Sciatica

Question: What is the best treatment for back sciatica pain? I have bad sciatica pain I believe I got from carrying my baby and breastfeeding in bad positions. What is the best way to treat sciatica?

Answer: Here are a few great sites that can help you. http://www.spine-health.com/ http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=477&action=detail&AEProductID=Adam2004%5F1&AEArticleID=000029&AEArticleType=Injury Here is a great national institute of health site on sciatica. This a a great one with good illustrations and information http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000686.htm

Question: How is sciatica pain different from back pain? I have a shooting like pain down one side of my lower back which runs down towards my buttocks. I am unable to bend due to this pain. And when i do, its really painful. Does it sound like sciatica? Or just normal back pain?

Answer: Sounds possibly like sciatica / trapped nerve. My mum had really bad sciatica when she was heavily pregnant and had my little bro via c-section in the end, cos the pain was unbearable plus he was a large baby!! She still suffer from back pain now and is on medication for it. I would maybe check with your doctor and see if he can suggest anything. Im also currently feeling a similar pain, but havent yet been to a doctor, warm baths and heat pads and a deep heat muscular rub tends to help to relieve my aching back! Hope that helps. Please take a look at mine and answer, thanks http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuiWEQL6_MSrUfdKPmVUMeXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080929095238AAfmorz

Question: How early in pregnancy can sciatica start? I am 10 weeks pregnant today and the last couple of days, I have been havig sharp pains in my lower back on the left side. Could it be sciatica? I have had back problems in the past, but not lately.

Answer: Sciatica can start at any time. It is not necessarily the pregnancy itself but because you are aware you are pregnant you may be adopting a different posture. You might be standing or sitting differently that could lead to symptoms like sciatica. More likely you have tweeked a nerve in you lumbar region or put a strain on a muscle. Just tkae care of yourself and see if it goes over the next week. If not then go see your DR.

Question: What did you do to relieve your sciatica? I'm getting ready to get an MRI and my sciatica is just getting worse and worse. I've been to two chiropractors and have been taking pain meds and using ice and laying my right side (it's down my left leg). Anyone able to cure it?

Answer: DId you get your MRI? If so, results? If it's a herniated disc, bulging disc, something compressing the nerve, then you will just have to let time take it's course, and use pain meds. Vicodin helped me alot. Go to a chiropractor that does Flexion/Distraction. You've got to find one that does this, it WILL help you. Some use the Cox® technique, which is just a "name brand" for F/D. Find one that is educated from NCC or PCC. So, pick up the phone and call around to chiro's that do this. You should not get injections or epidurals. use your pain meds, and go to a chiro that does F/D. Good luck. I know your pain.

Question: How much does it cost to have a sciatica surgery? I am 20 years old and I am suffering sciatica I don't have insurance ,so i would like to know how much does it cost?

Answer: Sciatica is a general term for back pain due to some impingement of the sciatic nerve. So first you have to find out what is upsetting the nerve. Could be a tight muscle, could be a injury, strain, could be a disc problem. Once you find that out, then you can go about correcting it. Best of Luck

Question: What's the difference between chronic back pain and sciatica? I have been experiencing strong and consistent back pain for as long as I can remember (I am 25 now). It starts with a little discomfort in my lower back, and about 20 minutes later, if I don't take pain medication, my joints will start to ache on one side (my hip, my knee, my ankle). X-rays show some minor scoliosis and a compressed disc (L4 and L5). So far, orthopedic surgeons are reluctant to do anything or even take me seriously because I'm "not old enough to be in a lot of pain." My question is, could this be something more than a compressed disc? I've heard mention of sciatica but I have no idea what that is. I can usually catch it before it gets too bad, but it takes about 4 pills a day (Excedrin, Advil, etc) and I don't think that's a good long term answer. And, one last question - what can I say to the doctor to get him to take me seriously?

Answer: If you have documented scoliosis and a compressed disc-L4/5, you quite likely have sciatica--pinched nerve at the site of the disc compression--which is causing the pain you feel all the way to your foot. Have you been put on a physical therapy regimen for the compressed disc or fitted for a brace for the scoliosis? I had back pain like yours from about age 28; at age 38, they wanted to fuse my lower spine; I resisted until age 53--what a mistake. I now have permanent chronic pain, "failed back syndrome" and must take very strong pain meds daily. I can no longer function like an average, well person my age. What to say to the arrogant doctor who thinks you're not old enough to have a lot of pain? "You're fired!" Try going to a neurosurgeon, getting an MRI to see if there's more going on (spinal stenosis, for example). Just because you're young doesn't mean you shouldn't be taken seriously. Do you feel like being disabled the rest of your life because of what one jack-ass said to you? You MUST be your own health-care advocate!

Question: How to deal with sciatica while pregnant? I just got off the phone with a telenurse she figures I have sciatica. She gave me some advice just wondeing if anyone else has experienced this and what they did to relieve the pain. Also if it affects labor and delivery?

Answer: All you can do is get plenty of rest. The baby is pushing on your nerve so there's not a lot you can do. Just take it easy and try seeing a chiropractor, they can give you some good advice on pain management. As far as labor, it could affect the position you give birth in if it's painful but that's about it! DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN!!!!

Question: What stretches can I do to stretch out my sciatica nerve in the morning? Every morning when I wake up I can hardly walk because of my sciatica nerve. It takes me about 2-3 hours to be able to actually stand up straight in the morning after I wake up. There has to be something I can do in order to excersise this nerve. Any tips or advice would be helpful thank you very much!

Answer: I understand your pain because I have had sciatica for 14 years from a back injury that caused permanent nerve damage. Here is a website that tells you what stretches can help and even shows pictures: http://www.moore-chiropractic.com/sciatica-stretches.html You should also try to walk as much as possible because it really does help with the pain. Try to avoid hills and stairs as they will make the pain worse. Some other options include chiropractic care (generally only good for short term relief), steroid injections (did not help me), physical therapy and pain management. I also took a drug called Trileptal for many, many years. It is actually an anti-seizure med but it is known to help with chronic nerve pain. Depending on the cause of your sciatica, you may be able to try that as well. I loved how it helped me and only stopped taking it because I want to begin trying to have a family in the near future and it is known to cause some types of birth defects. Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon.

Question: What are some ways to relieve the pain from sciatica? I'm only 14 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing a little bit of sciatica since my 10th week. It usually doesn't last for very long but when it does I can't even walk. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any ways of relieving the pain, and when it should go away. I know it's not from the baby right now but probably my insides moving around. Any similar experiences? How did you get rid of it?

Answer: I had that problem during my last pregnancy and found resting with my legs elevated about my hips helped as well as warm (not hot) baths and heat packs. Try doing gentle stretches and yoga, but be sure to have your doctors okay before participating in any exercise!

Question: How can you treat a sciatica at home? I believe I have a sciatica. My massage therapist told me I was at risk for getting it and now it has happened. I have lower back pain shooting down my leg. Has anyone had to deal with this, and how can you help the pain at home?

Answer: Ah yes, you sound like you have sciatica. I've had it for ten years. Not fun at all. Here are the things that have helped me: 1. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you are having a "bad day," take it easy. If you don't, you are doing nothing more than causing further inflammation. 2. Alternate heat and ice 3. Use OTC NSAIDs...ie. Aleve (works best for me) and Ibuprofen 4. Exercise (strangely enough)!! You can find some GREAT, easy sciatica exercises here: http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/Sciatica-Exercises/Sciatica-Exercises-Overview.html If none of these help, consider steroid injections...or better yet, IDD therapy. I started IDD six months ago, and have never felt better. It's non-invasive, non-surgical, and IT REALLY WORKS!! Bad part is, insurance doesn't cover it. You can read more about it here: http://www.iddtherapy.com/ Yes, it's not cheap...but I can actually pick up my toddler now...something I haven't been able to do since she was a newborn. A lot of people can get away with home therapy...some resort to steroid injections, acupuncture, and physical therapy (I did all of the above). Surgery is a last resort. However...as a fellow sciatica sufferer, I can't say enough good things about IDD. It's simple, take about 20 minutes, and my pain is COMPLETELY gone. I hope some of these give you some relief...just remember, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!! Best of luck!

Question: 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?

Answer: 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.

Question: What can I do to relieve the pain of my sciatica while pregnant? I started having sciatica pain the last couple of days, last night I couldn't even walk on my right leg, the pain starts in my lower back, down my right buttock, then down my leg....I have a hard time sleeping as well. Is there anything I can do or take to relieve this pain? I'm 18 weeks pregnant.

Answer: Ask your doctor if it's ok to get a prenatal massage. This really helped me when I was in the same situation. Also my doctor told me to do light stretching throughout the day and to drink plenty of fluids. And to keep walking even though it hurts...Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees at night, this will relieve some of the pressure being put on that nerve. You can take tylenol for pain as needed if your doctor says it's ok.

Question: What treatment works for Sciatica during pregnancy? I am 19 weeks and have been diagnosed with Sciatica. I am in so much pain all the time. It doesn't matter if I am sitting, standing or laying, I get no comfort. My doctor just keeps saying "Give it time, or it should go away on its own". Pregnancy is supposed to be enjoyable and I am in so much pain that I don't want to be pregnant and I hate that I feel this way. Any suggestions?

Answer: Nothing really helped me. But just so you're not out for a surprise later, pregnancy is supposed to "look" enjoyable. Wait until you get further along, and it will be more evident as everything will ache and hurt.

Question: What are the best excercises to lose weight with when having sciatica? I currently have sciatica (an old inury from a lifting accident) and I was wondering what would be the best fat burning excercises? I have been trying swimming however would like faster results as I normally spend 30 minutes doing cardio(15 mins on treadmill and 15 minutes on the cross trainer), I do do weights as well (machines) however this is not irritating my back for some reason Thanks all :0)

Answer: Do swimming but what ever you do don't do breast stroke as this will aggravate the sciatica. Treadmill is okay but within your limits. cross trainer is good but again can cause problems. Use a bike as these can really help and from personal experience caused me less aggravation. Personally I would keep up what you are doing but include the exercises that will help improve your back. With an improved back then your cardio side can increase and therefore give you greater weight loss improvements. I am sure you have this one already under control but make sure your diet is healthy as well as you can do as much exercise as you like but if the diet isn't right the changes will be slow to non existent. I have included a link to my blog below where if you click on the bad back section it will take you through some useful advice that can help with sciatica. There are only 2 articles per page so you will have to click on the previous entries link at the bottom of the page to see the rest. Finally sciatica isn't a nice condition but the symptoms can be improved, I would highly recommend you see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist to help you with your progress (if you haven't already) as all this advice is based on not having met you. I hope it has been of some help and good luck with it. I too had sciatica for 2 years and now I am completely pain free and it all came down to hard work and lots of stretching.

Question: How long til my sciatica goes away? I've had sciatica my whole life but there have been years between my flare ups and usually it only lasts about a week. It has now been two weeks and it just seems to be getting worse. How long did it take anyone for theirs to subside?

Answer: The not so good thing is that if you've had this problem your whole life it could have been getting worse over the years whether you felt it or not. Treatments that may help are chiropractic care, PT, or if these don't help then a pain injection (epidural). I'm not a fan of medication shots though, I don't know about you? There is a newer tretment available now called DRX9000 spinal decompression that helps get rid of sciatica. You can find out more here: http://www.ctbackdr.com. I hope this helped.

Question: After an MRI scan for my sciatica why are they sending me for a head/brain scan? I have been suffering from suspected Sciatica for years and was finally sent for an MRI scan of the lover back after which I have been recalled for a brain scan. They said it is something I will have been born with and can be treated. I have leg pain, back pain, numbness, involuntary muscle movement, minor deafness, vertigo, balance issues, bad eyesight. What do you think they suspect?

Answer: No PhD, so only guessing...maybe spinal column / nerve issue(s) at connection atop column. Researched this subject lately, though, and you're welcome to some of the links that helped me: Sciatica treatment http://www.sciaticatreatmentorg http://hubpages.com/hub/Sciatica-Treatme… There is a bunch of sciatica articles by these two authors, too: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Neil_Jo… http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maujhur… http://www.isnare.com/?s=author&a=Maujhu… Prayers for your healing!