Any good tips for getting rid of sciatica?

[ASixtySix]

I have had a bad back for a couple of weeks and it seemed to be nerve related as it was always painful on getting up from the sofa or out of bed. If I pushed my tummy out a bit (as I got up) it wasn’t painful. Anyway, this pain is now at the top of my left leg - deep inside almost where the ball and socket area is. I can’t do anything but lay on the sofa. Really painful when I’m on my feet. I’m supposed to be painting a bedroom today but have had to give up due to the pain. I’ve taken ibuprofen. Is there any exercise that helps?? I’m going to London a week on Friday so really worried as I usually do a lot of walking (trip paid for).

Also, have to say my new job (been it a year now) is probably causing this as I’m sitting a lot (office based) for up to 10 hours a day.

Pain in back now gone but concentrated at top of left leg.

It depends on the root cause. One thing I would say is to try and keep moving. Walking or stationary bike are good options. I would probably go to a physio to try and identify what’s causing it. They will then advise on the correct approach. If you think sitting for long periods is a factor try to get up and move every 14-30 minutes. Would a standing/walking desk be an option?

I would honestly proceed with caution. I started out like this and pushed through the pain with walking and certain "sciatica" exercises i found online and made it 1000 times worse. 9 months later im still in agony, cant do anything that requires me being straight like lying down or standing/walking and ive list complete feeling in my entire left foot and right up the back of my calf to me knee.

In my case its been caused by 3 herniated discs but I definitely made it worse by pushing through it at the start.

If you can afford a physio appointment I would recommend seeing them, as mine was very good at pin pointing the problem with her tests even before the mri came back, and was able to give me exercises to minimise the pain.

Unfortunately I left it far too late to see her.

Every single bit of advice I found online and in those sciatica videos on YouTube etc makes my sciatica WORSE. Id would definitely tread with caution and see someone who knows whay they are talking about ans hopefully yours is simple enough that walking and nerve floses and cobras help you quickly, but I would definitely get some sort of confirmation first if you have any physiotherapy clinics near you. Its only £40 a session where I am and so well worth it.

It depends on the issue but things that have helped me:

Applying kinesiology tape in key areas

Inflatable roller balls or foam roller tubes

Ibuprofen

Applying heat to the back (and cold)

Gentle stretches

Going for walks

Avoid being still for too long (unless the pain is severe)

Curiously keeping an eye on this because I’d like some tips too. I have a herniated disc (awaiting specialist appointment) but I’ve been in total agony since the new year now. I’m on so many pain meds but nothings really doing more than taking an edge off. Haven’t left the house in weeks. Barely taking 5 steps or standing for more that 20 seconds before I have to go down again 😩.
With a 2 year old and a 6 month old!

I would say see your gp and ask for some better pain relief, keeping moving is good but don’t overdo it. Take the physio appointment if they offer it. Watch out for it getting worse/more frequent.
Ive had sciatica on and off for 12 years and just managed it but now it’s progressed to this and it’s utterly ruined my life

I had sciatica caused by a disc trapping the nerve. Had physio, saw a chiropractor, massage & an injection. In the end I had an mri and operation. You need to understand what’s causing the pain. Pain relief helps, lots of short gentle walks, limit sitting if you can

Pain killers and gentle exercise.

Cold compresses instead of hot (heat will inflamed the nerve more) and an acupressure mat.
If you're going to try yoga poses (which are great) definitely try a class and speak to the instructor beforehand. They'll give you modifications where necessary and adjust any mal alignment. Doing it yourself from YouTube etc could make things worse.

Sounds like piriformis syndrome to me. The best thing to do is to sit on a tennis ball, placing it at the painful point on your bum, then roll around a bit to massage. If it is this pigeon pose (yoga) also helps.

Heat or ice, better painkillers they gave me naproxen (you also need a different tablet for your stomach lining for these) and then antitripline (spl), it’s an antidepressant, that helped a little.

I then resorted to a couple of sessions of acupuncture and that made a huge difference.

The McKenzie method back exercises.

As the other posters have stated, you need to find the source of the pain. Your GP can refer you to the NHS physio who can prescribe medication and refer you for an MRI. I also have a bulging disc and have found core strengthening exercises to be very helpful, along with swimming.

Chiropractors can do wonders for sciatica - and should be able to tell you if it is that or not. Can be pricy but always worth it for me.

Some of the information given in these comments could make the pain worse and/or cause more damage. First you need to seek medical help, you may be able t self refer to a physiotherapist.
I attach this link as it is evidence based and easy to follow. Not the section on why medical assistance is important.
Good luck, I hope it is manageable fof your trip.
orthopedicnj.com/news/sciatica-exercises-what-s-best-and-what-to-avoid

Is it definitely sciatica? If so, pain killers won't do much, you need something that focuses on nerve pain. I developed sciatica after a knee replacement. I too was feeling it deep within my buttock. It was painful to sit, painful to lie down. I couldn't get comfortable in any position. My physio said to speak to my GP about a nerve medication and that afternoon she prescribed me amitriptyline. It can sometimes take a few weeks to take effect but fortunately for me it started working within a few days. It also helps you sleep. I've weaned myself off now, after a month of taking it, and the sciatica has gone.

Sleeping with a pillow between my knees realigned my hips and spine and fixed my agonising sciatica, couldn’t get out of bed at one stage, has worked when it came back too.

Ibuprofen gel and a heat pad helps me.

Some of these comments have terrible advice. Please please see a physio in person. If you can afford to go private, do it instead of waiting for an NHS referral. See one as soon as you possibly can.

Things that have helped mine:

When getting out of the car, swivel round sideways and put your weight on both feet as you stand up.
If you are getting something out of a high cupboard, reach up with both arms together.
Don't twist your body when you are loading/unloading the washing machine.
Wearing shoes with a low heel, but not completely flat shoes.
Work-related - think about how egonomic your workspace is and whether you are twisting to pull open a stiff drawer, or leaning over to one side to reach the printer etc.
Pull or push doors open with both hands.
Don't pick up anything heavy if you can avoid it and balance the load in shopping bags so they are the same weight both side.
Carry the smallest, lightest handbag you can get away with.
I take ibuprofen late every evening before bed.