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Original poster

Sciatica- Alternative Remedies

30 replies

ConstitutionHill · 18/05/2023 10:25

Posting for traffic.

AIBU to ask has anyone had good results using some alternative treatments for sciatica.

I have been in horrible pain and unable to walk properly for 3 months. I have been to doctor and pretty sure it's a trapped nerve under the piriformis muscle. Im sick of NSAIDs and don't really want to take amitriptyline off label.

Has anyone had any luck with acupuncture/ osteo/physio/chiropractor?

Thanks.

OP posts:
GaraMedouar · 18/05/2023 10:44

I would recommend an osteopath. I had severe sciatica around three years ago and started seeing an osteopath - I still go every two months to keep on top of it. I am so much better - 95% - although still get the odd twinge.

I was advised particularly when in excruciating pain to alternate a hot water bottle and ice pack on the site of the pain. This really helped.

i also started sciatica exercise , yoga type ones - to stretch out - i think it’s called the pigeon pose, hip opener ones - and lying on your back with knees bent and the heel of the painful side on the other knee. I think that helped ease the nerve. Also if in pain sometimes I would lie on my back , against a wall - with my bum right to the wall and both legs up the wall straight - this would help. I still try and do the hip opener exercise frequently when I remember.

Original poster
ConstitutionHill · 18/05/2023 10:42

TheHandmaiden · 18/05/2023 10:28

Oestopath can be good.

Though tbh I recommend Valium and codeine and MRI! Sciatica is the pits and the most pain I have ever experienced - worse than childbirth

I find codeine not great and prefer Voltaren tablets. I've been on them for 3 months so would be worried about taking codeine that long.

I'm a few kilos overweight but nothing major. It's just really impacting my lifestyle atm. No hiking and even dog walking is horrible.

OP posts:
Mabelface · 18/05/2023 10:33

You can self refer for physio or pay to see an osteopath. All medication does is ease the pain without fixing the issue. I get sciatica and both avenues have fixed it for me in the past. If the above doesn't improve things, then ask your gp to refer you to an orthopaedic consultant.

TheHandmaiden · 18/05/2023 10:28

Oestopath can be good.

Though tbh I recommend Valium and codeine and MRI! Sciatica is the pits and the most pain I have ever experienced - worse than childbirth

DustyLee123 · 18/05/2023 10:27

DB has a massage regularly, from a sports physio type person, that keeps his bad back at bay. When it flares up he sees her more.

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