I think I self-diagnosed my sciatica issue

[Baz]

I'm not bed-ridden by any means. Just left leg pain - much of it near the top by the hip down to the thigh.

Started on Monday. Today is Day 3 with it.

No injury or specific event I can think of - I just woke up Monday morning with the leg pain.

From what I have read on the Internet, not much can be done for it by a medical practitioner so I'm just gonna ride it out for a while and follow some tips to assist with pain management.

If it doesn't subside by next week I may consult my GP.

==================

Here's what I found:

Everyday tips for finding relief include:

Gentle stretching, focusing on the buttocks, thighs, calf, and feet muscles.
Gentle exercise, such as yoga, swimming, or walking can often help ease inflammation.
Take over-the-counter pain medications to ease inflammation and pain. Some pain relief medications are available for purchase online, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Use pain-relieving topical treatments on the painful areas. Some brands are available for purchase over the counter or online, including tiger balm.
Eat fruits and vegetables, especially foods rich in fiber and antioxidants, such as leafy green vegetables, berries, and citrus fruits.
Eat lean meats and nuts that contain anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3. This might include fish, walnuts, almonds, or sesame seeds.
Limit foods linked with inflammation, such as red meat, alcohol, and heavily refined or preserved foods.
Stay hydrated, as dehydration can intensify inflammation and pain throughout the whole body.
Apply ice to the affected area using an icepack wrapped in a towel or dishcloth for 15 minutes sessions several times daily.
Apply heat to the affected area using a heating bag or hot water bottle several times daily.
Minimize stress, especially during or after menstruation or when symptoms are their worst.
Talk with a mental health professional to get help managing the stress of living with chronic pain.
Learn and practice mindful exercises, such as meditation and guided visualization, to help distract the mind from pain and stress.
Seek alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage therapy.

A person may also find that taking natural supplements that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can help with symptoms.

Natural supplements available for purchase online include:

probiotics
vitamins C, E, and A
magnesium glycinate
omega-3 fatty acids
ginger
turmeric
devil’s claw
capsicum
glucosamine

[Zeke]

Well, Baz, I thought you were post menstrual....

[flatbutt]

I found that heat exacerbated mine but ice helped a great deal

[Baz]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I found that heat exacerbated mine but ice helped a great deal

Interesting because I just finished using both a heat pad on the lower back plus a bed buddy wrapped around my thigh and the pain almost entirely went away. I know it will return but seems like the heat really helped.

[Starless]

I had it bad, really bad, a while ago. I ended up in the ER as the pain was so intense I couldn't do anything without being in pain. Didn't matter if I moved or not. Only thing that helped was physical therapy. I now have stretching exercises i do whenever I feel the slightest hint of sciatica. Mine was so bad that I was laid up in bed for a week. The only way to get around the house was on an office chair with wheels. No way could I stand. Sitting on the toilet was the worst part. Lasted about a month.

[stevej37]

standing, walking, and sometimes driving are the worst for sciatica. Driving because any jostle or bump irritates it.

[JackDidley]

Hate to hear that Baz. Take it easy and get some rest. Only had it a couple days. It was tough and I think it was brought on by fatigue. I had some Darvocets stashed back and they really helped. Too bad they have been outlawed.

[GH85Carrera]

A few Oxycontin pills and a pint of whiskey will make you feel a lot better!

Like so many issues with humans, every person seems to have a different reaction to treatments. Some say heat, some say ice. Whatever works for you. Avoid pain pills except OTC products and follow dosage on the package.

[Skytrooper]

I bought a TENS unit last year when mine returned. Immediate relief !

[Starless]

I was sent home from the ER with a prescription for Oxycodone. Did nothing for the pain, but they did knock me out and helped me sleep.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Skytrooper

I bought a TENS unit last year when mine returned. Immediate relief !

The human body is funny: I tried TENS to no satisfaction when friends recommended it to me. Worked like a charm for them.

Baz, I'll send you my TENS unit if you'd like.

For me, daily stretching, heating pads and a massage chair, some pot cream and this:



My son gave me one for Christmas. He uses one for Jujitsu "issues" and swears by it.

I now do as well.

[pmax]

Get an MRI.

[pmax]

Back pain develops gradually so if this is a brand new experience of the aging bones, it could be something else.

MRI will confirm or exclude that diagnosis.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Skytrooper

I bought a TENS unit last year when mine returned. Immediate relief !

Thanks for this post and comment - and all the others.

I'd never heard of a TENS unit. I did some research and decided to get this one. Arrives tomorrow. $36 from Amazon. Will post feedback here.

Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit 16 Modes Muscle Stimulator for Pain Relief Therapy, Electronic Pulse Massager Muscle Massager

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Baz, I'll send you my TENS unit if you'd like.

Got one coming, Paul. Thanks anyway and also for the additional info. Good stuff for everyone!

[wswartzwel]

Go get checked, could be something simple or may need attention.

I had it bad several years ago. MRI showed typical disc degeneration that old guys get. Couldn't move without stabbing pain down the leg.. couldn't sleep... pain killers helped a little. My wife works in the PT dept. at the local university, she hooked me up with one of the PHD teachers. He gave me some stretches to do like Pirifomis stretches.. basically sit on a table Indian style... but let one leg hang down over the edge. so the ball of the other foot is against the knee of the leg hanging off the side... Bend forward and touch your chin to that knee. Then switch legs. I have been doing this for the past 6 years and have zero pain anymore. I Mountainbike, work out with weights doing squats and other lifting. Even lift logs for my hobby sawmill. I find if I stay active, pretty much all of my aches and pains that go with old age are minimal. I consider myself lucky that I didn't have to get surgery. Many people do need it. Hope you get it figured out and get the pain behind you.

[TimT]

I've posted this before...its helped me immensely.. Stretching and strengthening your core will do wonders..do planks..

Me: 61, xrays a few ears ago revealed Scoliosis, Sciatica, arthritis, and compressed discs..I won the back pain lottery


Stretching and strengthening did wonders... I'm rarely bothered by sciatica anymore.. only after a long drive will I have numbness in my leg..

[oldE]

If you tend to carry a wallet in your hip pocket, STOP IMMEDIATELY! I was amazed at how quickly the shooting pains in my leg stopped.
One of the best pieces of advice I received.

Best
Les

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Hot a shower as possible while standing & stretching
Then ICE pack on back while laying down.
Then flat on the back stretching exercises.
Repeat 3 times a day

Went from totally immobile to full recovery in a few days.

PAIN IS YOUR FRIEND, IT LET'S YOU KNOW YOUR ALIVE

[Skytrooper]

Originally Posted by oldE

If you tend to carry a wallet in your hip pocket, STOP IMMEDIATELY! I was amazed at how quickly the shooting pains in my leg stopped.
One of the best pieces of advice I received.

Best
Les

This is very true also !


The thing with the TENS unit is to apply the pads on both sides of the most painful area.