sciatica and walking

[SeasonalVag]

ive been diagnosed with sciatica, (which is a total pain as we live in the country and driving is excruciating and I suspect not very safe)

if I lie down for more than ten minutes its severe when I get up....ive been keeping moving as much as possible but being in pain all the time is draining and I just want to be still....

anyway, I was wondering....my son has to get to nursery tomorrow - how foolish would it be to try and walk the four miles to get him...would it not help my back to keep moving or would that be overdoing it? Scared of being stuck on a country lane....

Walking is generally good
Have you got any pain relief?

Walking there would probably be good for the sciatica, but is your dc capable of walking four miles back? Because if you end up having to carry him, then that wouldn't be good for your sciatica.

I think it could be too far and is it four miles each way? Highly likely you will be in pain along the way and have a young child with you as well.

Are you on any meds? There are good meds available for nerve pain.

ive got cocodamol, but they scare me, I hate taking them, feel like ive smoked a massive spliff, not good with kids. he's two, so will be in a pushchair, and downhill all the way with him in it.....

if this is really stupid, I need to know!

Taxi?

Walking is good but I find after 20 minutes I get quite sore do that would be too far for me. Could you get a bus and get off a few stops early so you can get a short walk but have the option to get the bus or text back.

Walking is good - but there is a fine line between doing good and over doing it. Have you tried a tens machine? I have mine stuck on nearly all the time now - which means I can go and watch my ds playing rugby and function vaguely normally without having to dope up at all. I'd much rather be constantly zapping myself than taking ever increasing doses of pain medication. I tuck the wires in so I don't look like a complete fool - ds reckons it just looks like I have an iPod in my pocket.
Four miles is a bit much to leap straight into, but there is nothing to say you couldn't work up to it. I used to do about 10-12 a day - when I wasn't working. Standing still is the killer for me and nobody wants to lay about all day, but once the fitness levels are up it really helps.
Also have you tried the Alexander Technique or Pilates? Building up the core strength really makes a massive difference. I have two discs missing and have exhausted all options other than fusion, which I have managed to delay through (lots of) strengthening exercises.

ok, youre right guys, four miles probably too ambitious....im going to go to the gym today and walk for an hour because I can just get off if it gets too much.

I found that driving is much easier if I incline the driver seat back as far back as safely possible - I drive a jeep and am normally totally upright so this might not be much of a tip for those with more comfy cars!

those of you with this is a ore or less chronic problem - my heart goes out to you. ive only had this two or three days and am utterly drained, no idea how you guys deal with it.

I have this due to arthritis and my limit is a mile! It's likely you'll suffer immensely afterwards.