Has Anyone Had Experience with Sciatica?

I'm in the midst of my first bout with sciatica and would enjoy hearing from any Freepers that have been through it and have some home remedy tips.

A bit of background...I've suffered broken bones, had plates and screws and even a bone graft, but the pain from the sciatica matches any of that. It travels across my right buttock, down my thigh, encircles my knees and deadens my leg from the knee down. I can't lie on my back, sitting is difficult. Lying on my left side provides the best relief.

The doctor prescribed prednisone for inflammation, tiazidine as a muscle relaxant and hydrocodone and neurontin for pain. I've completed a one-week cycle of prednisone and, after three days off, am about to begin a second cycle.

I would appreciate any suggestions for home remedies or tips that may help speed recovery. Thank you in advance since I can only spend a few minutes sitting at the computer and may not be able to respond to each suggestion individually.

Had it. Believe it or not, take 2 grams Ester C every few hours. Also, (and this works), get a bottle of castor oil. I simply rubbed in on the areas that hurt but if you want to get fancy, follow the internet instructions for castor oil packs. http://www.google.com/search?q=castor+oil+packs&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7DKUS

I could not sleep on my left side as that was the side that hurt. Now I can sleep on it but I try not to over do it.

I took no drugs as they usually make matters worse in the long run. They have too many nasty side effects.

Usually, people with the nerve growing through the piriformis also have a longer 2nd toe.

Wow, didn't know that. As it so happens, that's the case with me! Fascinating. Thanks for all the info!

The stretching exercises have helped a great deal, and the pain is much more manageable. I actually have days go by when I suddenly realize "Hey! No pain in a long time!"

I should have written “an _apparently_ longer 2nd toe” It is actually a short 1st metatarsal. Just so when you see your sports medicine practitioner, he doesn't give you that hairy eyeball.

I can go months without any problem, then, usually in this sort of cool, damp weather when I also have less work and so am sitting at the computer too much..bam! When you need the work, you _need_ the work.

My husband is a medical massage therapist with Neuromuscular Massage certifications. According to our local osteopath, this is osteopathy 101. Since osteopaths are now physicians, it can take months to get in to see one, while the NMTs are usually available within a day or so. NMTs just work the soft tissue, while the chiropractors do the joint manipulations. There are a lot of wannabes out there, which is why I usually recommend folks try to find a Sports Medicine practice overseen by an Orthopedist who also employs PTs and MTs with advanced certifications. If you ask around, I think word of mouth recommendations are usually accurate. I know my husband sees a lot of runners, marathoners and triathletes and they always refer each other.

Poor Baby..

Now that's out of the way,anyone who has ever had Sciatica would not joke about it. I am just now to the point of being able to walk without a cane. I'm not having the pain although the right side is weak and the cane helps me to walk straight since I have a limp because of the weakness.

I was taken to the hospital twice in the first couple days because both times I tried to get to the bathroom and just ended up on the floor and couldn't get up. The second trip I also got myself into a panic attack and couldn't catch my breath. I had Xrays at the hospital and was given a shot for pain and a muscle relaxer each time. The doctor put me on Pain meds which I don't remember what they were right now and ativan.

I also had a physical therapist come by the house three times a week and did exercise, then eventually walking. First just out to the living room and back, then eventually outside. It was a slow process. The first month I spent mostly in bed.

You're right about laying on your side. Also put a pillow between your knees.

It's a slow process and takes longer than I liked but with exercise and the walking it does get better.

A chiropractor would probably help if you can get out to one but with you previous back surgery it probably isn't a good idea especially is you have surgical medal and screws in your back.

You need a lot of patience. I do recommend a cane and use it on the opposite side as the effected area. It sounds weird but that's the proper was to use a cane. My physical therapist told me that and it does walk. If you can use a walker at first do but I hated using one. My husband had one here at the house from when he had surgery and I tried it. Try googeling Sciatica and you may be able to find the exercises recommended.

I don't have a miraculous cure, wish I did but wanted to let you know, that I know it's no laughing matter. Hope you're feeling better soon.

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