Sciatica :(?

I have sciatica down my left side, it hurts like hell!!! need some remedies for it, not into taking prescription drugs, so any other ideas? it radiates into my *** and then shoots into the top of my leg and calf. :(:( Anyone had this?

Yep had and still have it after many years. I am no longer able to take painkillers or anti inflammatory as heavy use over the years has damaged my liver and kidneys.
I have used heat pads, they help a little. Injections into the spine can help...depending of the skill of the doctor who does the injection. The single most useful thing I have done is a back rehabilitation course. It consisted of exercises which strengthen the spinal muscles and surrounding muscles. I still have pain but its been much more bearable since I did the rehabilitation. Also try and find a pain support group which you can attend. Others in the same situation can be a great support. Some groups also have relaxation sessions, hypnotism and other alternative remedy sessions to help their members.

I had it with all three pregnancys and also a couple times inbetween. It is horrid, and they will not give you anything for it at doctors. They will tell you it is weight of baby pressing down, or that you need to loose weight. Try ibuprofen,( if you are not pregnant) it helps a bit sometimes, and a hot water bottle, and lay down for a while. Also hot bath sometimes helps.

Sciatica is caused by something putting pressure on the nerves in your lower back. I had it really bad when i was pregnant. Taking Magnesium tablets/ capsules help as this supports the muscles and reduces the likelihood of sciatica. It got rid of mine within a few days. You can get big tubs of the capsules quite cheaply from Holland & Barrett etc.

I have had the same conditions for years. Originally caused from a car accident. After years of pain I have found that the only thing that gives long term relief is chiropractic help. You can use heating pads or ice to help relieve the pain but that is only temporary. Unfortunately, if you don't get professional help, it is a condition that can worsen over time and will certainly not heal itself. You can find chiropractors in your area that are willing to adjust their pricing according to your needs and income. Good luck.

so are you pregnant? try swimming

I have exactly the same as you and just ride the pain. When it gets too bad I sit down and grit my teeth. There is an exercise where you arch your back as much as you can and lift (clench) the muscles involved as much as possible.

Very, very painful, are you pregnant? Try to walk as much as possible, do not give in to the temptation to lie down or stay still. I found that moving around normally, though intensely painful at times helped to resolve the underlying problem more quickly. It took a couple of days though. Poor you, good luck with whatever you try.

olbas, i use it,put a few drops in ur bath,or straight where it hurts but be care full not to get it on Ur hands or in ur eyes,ur eyes will water,ur hands will go numb! hope this might help!

accupuncture

God i sympathise with you!!!!!

The only thing that did it for me was physio.

Get well soon.

Most common managements are pain relief +/- physiotherapy. Can't really see how you can avoid taking the odd pain killer.

Don't give up I have a technique for you to try and I've never known anyone else to know about this whenever I mention it but its a lifesaver as far as sciatica is concerned.
I've only ever used it on myself and one other person but it is really effective when nothing else works.
I had bouts of sciatica on and off for years and each time it would last for about 3 months until the next time.
I went to south africa one year and did a bungee jump, but because I was the minimum weight allowed, I fell quite badly, the rope didn't really stretch and I jarred my whole body.
I did my back in quite severely and couldn't walk for a few days, when this wore off I was left with sciatica.
A local guy saw me in tears with the pain and told me to lie on the ground and to trust him. I was desperate so I did.
I lay on my back and he picked up my feet. He told me to make my body limp and then began to sway my legs from side to side. I was terrified at first because of the pain but once I relaxed, he kept going, the swaying senstation travels up your limp body and it has the effect of loosening up the disks in your back in a really gentle way.
As the disks loosen up, the nipped nerve causing the sciatica is freed and it can give instant relief if done properly and the person makes themselves 'floppy' (Clenched teeth and a look of horror is allowed :-)
On that occasion, I stood up and the pain was immediately relived, I couldn't belive it!!! it seemed far too easy!
I never forgot it and have used the same technique ever since every time I get a flare up. Sometimes the relief is immediate or partial relief, and sometimes it can take 2-3 days of doing this once or twice a day but it works for me every single time and probably saved me months of suffering with it.
Anyone out there suffering, please, please give it a try if you can find someone to wiggle your legs for you hehe. You have nothing to lose.
Hope it helps :-) xxxx

Chiropractor ; )
Massage Therapist
Natural muscle relaxers - bananas and/or molasses
Book on muscles The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.