OT: treatment of sciactic pain?

I have had sciatica on both sides on and off since I was 19.  I've been to orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, an acupuncturist, and physical therapists, but it keeps coming back.

My current PCP usually prescribes Prednisone for flare-ups, but I just hate that stuff and it doesn't always help.  He used to prescribe NSAID's as well, but my bariatric surgeon told me to avoid them.  Tylenol does absolutely nothing.

I saw my chiropractor 3 times a week for 4 weeks recently, which did help, but as soon as I switched to once a week, the pain came back.  Last week he took x-rays of my spine and hips and today he showed them to me.  He can't find any evidence of imbalance, arthritis, slipped discs, or anything else, and suggested that I continue to exercise and see him every 2 weeks and call him if I'm having a really bad flare-up.  I was discouraged after that (though it was really cool to see my lap-band and port in the x-rays!), came home and researched sciatic pain treatment on the Internet.  Not surprisingly, there were dozens of "miracle" programs available (at a cost), and some stretching exercises (that I'm already doing, but maybe I need to do more).

The sciatica is a lot worse when I sit for too long (like 15-20 min.).  I'm a lot more active than I used to be, but I'm a writer with a desktop computer....how do I work and not sit?  I know, I could use a laptop and put it on a waist-level stand or table, but we don't have the money for a laptop right now.

Can you share any success you've had with treatment of sciatic pain?

Thanks,
Jean

I don't have Sciatica pain per se, (I'm not even sure what that is), but I do have lower back pain when I sit at my dest for too long.  I was told to get up and walk every hour and that does help, but I also find that setting my desk chair so it won't recline back at all and learning to work with both my feet on the floor helps.  You're not that tall, so maybe one of those foot platforms made to go under the desk would help take some pressure off your back if your chair is already as low as it will go.  If you don't have good lombard support try putting a bolster pillow in the small of your back that forces you to sit up straight and make sure that your computer screen is at eye level.  You shouldn't be looking up or down at your screen. 

I learned all of this from an ergonomics specialist that we have at work and it does make a difference.  Also, not that I CAN cross my legs, I'm finding that it really hurts my back!  I like doing it though because it makes me feel like a lady! 

You probably already know all of this, but that's my 10 cents worth of information for you today!

L.

I've had sciatica for years and luckily the Chiropractor keeps it under control. I find that as long as I can pop my back at night like the chiro does during an adjustment then all is well. As soon as things tighten up or something and I can't easily do that on my own, I go to see him to get it worked out before the nerves get pinched. Following that, I haven't had any real pain in that spot in over 5 years. However now that I've lost some weight and things ar shifting, I'm having a pain in my righ hip. Not bad but we're watching it!

Before I lost my weight and had my WLS I had horrible sciatica.  I had several orthopaedic surgeons and chiropractors tell me that weight loss would help.  In my case, they were mostly right.  I also have scoliosis which adds to the problem.   I'm not sure that the weight loss alone was responsible for my cure - I believe the exercise is the key for me.  I'm not sure what the scientific reasons are but I know that when I keep moving, the nerve doesn't get pinched or it stays loose or whatever happens it works.  The doctors insist it's a function of weight with me - now that my BMI is 23, they say I'm functionally cured.  The exercise:  40 minutes each day on the elliptical trainer and a two mile walk each evening after dinner along with stretching exercises before each session.  Very simple stuff - no fancy formula.  Good luck - I wish the best.  I know how you must suffer with this.  It was the most horrible pain I ever felt - worse than all the surgeries I've had combined.  My heart goes out to you. 

I'm surprised you have sciatica and your x-rays show nothing. I too have it but I know I have compressed discs in my lower back and degenerative disc disease as well as spinal arthritis. I go to a pain clinic and the chiropractor.

Here's a home rememdy: Ice. Ice will always calm an inflammation. Ice when it first happens, then alternate ice and heat.

I have a lot of issues when I sit too long at work (like the past week). Have you ever been diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Eileen,

Where do you put the ice?  On your buttock (where the pain seems to originate), or your leg (where it travels)?  Your lower back?  Or where?

No, I haven't been dx'd with fibromyalgia.  I thought that involved overall body pain.  Will have to research that...

Thanks,
Jean

I put it on my butt, where it seems to originate. Do it for about 20 minutes.

Fibro is overall pain, but you can feel it more one place than others. A good doctor (and there are many who don't believe fibro exists) will test by touching you in several areas. If you have a certain number of those areas that are "tender," you have fibro. Also, there are other symptoms, too. When I was diagnosed 10 years ago by the HMO I joined when I moved here (one of the few good things they did), I started reading up on it and was amazed at how many symptoms I had that fit. Who knew? I would go into a doctor with my symptoms and all I ever got was "lose weight." And here, I had a creditable disease. (Of course, the PA who diagnosed me also said "lose weight," but that was after she gave me some treatment for what had ailed me since I was a teen.)

However, she didn't treat my spinal arthritis, disc disease, knee pain, etc. Every pain I went in for, she wrote up to fibro, which was wrong. I didn't say she was perfect, but she was right on the fibro.

 If you get any good advise, let me know!  I have the same problem.  

Oh Jean....I am sorry for your pain.  I have had sciatica off and on for years and know how miserably painful it can be.  Knock on wood, I haven't had any bouts for a few years now.  My dear hubby has it occasionally also and he's been to chiropracters and other Docs as well.  Perhaps it is the "skinny" butts that brings this on? (PUN).  Jokingly, my husband calls it his
"Psychiatric Nerve" acting up.
I hope you get some relief dear Jean.

Sandy

Sandy,

"Psychiatric nerve"!  That's a good one, because my sciatic nerve drives me psycho!

Jean