Sciatica Advice Needed

[uggmum]

My sciatica flared up in August. Althouh it was very painful it was manageable with disclose if and co-codamol.

It worsened in November and I tried various different drugs including a nerve blocker. This didn't work so I had 8 weeks of physio and acupuncture. There was no improvement.

It has got worse this week, it has travelled down my leg. My calf muscle is right and I'm in agony.

I can barely sit down, driving is difficult even though I have an automatic car. I went back to the doctor and they gave me even more drugs, mainly 30mg of codeine 3 times a day and the nerve blocker again.

Yesterday my toes became numb and I have altered sensation down the side of my foot.

I'm barely sleeping and would welcome any advice. I'm going back to the doctor this morning and I have more physio this afternoon.

I feel your pain! Mine started early November and although it has improved over the last 10 days it has still not left me.
Like you I couldn't sit down and driving was agony, fortunately for me sleep has not be too bothersome if I dose up on 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen before bed.
The only relief I got was walking...I have done a lot of that! But you most not use long strides, I have OAP overtaking me all the time!

I have had it for 4 months and it is worse in the mornings when I get up. I hurt my lumber region weeding the garden in August and the shooting pains come from there and radiate across the lower buttocks and down the back of thighs. Now I have pain in the front thighs. But it wears off a lot during the day but gets worse if I bend over or down.

Diagnosis is with MRI sometimes with a contrast dye and I know someone who is now waiting for a steroid injection.

I am allergic to the contrast dye so will not be having it but hope for an x-ray first to see if that reveals the cause.

I would want the where and what diagnosed before appropriate treatment could commence.
How did you get on this morning at Dr's?

Thanks for the responses.

I was given tramadol from the doctor this morning. This is to go with the codeine, nerve blocker and the diclofenic. I'm fed up with all the drugs I am taking and I'm still in pain.

I went for physio today. It was totally brutal. She was more of a manipulator than a physio. I am covered in black bruises. I will see how I feel tomo. But she feels she can cure me in 3 sessions. I am desperate so i'll try anything.

Have you tried a TENS machine? I had sciatica in the last few months of pregnancy. . I used one and managed to go camping at 31 weeks and slept on an air bed for a fortnight! There are different ones available so seek advice!

Mention Mckenzie stretch to physio, it's helped me beyond belief
Also I don't sit down unless I have to, I stand or lie down

Swimming is very good for mechanical back injury.

I've had two bouts of sciatica, one lasting a year so you have my full sympathy as it's miserable. What has worked for me is Osteopathy and also physiotherapy and acupuncture. Are you doing your exercises at home religiously? If you've not tried Osteopathy give it a go as it's brilliant.