Sciatic nerve pain

[MrDrEvilPorkChopToYou]

I have had a funny nerve issue for a little while; occasional numbness and tingling in one hand, my scalp on the same side and my outside thigh. It tends to come with a bit of a cricked neck. No real pain though

The last few days though I’ve developed pain down my leg, from the buttock, down the back to the knee. Pins and needles in my buttock and last night the pain was really burning. Paracetamol won’t touch it; I’ve sent DH out for ibuprofen but I’m not confident. I’m getting zingers down my leg when I get up or sit down although I’m OK walking around. I couldn’t sleep last night as there was no position where the pain didn’t hit; last few nights was ok on the opposite side with a pillow between my knees

Does it sound like sciatica? I haven’t injured myself or fallen or anything. Is there anything I can do at home? The problem I have is that we just moved house and when I went to register with the GP (thinking it would be easy as my DH did it a few weeks before) they said they are full and to contact PALS to be allocated somewhere else; they haven’t got back to me yet

Any advice would be very welcome!

@MrDrEvilPorkChopToYou I have a similar sounding problem - my GP and subsequently physio said it was piriformis syndrome. Mine flares up and then resolves every so often - painkillers don't make much difference. Stretching the affected muscle via exercises is helpful (you can Google them easily) as is an ice pack on the area.

Thank you @Rebelyells oddly enough I was Googling yesterday and piriformis syndrome really sounded like the most likely thing. I noticed this morning when I woke up my hamstring muscle was twitching but a bit more relaxed and the nerve pain was much reduced. I ruined it by staying in bed longer and then it was agony going in the bath because sitting with legs out in front is agony.

I do have problems with my hip flexor on the other side and I think a lot of down to driving positions and spending time sitting down; I’ve found stretches on YouTube so am giving them a try.

It would be much easier to get an appt with my physio than a GP so I will look into it

I've had it for about a year or so and can't properly get rid of it. It can be really painful for a few days but then calms down but doesn't properly ever go away. Walking improves it sometimes but I can't say there's any particular triggers. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks @spiggydit yes it does sound similar as I’m fine walking (and even running) but sitting down is awful. I can get out of bed by rolling over but getting up off the floor is … tricky. I’d be happy if it calmed down after a few days!

Did you see a GP or anyone; did they give any pointers (or useful pain relief)? I have a six hour flight for work next week and am not looking forward to sitting still

All I got was exercises and stretches to do - I do Pilates which helps a bit as well. I keep meaning to go back to the GP to see if there's anything else to be done

Thank you It’s hard to think straight when you have pain so I appreciate having some guidance!

Fellow sufferer….I’ve had sciatica symptoms since November. MRI scan in January showed no significant disc problems other than wear and tear (I’m 51). Started seeing sports physio/massage guy in March as no better. He thinks it’s piriformis syndrome. Had 5 sessions with him and horrible sciatic pain is better but still almost have ghost pain down leg and can be very painful in buttock. Can sleep at night but still painful in day.
I have a draw full of medication but haven’t taken any. I keep battling on thinking it will get better but 7 months in and I’m very down. Choices are a 5 day course of diazepam or to bite the bullet and start amitriptylene. Currently trying CBD oil in hope of miracle cure. Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.