Sciatica

[smange]

Hi Guys

Have now spent best part of two weeks laid up suffering from sciatica, never having had it before im a bit concerned at how long this seems to be taking to ease. I have had one course of accupuncture and due for second one tomorrow.

Has anyone else suffered from sciatica, did it take long to ease, does it re-occur?

The doctor has referred me for physio but its the NHS so not gonna hold my breath. Should i just go myself and see a physio privately or can anyone on here recommend some excercises or other ways to help.

 

[Leftie]

Best bet is probably to see a well recommended sports physio if possible for initial treatment while waiting for a NHS appointment.

Having said that, if you ring the NHS physio dept. and try to get in on a cancellation, you might get seen quite quickly. Last November I was referred to a physio by the hospital. 1 week later I received a phone call asking if I could attend next day at a certain time. Of course I accepted. 2 hours later when the post arrived, I got a letter saying that the waiting time for a physio was 14 weeks!!!!

Make a nuisance of yourself.

 

[medwayjon]

Sciatica is a real pain in the arse (literally in some cases) and recovery time is completely variable.

I am afraid that the long wait on the NHS is the nature of things, I choose not to whinge about it as they do the best they can with the resources allocated to them in most cases.


It isnt unheard of for sciatica flare-ups to last for weeks/months or beyond if untreated or treated incorrectly with witch-doctor remedies, sorry to be a doom merchant but in severe cases this is so.

What may help in your case, if possible, is to get 24hrs of bed-rest as this has significant benefits in resting the sciatic nerve. Also if you can, get some prescription pain relief such a co-codamol (500/30) for acute pain.

With the rest period complete try to the be moderately active without undue strain on the spine. Hopefullyin a relatively time any displaced material from in the vertebrae will have dispursed and the pressure on the sciatic nerve will be suitably removed.

 

[birdieman]

Smange, give it a day or two more, 2 weeks is the automatic doctors lay off if you do your back.
I did mine on the 27th Dec and only yesterday has it eased so now I can tie my laces normally without being in pain thankfully, still twinging occasionally but improving quickly.
I have got myself a back support for sports just to make sure I dont aggravate things, it does help a lot.
Sciatica is very unpleasant, just rest up as much as possible, I've had it before but only for 2 or 3 days.
Luckily this time I can still swing a club fine, just find it bad driving/sitting.

 

[Leftie]

Sciatica is a real pain in the arse (literally in some cases) and recovery time is completely variable.

Hi Doc. Can you cure my plies???

 

[Leftie]

Whoops. Dyslexis Merlot fingers again.

Piles - not plies

 

[time_vans]

had terrible problems with it in the past went to see an oesteopath ( excuse spelling) manipulated everything to untrap the nerve (thats all it is)£100 for 4 sessions one week later back at work in the building trade.recommend it.

 

[smange]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

Got the name of a recommended physio from doc today so gonna give him a try on monday, heres hoping it helps as im starting to miss swinging a club and worrying that this gonna be a longer lay off than first expected.

Cheers