Sciatica? Back? Help!

[BitchfaceBarclay]

Not unreasonable at all but need a bit of advice.
I think I have sciatica or something. It's like the worst back pain ever all in my left thigh. It really hurts. I can't stand upright or walk properly. Or sleep.

I have a tens somewhere from a previous evil pained back. I'll dig it out shortly. Ibuprofen and paracetamol isn't touching it. Nor naproxen. I need something bigger (but allergic to opioids).

Sorry. I can't even remember why I wrote that. It's not even a quesmtion

Oh yes. It's a bank holiday. Would urgent care be able to prescribe something to knock me out?

I'm also allergic to opiates. Sciatica is horrible (I have had it every day since 2009, even with fusion surgery for other spinal issues). I walk about as much as possible- not long distances. Hot bath with Epsom salts. First day bed rest can be okay but if it lasts much longer please see your GP, especially if this isn't your first attack. I find leaning forward onto something helps as it opens up the nerves passages.

Sleeping- lie on your good side with a pillow in between your legs (middle part of the pillow between your knees) as it keeps your hips square

I'm on day 3. It's steadily getting worse.

I remember the pillow thing from previous back trouble. It does help. Thanks for reminder.

I'm recovering from this at the minute. You need to stretch and keep it moving.

Can you ask for a higher dose of naproxen? I found 500mg just took the edge off the pain but it didn't get rid of it completely. I got in the foetal position on my back and rocked gently from side to side. Don't do anything that hurts though.

Can you afford a physio? They'll tell you what exercises will help alleviate it. I also saw an article online recently about apple cider vinegar and bathing your foot in it (could be bollocks but worth a try).

It will get better. I genuinely really feel for you-sciatica is awful.

Forgot to add- please don't see a chiropractor unless a GP has ruled out anything else. Coccyx pillows can help to sit on as well

Can ooh/urgent care prescribe me something do you think? I'm a bit desperate.

Can access physio and stufff through work but that would be later this week.

Ice packs, applied to the area 5 mins on, 5 mins off (repeat) will help in the short term

I'd definitely give it a try.

And agree with tissue re chiropractor. That could make things worse.

Leg or back? It's the leg that hurts but I suspect it's coming from the lower back (same sort of pain as previous back pain - burning, sick feeling)

Yes, go and get some help. I have this, along with failed nerve blocks and all sorts.

You are in pain, naproxin isn't touching it, you need to see someone to get the pain under control now, physio and stuff is in the future, you need to get comfy today.

I find cold pack( frozen peas works) held on the base of my spine of for 10-15 minster a time helps.

Put the ice where you're feeling the most pain, or alternate with both. The ice will help with the inflammation that's causing the problem

Ok. I'll give ooh a ring and see if they could do anything, thanks.

Huge sympathies btw sciatica is a bastard

Hope you are pain free soon. Sounds awful

On phone to 111. It's really a very annoying system.

Really completely annoying when I just want to know where to go. Can that not be an option before the list of questions about vaginal bleeding and crushing chest pain.

And after 20000 irrelevant questions he told me to call the GP. And asked why I hadn't called the GP. most GPS aren't open. Over weekends and bank holidays are they?

And I actually have a GP appointment I booked a few weeks back. The earliest they could see me is June 18th. I'm not sure I can wait that long for this.

Poor imploding NHS.

Can you get to your nearest drop in? I know it's difficult when you're in pain but I think that'll be the only way you'll get some if 111 haven't been any help. And, awful as it sounds, they often pay more attention if you cry