Anyone suffer from Sciatica and is there anything that can help.

[StillWantingADog]

Hi

My dh (44, slightly overweight) suffers from sciatica from time to time, at least that's what he says it is - has never seen a doctor about it (he's quite resistant generally to seeing doctors, not wanting to waste their time).

He has a sedentary job (WFH) and usually with a bit of exercise it is relieves itself.
He's now been suffering with the latest bout for about a month, says it hurts in his bum and up and down the top of one of his legs. Is pretty grumpy though again exercise does help (at least for a few hours). He is resisting any doctor or other HCP visit as he thinks 'they won't be able to do anything'. I say that may well be but he needs to have that told directly to his face!

Just wondering if any Mnetters suffer from Sciatica and have had any help from a GP, or physio, or anyone else. He's obviously tried paracetamol and ibuprofen and neither has worked. My research tells me that stronger anti inflammatories are available on prescription that could be helpful.

I get it on and off. The only thing I've found to relieve it is when I'm in bed I sleep on my side with a large pillow between my legs from the knees downwards. It takes the pressure off the sciatic nerve.

(Meant to say I lay on the side that isn't affected)

Has he considered using a TENS machine? I had bad sciatica and used one. Even managed camping and sleeping in an air bed! Boots have a big selection.. Descrete ones! And can buy or hire...

I had it about 10 years ago, lots of prescription painkillers and months of physio which only slightly helped.

Losing weight and walking was my solution plus changing my car to an automatic for a few years as the 4x4 I was driving at the time had a very heavy clutch.

It still niggles occasionally if I've put on a few pounds

I had it and was offered two treatments, steroid injections and surgery. In my case, the nerve was being pinched as it left the spine by an overgrowth of bone. This showed up on an MRI. The steroid injection worked for a few days by reducing the inflammation on the nerve, but then the pain came back, so I had the surgery. It's done outpatient here in the US. My back was sore for a few days, but it completely cured the sciatica.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/what-microlaminectomy-microlaminotomy

I had the micro version of the surgery and am very glad I did. I've been completely pain free for two years.

Only thing hang helps mine is pregablin but I had to try all sorts of other prescription painkillers before that.

Came to say the same thing about sleeping with a pillow between the legs, it really does help

Most "sciatica" isn't actually sciatica -- which is a good thing, as true sciatica is potentially more painful and more disabling than other more "ordinary" back pain.

A lot of pain that's felt in the bum cheek and top of leg is actually due more to the gluts, hamstrings, quads, and other associated muscles, being tight/weak/imbalanced etc.

Be that as it may, exercise is usually the best possible thing for most types of back pain, and particularly exercise that increases strength in the relevant muscles as well as increasing flexibility.

OP, a physio may well be able to help, not least by assessing all the relevant bits and giving exercises (which of course then need to be done regularly to have the desired effect!) In the longer term, pilates is pretty good as is some forms of yoga. Keeping moving and keeping body weight within sensible limits is also a good idea.

Meant to say like previous poster the only “long term” solution for mine is surgery or injection. My spinal specialist said injection isn’t long term enough really so saving for the surgery. I’ve had MRIs done

Stretching is really good as is a foam roller for relief. Ideally he needs a physio to manipulate the nerve in the lower back.

I suffered with it after having my son. It started in pregnancy and then got worse, mainly because he was quite a big baby who took a long time to walk so I often carried him on my hip (always the same hip!) which was a bad idea because I ended up out of alignment. What helped me was osteopathy. I only needed a couple of sessions and it was sorted.

My husband also had sciatica but in his case it was caused by a prolapsed disc which needed surgery.

So I would say it depends on what’s causing it, as it’s my understanding that sciatica is a symptom that can have a variety of causes/origins, though I am by no means an expert.

Suffered for years on and off with frequent sciatica... last episode saw me in A and E begging for pain relief... excruciating down one leg . Only diazepam and time helped it pass. Physio follow up recommended weekly ( at least) Pilates. I found a good class and it seems to have worked - Ive been pain free and full of beans since . Also more aware of walking tall and back care. A year on I m cautiously happy!

It is best to see someone to confirm diagnosis. A MSK physio would be much better than a GP and they can give appropriate stretches/exercises. When sciatica is severe, strong painkillers can be needed but for most people stretches are the best, first thing to do. Exercise, keeping active and watching your weight will all help to avoid flare-ups.

He needs a proper diagnosis and action plan…see a physio! He needs to know how to manage it effectively now as, with most things, musculoskeletal-skeletal problems tend to get worse with age.

I agree about the need for a proper diagnosis, but if you have a case like mine where a bone spur on the spine caused it, surgery is the only thing that will be effective in the long run.

Sciatica is a symptom not a condition. A physiotherapist will have a good idea what's going on.
I saw a physio who gave me some stretches and exercises to do. I did them religously and saw an improvement in a few weeks. Still do them now and it keeps it at bay.

Really appreciate these responses. Have shared and discussed with dh this evening.

he has agreed to see a physio in the first instance.

I had terrible sciatica & the physio told me the best way to treat it is core strength exercises. So I started free online yoga classes. I cant recommend them enough. I've not had pain for years now & it's also great for mental health

What type of chair does he use to wfh? Has he had a desk assessment? Sitting on a chair too small/hard can cause issues. He needs to see a physio.

Agree with @Redwineandbrie that core strength is really important. My DH’s consultant who did his back op recommended Pilates (Pilates is great in general for all sorts of back problems).

Great that your DH is going to see a physio @StillWantingADog. He really needs to know WHY he has sciatica. Hope he gets it sorted.

My treatment started with an osteopath. Regularly, every six weeks, and only a recommended one. They really vary but I had a fantastic one and she cured it. Maintenance though was Pilates. I go two or three times a week and it's wonderful for sciatica and any type of back pain. It strengthens muscles, stabilises joints and makes you more flexible. Once again though it has to be a proper Pilates teacher, not just a fitness bunny who's done a certificate.

I haven't had an attack for years, and I used to get pins and needles down the leg, numbness etc. And doctors would ask me why I limped when I hadn't even gone to see them about back pain. So even quite debilitating back pain can be reduced.

Another vote here for strengthening the supporting muscles - core and glutes. Years of back pain, including sciatic pain, that started in my first pregnancy and that I thought I was just going to live with. Eventually I found an excellent pilates class and after a month or two of going every week I was massively better. After a while the pain stopped completely.

I have to keep on top of it - regular yoga has managed it for much of the last few years, but if I get lazy and don't bother for too long, it comes back.

I had sciatica type pain that was caused by a bulging disc. Physiotherapy fixed that fairly surprisingly quickly.

I get it every few months if I've been sitting down a bit too much for a couple of days, like Xmas etc! I can usually relieve it partially or completely by being on my feet as much as possible. Just really avoiding sitting around, and it's gone in a few days.

Osteopath all the way. I’ve seen every physio in town and a couple of chiropractors and not sorted by them. Genius of an osteopath has diagnosed me in ten minutes and feel I’m really improving