First step for sciatica pain.?

I am having a lot of sciatica pain. Without going into detail I had surgery for a disc problem 6 years ago. I don't want to go that route again. It's very costly and really I think made me have more problems now than if I went another way.

I am starting a new job in a week and will be sitting down a lot. I need to control the sciatica pain. What would you do first? I am planning on seeing a doctor but seriously can't afford going through physical therapy and the whole nine yards right now.

should I use ice or heat?

Sciatica can be temporarily relieved with the regular use of nervous system herbs like St John's Wort and Black Cohosh, and by the pain killing herb White Willow Bark. A more long term relief solution is the use of Glucosamine to add the cushioning back into the joints between the spine. Both of these solutions need to be taken on a daily basis for proper effect. Omega 3's from fish oil may also help, especially when used in combination with the Glucosamine. 1500mg of Glucosamine is the daily recommended amount.

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I Have often seen patients have more problems after surgery been before. What you are experiencing is quite common.

I would use ice fifteen minutes at a time to help numb the nerve.

Walking maybe to much for your body at this time. If you have a access to a pool it would be better to do walking in the water as it relieves pressure on all the joints. Another exercise that would be helpful is Yoga.

If you can do a Jacuzzi daily and afterwards use ice it would start to improve the circulation and help relieve the pain.

Your best bet for pain relief is to see a qualified chiropractor. They see patients before back surgery and after back surgery. They are the best at working on the sciatic nerve.
I've enclosed a link where you can find a qualified chiropractor in your area in the USA.

If you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Hmmm.... You should talk to your doctor about getting pain meds to deal with the pain. Explain that you can't do PT right now. If you can, try do various streching to loosen up the muscles in your back.

Can you or have you been to a chiropractor? Insurance usually covers a certain amount per year. If yours doesn't talk to them about paying cash. Most likely they will give you a price break for a treatment.

I am not sure which disc you had surgery on. Are you having pain in any other areas in your back,hip or butt? If you do it could be related to Piriformis Syndrome. The nerve runs under the piriformis and if it's inflammed it'll put pressue on that nerve and cause pain.

Several things come to mind..
1. Limit the amount of time to sit at any given stretch...in otherwords, make sure you get up at least every 20 minutes...even if it's go get a drink of water or put something away...your intradiscal pressure increases dramatically when you sit.
2. You may require use of a lumbar roll...this helps to maintain the lordotic curve we loose when we sit.
3. Posture, posture, posture...I cannot emphasize this enough...probably about 90% of sciatic problems can be traced back to poor posture
4. Pick up a copy of Robin McKenzie's book "Treat your own back"...it's a guide we frequently use with patients in PT...it will help you understand your back/sciatic pain, how to help control it, and how to prevent it from reoccurring...If you are having difficulty, a few sessions with an MDT certified PT can help you make the most of the book.