To ask for advise on Sciatica?

[Myliferocks]

I've put this in this topic as there's more traffic on here.
My non fuss making OH is nearly in tears with sciatica. He's waiting for the doctor to ring as his pain medication isn't working.
Is there anything he can do to help ease the pain as he can't move at the moment and can't get comfortable as he is constantly in pain.
Thank you in advance for any help given!

The dr yesterday said he would refer to him to the local hospital to serif he needs a MRI scan.

That sounds like a good idea. I bet you any money he will see a physio who is an ESP (extended scope practitioner). Who will assess him and arrange any necessary tests and onward referrals. Exactly what my gorgeous hubbie is doing right this minute. Let us know how he gets on.

Totally agree he needs reassessment. The unfortunate problem will be the possible wait, in my area can take up to 6-8 weeks just to get an assessment appointment. I know it should be within 2 weeks if the doctor says it's urgent, but the local physio department seem to do an initial "paper sift" & decide for themselves how urgent it is (sigh).

The ESP service is separate from the normal physio service so he will be seen promptly as his onset is within less than 2 weeks and he has leg pain.

I can thoroughly recommend Alexander Technique for when your husband is able to get out and about again.
You will have to pay for it, but the advantage over physio/osteo/chiro is that you learn to 'use' your body correctly, forever, and once you have learned the technique you will always have a way to ease any symptoms yourself, should they return. Maybe a reminder session every few months or so.

Someone upthread mentioned yoga and i just wanted to agree how beneficial this can be. There are postures that will alleviate the pain in the short term, but longer term it will help to correctly align the spine and strengthen the muscles and core so the lower back is better supported. Obviously not something to do in the middle of a flare up or on your own. The link here can help you find a qualified teacher in your area:

www.yogaforbacks.co.uk/yoga-for-healthy-lower-backs-course/

Personally, i find it is better to keep moving however much you don't want to. Heat really helps as does massage - if you can give him a massage around the buttocks/ top of the legs (not the spine itself) that can really help to alleviate the symptoms.

Has he been to a sports physio that uses acupuncture and massage?

I've just got back and he is up and moving around!
The cat's not too happy though as OH is standing in front of the radiator so the cat can't sleep there.
He's booked an appointment with the osteopath for next week. We'll find the money somehow.
He's got some stronger painkillers from the dr so hopefully they will work better.
All in all at the moment he seems a bit better than he did this morning!
A big thank you to everybody who has posted ways to deal with the pain.

My osteopath did exactly what the NHS did for free, but we are very lucky our local cottage hospital doesn't make you wait forever for an appointment.

With luck the osteopath will untense the right nerves. Then your DH has to walk, swim and not sit still too long or drive without breaks.

The best treatment is to catch the bugger before it starts.

And to that end I'm going to stop sitting here because the base of my back is starting to twinge.

My DH has CURED himself of sciatica !!!! by not eating high acid foods e.g. vinegar, oranges and especially pork and pork products. It's got to be better to try to avoid the problem by changing your life style a bit and cheaper than existing in pain on pills that don't really work and have bad side effects. Oh there is a very good alternative supplement called echinacea, agree the heat treatment is good as well.

ppeatfruit , you husband is very fortunate to be able to control his pain with a low acid diet.