Struggling with sciatica

[Sameold23]

Hi, so I started with this 10 days ago. Horrendous pain with numb leg and foot. Ended up in A&E. I've mainly been in bed as could not move. The last few days I've cut my painkillers and have been moving about more. I've managed the stairs a few times. Now my pain is back, but I thought I was supposed to be moving around. Basically I can't sleep as the pain is annoying and I'm freaking out that this is never going to end. The gp has referred me to physio which shouldn't be too much longer. Just wanted advice on what I should be doing please.

Thanks for the info. I definitely need a standing desk.

Hi I slipped two discs last year and it’s been a long recovery. Initial pain was horrific eventually got diclofenac and strong cocodomol which took the pain away. I was doubled over and could stand straight for months because if the spasms in my back, I took diazepam for this too. I saw a chiropractor that helped get me standing straight and she referred me
for a private mri as she wanted to check there was no breaks before she worked on me any further. She also did acupuncture which I felt really helped. I eventually saw a consultant and was given a steroid injection in my back, this has really helped with the numbness too. I would push for an mri and consider the injection if you can get it. The waiting times on the nhs were quite long which was hard as I was in so much pain too.

Another thing that helped me sleep was a pregnancy pillow. I found having the pillow between my legs seemed to take the pressure off the disc and stopped me rolling over to as that was horrendous for the pain.

@HappyScot2022

That sounds awful. Do you know how it happened?

I've spoken to two GPs now, and they've both advised against an MRI. They said they will treat the symptoms, whatever a scan revealed, so it's not necessary. This was me saying I was going to pay for a private one.

As soon as I said I had private insurance my GP smiled. He then wrote a very comprehensive report for the consultant who was very impressed by his thoroughness. The MRI showed scoliosis, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, hip displacement. My GP now has all the information he needs. My consultant has recommended physio and other treatments

Yes sorry should have said, partly hereditary as mum also had slipped discs but I had a bad fall on to my hip. I had been getting some spasms in my back prior to the fall though so I think it was going to happen at some point.

I have three tales of sciatica:-

My own was brought about by a personal trainer who insisted squats would be good for my weak lower back. He said the pain I was feeling during the squats was normal. This led to me developing sciatica the next day.

When it didn’t disappear after a couple of days I booked in with a physio who was also a chiropractor. Had weekly sessions - 3 in total. I felt worse after session 2. Told him so and he upped everything - the electro pads as high as they’d go (would say higher than a tens but the same sensation) and he brought in another colleague to assist. I’m in the north-west. Each session cost me £35/40. It disappeared overnight following the 3rd treatment.

I am aware of my sciatic nerve now and occasionally get the odd twinge. Whilst I had it, it was pretty severe: kept falling over on the street.

2. My father developed sciatica. He has other health issues so went down the route of scans and they found his was caused by a cyst on his spine.

3)I have a client who has sciatica due to a slipped disk. His has been ongoing due to a convoluted treatment pathway. He’s heading for surgery. Has been waiting 18 months already.

Your’s could be a simple case like mine.

I really sympathise with you, OP, it's so debilitating.

I had a bulging disc on and off for years from heavy lifting of office equipment in my younger days. Always the same left side, pain down left leg, into my calf and foot,

In my early 30s, the gaps between episodes would get shorter and shorter until one day it just went.

I accepted if for a while as I was used to being out of action for a while, but this time I couldn't stand upright, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, left foot turned inwards.

Long story short: MRI showed the disc had ruptured on the left side, and totally compressed the nerve.

Doctors and consultant made it clear it would not get better on its own, surgery the only option, the longer I left it, the worse the long term damage would be.

I was prescribed tramadol while I waited for surgery.

Surgery was a success - not a single problem since, 15 years later.

Please push for an MRI, OP.
You might have something that will improve by itself, but if not, it's important to know.

Please push for an MRI, OP.
You might have something that will improve by itself, but if not, it's important to know

This is what I think. I only get so much sick pay, so can't have this going on and on. I can book in privately at the hospital in town. I wonder why both GPs have advised against it?

I don't know, OP.

In my personal experience, my GPs underplayed pain and took a wait and see approach. For them, 'give it 6 weeks and come back' was considered a reasonable approach.

They didn't care that I was completely incapacitated, couldn't work and had a toddler.

It was only when I saw a private neurologist that the real extent was recognised.

If you can afford it, a private consultant appointment with a recommended neurologist will put your mind at rest.

They might recommend the route a PP said, cortisone/steroid injections which could help reduce inflammation.

I have suffered from Sciatica for the past 4 yrs with it occurring much more often this past year I have been prescribed Diclofenac also but was frightened to take it with Co-codamol do the both together make for drowsiness as i really need to use my car most days,I did physio exercises over the phone during Covid the stretching ones against my kitchen base units and in my chair not a lot of relief at the minute I am waiting for MRI appt,I have been waiting 22 weeks and no sign as yet I think I shall have to pay privately,you have my heartfelt sympathy for the pain you are going through.😭

I had two horrendous bouts of Sciatica and the GP told me just to take Paracetamol and sent me away. I was reluctant, felt fobbed off and so never went back after that whenever it recurred. Please don't make this mistake!

I ended up with permanent nerve damage down one side; so bad that my leg isn't strong enough for driving now and I'm only allowed to drive an adapted car. I need walking aids, even a wheelchair, and loads of gadgets to help me at home, thanks to this and a couple of other conditions.

I know the misery Sciatica can bring and send everyone a gentle hug.

Herniated spinal discs have a hell of a lot to answer for!

I haven't really got the funds but can't afford to not work either. I have young children and live rurally, so have to be able to drive.

I think I'll make an appointment tomorrow.

Gps said they just treat the symptoms no matter what an MRI would say.

@MaidOfSteel

Bloody hell that is terrifying. You poor thing!

Well the treatment could be Cortisone injections or surgery - and they won't put you forward for that without a consultant referral.

So sorry for you, OP. It is miserable.

OK, so what do I need to ask for at the private hospital?

First, find a recommended specialist - Either ask friends or your local quality Facebook groups are good for this:

Something like:

"I need to see a consultant for my back problem, can anyone personally recommend someone good?

Then call the hospital they practice act, ask to make an appointment.

If their list is full or long wait, ask who else they recommend,

Thank you.

Has anyone found that weight loss made a big difference?

After you’ve being for a private consult they write to you and your G.P. They will mention how you presented, your symptoms etc and they will suggest next steps ie scans most likely.

They put this in writing so in effect have started a paper trail. Few in the medical field will put anything in writing, but a private consultant hasn’t got anything to lose!

That’s why your G.Ps don’t like it - now they are forced to act. If they don’t then you could potentially in the future sue them for negligence.

So it's a private consultation first then back to gp? I can't get an MRI at the same time?

Have a look what’s available in your area private-wise - there are chains of scanning centres in addition to private hospitals.

Those scanning centres can sometimes get you in, in a matter of days. Just be careful cost wise. I looked at one and they do the back in portions: upper, mid and lower. it worked out about £600 per portion. I didn’t go ahead as my then back complaint , well I couldn’t determine where it was. That was an MRI that excluded the head also (as I am claustrophobic).

Phone around private chiropractor and physios and ask if the do private mri referrals. I had my referral from my chiropractor. She received the results that were then sent back to my GP, I was then referred to the nhs consultant. At least if you get the mri privately you can push for treatment with the nhs once you know exactly what’s going on.

I have had 2 terrible bouts of sciatica the second one progressed into cauda equina syndrome which is when the disc completely crushes the delicate nerves at the base of the spine called the cauda equina. This is a case for emergency surgery and fortunately they did get me it in time and this prevented severe lifelong problems, however I do have some mild back pain and numbness in my leg and mild bladder issues.

I believe there is often a genetic weakness with sciatica, my mum has it too and we are physically very similar. We also both struggle with weight and have had jobs that involve a lot of lifting. Had I realised and done everything to look after my back I think I could have avoided the problem, however you live and learn.

I must say it's hard to change lifestyle factors that lead to back problems long term. Things like losing weight and doing back strengthening exercise and avoiding anything that might hurt your back, sound like a no-brainer when your back is hurting but once it recovers it can be hard to keep going. Especially hard is avoiding doing things that can hurt your back. Mum said she made hers worse sitting in an uncomfortable chair during a day long work seminar.

I have really bad back pain & psyatica, and I sit up to turn over. It does not make for restful sleep

@FoxClocks

I hope you don't mind, I've sent you a private message.