Are there any active support forums for chronic sciatica/lower back pain?

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I know there used to be a back thread on here but haven't seen it for a while.

Any sites I've come across elsewhere seem quite quiet and after a year of this pain, GPs dragging their heeels etc was looking for somewhere to look for further information on what has worked for other people maybe have a rant the odd time

I have been suffering from sciatica for 3 years now and even though I try to minimize things that may aggravate it more, it just keeps coming back 🙁 I just want to avoid surgery because I guess I’m just in denial as to how serious it is. I still believe I can eliminate my sciatica using natural cremes and stretches.I found this article very helpful: sciaticapain.co.uk/best-sciatica-treatment-over-the-counter-in-2020/ What do you suggest I should do? Should I continue with the natural route or just go for surgery? Thanks again!

Hi the other thread has gone a bit quite, one was back to normal and a couple had operations, one poor lady it was her 3rd op, I’m desperately trying to cope, I have a herniated disc pressing on sciatic nerve, have tried everything PT, osteopath, on Naprosyn and Gabapentin and diazepam tried every utube video, acupuncture, tens 😤 I find it very painful to sit for more than a few minutes have to sleep on stomach, but after a few hours sleep the leg spasms bring me to tears I walk around when I can eventually put weight back on that leg and use ice then hot water bottle. Most days the pain is continual I can’t bend forward even brushing teeth is painful so can’t do anything and I have a 3 year old to look after, have just ordered an inversion table will keep you updated on that should get it tomorrow, so totally get what you are all going through I see the consultant at the end of the month so wiser what he says, for any of you in serious pain I mean unrelenting you should definitely have an mri, and for those of you that have it on and off I have heard hydrotherapy is really good haven’t tried that one though as wouldn’t r able to undress myself. It really comes to something when just putting your own knickers and socks on would seem like a miracle 🤨😂

As for surgery when I have no break from the pain and a couple of hours sleep, I feel desperate and I know I can’t go on like this but it’s been five months for me and trying to heal naturally but don’t know if that’s possible, do you know the cause of your sciatica and is the pain stopping your daily routine, I can’t drive so it’s so frustrating

Sorry to have found yet another group of sufferers. Bear in mind though the people who found relief do not post about it (although we wish they did!). Things I have found helpful are ice-packs, CBT, PMA and Dr Santer and Dr Oldfield's books (and drugs and alcohol obviously). Stress definitely makes me worse so I try and avoid it though its not always possible.

I had spinal surgery 12 years ago and still suffer (though not as much as before surgery). They don't tell you that this is quite a likely outcome. Some days I can (almost) forget about my back and I try not to let it rule me or define me. I've been told that 12 years post surgery I'd be in pretty much the same state with or without the surgery. They are going to stop back, neck and shoulder surgery soon anyway as its so hit or miss so don't anybody rush into it.