Help with sciatica

[neilyoungismyhero]

Just been diagnosed with sciatica...the pain is excruciating...anyone have any tips on pain relief please? Just started amytryptaline and diazepam - wondering how long before relief kicks in. Currently sitting on the sofa with heated blanket can't go to bed.

You poor thing. You’ll learn what gives you relief by trying different things. For me it was laying with my back on the sofa and my legs on the coffee table so that my bum could hang in between the 2 and so there was no pressure on my spine.
The first time I had a sciatica attack I was in bed for 2 weeks. A year later it returned and I was in bed for a week. What I’ve learned is to rest it and not force exercises or walking too early. Once the immediate pain subsides you’ll need to do gentle stretches for your back. And then the only cure is to stretch and to strengthen your back. Never forget to stretch!
My sciatica has left me with no feeling on the back of my thigh and on my heel and part of my foot, but no sciatica crisis for the past 2-3 years. I wish I did my stretches regularly when I first got sciatica.
Sorry you’re in pain, I know how bad it is :(

You need to walk and also do exercises, get physio. I have scoliosis and have had sciatica on and off for close to 20 years. I rarely take drugs. My physio has said the worst thing is to sit in bed with your legs stretched out in front of you.

@Gabitule is completely correct after an acute phase try and do stretches and walk asap. You will learn to understand your own body. In those 20 years I have had 3 attacks of sciatica that have been so bad I have been in bed for a week or two and then have to use a walking stick for a further time.

Change position often.

I slipped a disc two and a half years ago and was unable to walk for several weeks. I didn't like the way amitryptilene made me feel and I didn't find it particularly effective. A combination of codeine, naproxen, and paracetamol worked best to relieve my pain I the early stages. The two things that made the biggest difference for me were my TENS machine and acupuncture. I honestly don't think I could have coped with the pain without my TENS machine and it was almost welded to me for the best part of two years. Acupuncture really helped significantly and I think if you can find the right acupuncturist it can help so much. I had a nerve root block injection about a year after I hurt my back, which didn't work, and eventually had a laparoscopic discectomy in July of this year. Because the nerve had been compressed for such a long time, it took quite a while before I really got a lot of benefit from the surgery but I'm now about 80% better than I was and am still continuing to improve slowly.

In the short term, I would strongly suggest that you order a TENS machine from Amazon. I used a small wireless rechargeable machine made by MedFit. You can buy direct from Medfit but it will arrive quicker from Amazon. The one I used cost me about £30. I wish you a speedy recovery - it is a really horrible pain.

Another vote for TENS. And an osteopath cured mine.

@Carouselfish can I ask what your osteopath did? And do you know what the issue was, I have three bulging discs now as well as my scoliosis. Thanks.

I've only ever had the brief shooting version not the longer term pain. But I have needed physio for lower back pain which was reducing my movement. I find pilates helps, particularly roll downs & down-dog stretching. It helps reduce my pains and it's possible to start slowly and gradually increase. Always stretch when warm, not cold or with active pain. Little and often.

I'm in so much pain I want to jump off a tall building. Pain in right groin, hip and arse cheek with numbness coming and going. I feel sick and faint with pain. Not sleeping, no respite from excruciating pain whatsoever. Feels like a rat gnawing at the nerves.

Pregabelin saved me, it took enough of the pain away to allow me to move. It does have side effects but was worth it for the relief

You need to keep your back moving, I wouldn’t sit for long periods either. Walking is good if you can tolerate it, broken up throughout the day. It may take 3 months for you body to sort by itself.

in the meantime a physio would be a good idea. They will do a full neuro assessment and can refer for an MRI if they feel it’s necessary.

Is the numbness in your groin?

If you have any numbness around your groin, or bladder/ bowel issues like retaining urine/ incontinence please go to A&E immediately

For me initially amitryptiline and naproxen helped manage the pain and sleeping at night. walking every day helped, building up gradually. Then when pain was better controlled I started Pilates ran by a physio team. I have been doing this 3x a week for 3 months and it has been nothing short of remarkable. I only wish that I had done Pilates and stretching 5 years ago

Amitriptyline and naproxen at the same time?

@Wasvular I know why you're saying that. No I'm going to the loo normally (apart from the pain). The numbness isn't constant, it comes and goes.

I'm going to go to the doctors tomorrow. No idea about the appointment system but I'll sort it.

I would present at A&E if you’re getting any numbness in the saddle region. Even if it’s on and off.

@WinterKitchen I think you do need a an e for a scan and to rule out cauda equina

Cauda equina is an emergency and it’s not worth risking permanent disability. You need an MRI immediately if you are feeling numbness in the groin region.

Yes amitryptiline at night to help sleep / pain at night and naproxen in the day

It's definitely sciatica. I sought an emergency appointment yesterday. I've been given naproxen and diazepam but they're not suiting me very well, having an adverse reaction and feeling sick. I can only manage ginger biscuits and yogurt and water. The pain isn't really improving either but I have an appointment with my physiotherapist on Tuesday.

Thanks for the advice people. I might have to go to the doctor's and say the medicine is not agreeing with me. First time I've called in sick for five years too.

Why hasn’t the doctor given you neuropathic pain relief? Did they do a full neuro assessment? Testing reflexes/ muscle strength and sensation on the legs/feet?

Yes he did. I don't know what you mean by neuropathic pain relief! @Wasvular

I second a TENS machine - you can order one online. Also ice packs (rather than heat). Physio for longer term help and then regular exercise to strengthen your core and reduce the risk of it happening again. Diazepam and Naproxen helped me.

I slipped a disc in 2012 and had to walk with a stick and couldn't dress myself for 18 months. After physio and regular exercise, I still have slightly reduced mobility but can lift weights and run these days. Pain free for a few years now too.

I hope you feel better soon. The pain was worse than labour for me!

There is pain relief that specifically targets nerve pain. The gabapentin and amitryptaline

@Lazarusc Diazepam and naproxen have made me violently ill.

Different drugs work for different people. I couldn't tolerate codeine. Always worth telling your GP if whatever they've prescribed isn't working for the individual concerned.