol is expensive and it upsets my tummy so I only have the stuff as a last resort. But it does help and I can at least get some sleep. Anyway ... it's been some time since I've had sciatica pain so I'm making the most out of being pain free and trying to enjoy each day. I am ever so careful not to over strain myself. Note : physiotherapy did not help me much. I had heaps of sessions and some even involved being in traction. I couldn't see any difference. Exercises which I find helpful: at night when in my pjs...hubby massages my legs and feet (20 mins all up) so I get him to finish off by grabbing me by both ankles and gently lifting them and then pulling them a few cms towards him at the same time. He does that twice. That seriously helps my pelvic and lower back areas. We're all different and everyone has a routine which is more or less their coping mechanism which works for them. The problem I have with sciatica is this : I'm waiting for the next episode of unbearable pain to hit but I have no idea when/where it's going to take place so I'm on edge and I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. I HATE that! ☹️

Isn’t the highlighted paragraph a lovely fairytale? Obviously, Larry realised he had to explain away the Mersyndol gaffe.

A delightful read. Don’t believe a word of it of course. Larry is a junky.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 8:09am:

I got sciatica again. Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today. Shopping will be VERY slow and measured.

Sex with a nice 30 something works better. Give it a go Sprinty, miracles can happen for you Protestants ;)

Jasin wrote on Nov 6^th, 2022 at 4:57pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14th, 2022 at 8:09am: I got sciatica again. Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today. Shopping will be VERY slow and measured. Sex with a nice 30 something works better. Give it a go Sprinty, miracles can happen for you Protestants ;)

Yes.
All jokes aside, lower back exercises are what helps.
Which is what making love is

Sprintcyclist wrote on Nov 6^th, 2022 at 7:07pm:

Jasin wrote on Nov 6th, 2022 at 4:57pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Oct 14th, 2022 at 8:09am: I got sciatica again. Cold packs help, some stretching is good, it's a game changer. Will not be doing much gardening today. Shopping will be VERY slow and measured. Sex with a nice 30 something works better. Give it a go Sprinty, miracles can happen for you Protestants ;) Yes. All jokes aside, lower back exercises are what helps. Which is what making love is

I'm ever so glad you guys bought that up. I don't feel as embarrassed now.

Sex is indeed the best medicine ever for sciatica (doggy style especially). Hubby and I laugh about it now. We still can't get over the fact that my unbearable sciatica pain is the reason behind our umm you know ... awesome sex life these days 🤭

aquascoot wrote on Oct 14^th, 2022 at 9:25am:

sprint i have the solution. you need to strengthen your core by walking backwards and pulling a sled this has totally fixed mine weak glutes and tight hamstrings are the enemy this keeps your spine straight and you put a belt around your waist and pull. dont do the squat pulls to begin with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RG-aNzdKEE

I actually just joined a gym that has a sled, what a bloody brilliant exercise.
Apparently great for your knees too

Gordon wrote on Nov 7^th, 2022 at 7:01pm:

aquascoot wrote on Oct 14th, 2022 at 9:25am: sprint i have the solution. you need to strengthen your core by walking backwards and pulling a sled this has totally fixed mine weak glutes and tight hamstrings are the enemy this keeps your spine straight and you put a belt around your waist and pull. dont do the squat pulls to begin with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RG-aNzdKEE I actually just joined a gym that has a sled, what a bloody brilliant exercise. Apparently great for your knees too

Thanks Aqua and Scoot,

I agree, walking backwards is very good.
I do do that at times.

Also my hamstrings are very tight