OT Sciatica

Need some advice as I’m literally at my wits end, I’ve suffered with sciatica on and off for around last 20 years. Where I get a flare up it can usually be managed with codeine and within 2/3 weeks tops it’s sorted itself

This time it’s different, same place but it hasn’t gone, if anything it a whole lot worse. I’m around 5 months in now and it’s really effecting me mentally as I’m trying to get on with daily life for my work and family sake but the pain is never below 8 out of 10 when standing or walking I’ve exhausted all medications with no effect, I’ve done all the stretch’s asked of me nothing is helping.

I know cannot get in the Drs and as such I’ve actually been through A and E twice with it but they just give me more tablets when I try to get into the Drs I’m met with no appointments try again tomorrow, I explain I’ve tried numerous times and can never get an appointment and the only answer I ever get is it’s busy for everyone just keep trying

seriously has anyone any suggestions other than the normal stretch’s or medication as it’s bringing me to tears on a daily basis now the pain, my leg has given away twice in the last week alone through cramping up
The only time i get any rest from it is sitting down but I can’t do this forever

 

Really feel for you mate. I’m an occasional sciatica sufferer but never as long as 5 months.
I once had it for around a couple of weeks and it was murder and never seemed to go away. I went to the docs and he said special nerve tablets / medication might be needed but I’d have to be suffering for longer than a couple of weeks.
Can’t remember how long I suffered but it strangely just disappeared overnight.
I’d be back at your doc demanding he actually do something other than that it’s just a case of staying comfortable and hoping it goes soon.
Good luck mate.

 

Ashwaganda , thank me later

 

Steroid injection? Acupuncture? Surprised they've not gone for the former at least?

 

I used to get it bad,sometimes down one leg sometimes down both.I used to go to sleep on the floor or put a board under your mattress.
Don’t know what your job is but it doesn’t help if your sat at a desk all day.Mine went. After a while but just try and keep moving its just a trapped nerve.Hope it gets better

 

Cheers @arabian_ian

Do you get this as a supplement or the actual plant extract?

like I mentioned I cannot get back into the Drs, everytime I try they are full I’ve tried so many times and cannot get past the receptionist hence me visiting A and E twice even the dr at hospital said they can only provider medication, any other referral has to come from your dr.

 

Have you tried NHS Direct on 111? They can book GP appointments for you.

 

How about seeing your GP (when you can) and asking for a referral to a musculoskeletal specialist at BDGH or whichever is your closest hospital. If this is ongoing it needs some investigation and some sort of effective/doable resolution. Best wishes though, back problems like this are horrendous.

 

I may try JamDrops suggestion of going through 111 not that it should be this difficult I genuinely cannot understand how anyone gets GP appointments nowadays, the system is completely broken

 

Cheat a bit. Ring up reception and say it's not like last time and you're worried it might be cancer. That should make them listen. I had something similar a few weeks ago and got sent to a walk in X ray dept at Jimmy's Leeds,then a morphine prescription as I was going on holiday soon after. It's not perfect yet but a lot better.

 

Have you tried Osteopathy?

 

No, other than medication and stretching nothing else as I was hoping the medical profession would point me in the right direction but it seems they game me drugs didn’t want a follow up and now I’m in limbo unable to get back in

I think I was hoping maybe some one had a quick fix (foolishly) I guess I’m not shaking this anytime soon. I’ll try the suggestions above

thanks all

 

I'm a sufferer. I manage it, so it's not too bad.

Pain killers won't solve anything. The right physio & possibly acupuncture https://horsforthhealthhub.com/acupuncture/ Kai is unreal.

 

I have a friend who’s an acupuncturist, can dm you contact details if you’re interested

 

Have you tried new insoles or footwear could be your gate?

 

Insoles won't solve it IMO. It is a muscular back injury that goes up & down your leg. I had plantar fasciitis too & insoles have helped with that, as well as physio.

 

You have my sympathy! I get it on the odd occasion; moreso since I've packed in building work. Apparently mine maybe linked to two slipped discs at the base of my spine, so i lay on a rolled towel (rolled tightly) which runs the length of my spine.
Rolling a tennis ball on the affected area sometimes works, along with Naproxen

 

I used to get it regularly, the best method for me was to sit on a strategically placed hot water bottle, it seemed to have more effect than heat pads.

 

I’m no expert but as I m currently experience this myself,and everyone’s case is different, but I think you may need to push for a referral to a neuro spinal specialist.They may need to rule other causes like bone spurs or disc issues but at least they can diagnose and give options as to how to treat.
MRI to diagnose & perhaps specific nerve pain medication that needs to build up in the system. Unfortunately the waiting list to see this Specialists tends to be a long one.There is an option to pay for a referral but of course this isn’t for everyone.
If the stretches have been given by a professional they can help to re aline and take the pressure off the spine but difficult when in so much pain.Good luck tyke I feel for you.

 

Thanks again people for your responses and messages I’m going to look into a few of the suggested options. I’m really struggling as I feel as though I’m just a problem at the moment one thing to another and everything I seem to get isn’t anything small and even though my family are great and so is my work I personally feel a real burden on them all, it’s awful and embarrassing. I’m 44 and I feel 94

anyway thanks again people I really appreciate the advice