Sciatica any good tips to help the pain ?

i have had sciatica for over 12 months now im on solphdol 30/500 and tramadol i tried diclmax but it gave me upset stomace im wondering if anyone can advise of any thing that will help with sciatica at all any information will be greatlly appreciated my spine and left buttock really hurt and the pain is right down to my foot

the tramadol are 2 twice a day morning and night 50mg tramadol zamadol and the sophodol are 30/500 2 tabs 4 times a day the diclomax was 75mg but gave me upset tummy

I am a Neuromuscular Therapist and Pain Relief Specialist.

There are many causes for pain. Sciatica has become a much overused diagnosis that labels every low back or hip dysfunction as sciatica. I'm not saying you don't have it, just that sciatica is not as common as most doctors would have you believe. There are conditions that mimic sciatic pain patterns but the cause and effect are quite fixable, often easily.

First off, I'm sure you recognize that Cortisone injections, nerve blocks, pain meds, TENS machines and hot packs are not fixing or correcting anything, yes? The pain might be temporarily dulled but the cause of the pain still exists and is still inflicting damage and dysfunction. Meds may be needed in the short term to make life bearable for you while you seek help but should never be viewed as a permanent "solution". As far as receiving REGULAR Cortisone injections: don't do it! 1 or 2 Cortisone treatments IN A LIFETIME is a marginally safe limit. Many on this site, due to ignorance, recommend Cortisone as if it were as safe as aspirin. Repeated injections reduce your connective tissue to literally a jelly-like consistency and permanently destroy the injected site.

Studies, and my own professional experience, show that upwards of 80% of all pain originates in the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Our body's soft tissues, primarily muscles, enounter a wide variety of daily stresses and strains whether we are aware of them or not. Injuries, prolonged sitting, slouching postures, lack of exercise or balanced exercise, poor posture, etc. are some of these stresses.

Sciatica-type symptoms are typically caused by overly tight low back and hip muscles. Impingement of the sciatic nerve may be a factor or you may have irritated areas (trigger points) within the muscles that are referring pain into your back and down your leg. Either way, I'd recommend some focused deep massage and stretching of these areas before defaulting to more radical approaches. I find that this simple approach resolves the pain quite rapidly for the majority of people.

Seek out a Neuromuscular Therapist or Rolfer in your area. These therapists specialize in advanced deep muscle and corrective massage and stretching specifically designed to correct chronic pain conditions. They are different than a regular massage therapist. An NMT or Rolfer is trained to look at all of the factors causing your pain. Often, where you feel pain and where it's really coming from are two different things. They are trained to find the cause, not chase symptoms.

In the meantime I can recommend some great books that will give you a better understanding of this type of pain, its simple causes, and how you can help yourself to minimize or eliminate it.

"Pain Free, A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain", by Pete Egoscue.

"Pain Relief for Life", by Al Skrobisch, NMT.

Both books are easy to read and the suggestions, explanations and advice reasonable to follow. I firmly believe the solution to your pain is simpler than you can possibly imagine! Be proactive!

Thanks for your helpful advice. I too suffer from sciatic pain from time to time and had thought about getting a massage. Now I will look for a neuromuscular specialist. And a new recliner, since I suspect it is adding to the problem. ~ Janet S. Report It

You can get a treatment called Bowen Therapy. You might need a few sessions to note a huge difference but its much better that popping loads of pills that are not helping you. Try searching for it on the net for somewhere near to you that does it.

i go to a brilliant osteopath who puts my back in order, i have suffered now for over twenty years and my osteopath is fab because instead of seeing my doctor every week and being prescribed pill after pill, without any joy, i know only visit the osteopath once or twice a year and she explains exactly whats happening and she always puts me at ease......i don't suffer as much pain so i take less and less pain killers.....good luck my friend......

you can have a high cortisone injection within the discs that will relieve the pain.
this is called root nerve block , sometimes it last about 4 weeks and then you'll need another one. depends on how bad it is.
the last option should be surgery.
in the mean time just put some heat pads on the affected area and do some physiotherepy.

do you have any creams? capsisin or diclofeniac creams may help or even acupuncture.

oh god i knw how painful sciatica can be...i had it while i was pregnant for the whole nine/ten months..i ***** even walk to the local shops it was so bad...but as soon as my daughter was born.."feb"...it just went ...the feeling is unforgettable..im sorry that i have no advise on what to do for you...but wen i had it, the midwife said that , all i can do is take paracetemol...and 2 hot baths a day...i have to say though the hot baths do work for a while...

hope u feel better soon..

sometimes a tens machine works or an ultra sound massager if you can still get them mine is 30 years old.also a hot pad. self hypnosis if your GP can teach you.
stay away from the large supermarket trolleys and upright vacuum cleaners

Hi ive suffered from Sciatica for 2 years now and i find that not alot helps really,i was also on solphdol and diclmax but hasent done alot really with the pain,i have now been referref by my gp to see a bck specialist in my hospital,they did mention to me about a course off physio then will have to decide what treatment after wards,maybe surgery but im not going down that rd,i see many people suffer alot more once theve had surgery on there bcks.Try Ostopath thats suppose to help a little. Good Luck

I had sciatica for around 6 months and it was agony, so I sympathise. I tried everything without success, until I changed my doctor and he put me on a course of 'Celebrex' from Pfizer. This is a Cox 2 inhibitor, and believe me worked like magic....See your doctor about this.