Managing sciatica flare-up

Hi, I have had chronic sciatica for 20 years, (which started when I wore extremely ill-fitting high heeled shoes to a party, would you believe. Oh if only I could turn back time…)

I’m lucky in the sense that most of the time it doesn’t actually give me any issues, no pain, nothing! But every now and then, maybe 3-4 times a year, I get a flare-up, which usually lasts 1-2 weeks. And it’s really bad. It’s on my left side and I get pain starting from my sciatic nerve all the way down my leg. The pain is always worst in my foot, for some reason. The underside of my foot hurts sooo much, and the whole foot feels like it’s “fizzy”.

It is usually much less severe in the morning after a good night’s sleep, but it will get worse as the day goes on, and by the evening it’s excruciating.

I don’t really know how to manage the pain. Ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t help at all. I do various stretches but that doesn’t help either. I can get myself into a certain sitting position where the pressure on the nerve is released and that gives me some relief, but I can’t hold the position for long and the minute I come out of the position the pain starts up again.

Just wondered how other people with sciatica manage the pain? I’d prefer not to take strong painkillers, would rather find other ways to manage it if possible. But if prescription painkillers are the only thing that helps, I’d be prepared to try them.

What helps you?

Thanks in advance 😊