Sciatica? Pain in the backside!

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 15:13

Right, some of you might remember that, a while ago, I was diagnosed with sciatica.

Like a good boy, I took the anti-inflammatories and the painkillers as instructed (even though the painkillers made me feel worse

), and it seemed to get better.

However, the pain has now come back as strong as ever (it's only the fact that I'm roughty-toughty that I don't just collapse

). Can anyone recommend any treatment other than just going back to the doctor? I'd rather not keep popping pills if I can get away with it, and Mrs Nug has suggested a chiropracter. Anyone got any ideas?

TIA

marky · 29-09-2005, 15:15

You could get a wheaty or a tens machine

29-09-2005, 15:36

I'd get back to the GP, in the first instance, Nug - as it is recurring he may refer you to a chiropractor, or to the hospital for an MRI scan.

I don't envy you having to drive every day, with it

Roy MM · 29-09-2005, 15:39

My bro had it, went to a chiro thingy and after a few pulls and tugs he was fine, but he has to go back now and then for further manipulations.

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by marky

You could get a wheaty or a tens machine

Hmmm, good idea - what the hell are they then?

Quote:

Originally Posted by homealone

I'd get back to the GP, in the first instance, Nug - as it is recurring he may refer you to a chiropractor, or to the hospital for an MRI scan.

I don't envy you having to drive every day, with it

I think you're probably right. I don't want to because he's mad and foreign (other than that, he's okay

).

TBH, I think it's the driving that's causing the problem

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy MM

My bro had it, went to a chiro thingy and after a few pulls and tugs he was fine, but he has to go back now and then for further manipulations.

Manipulations, eh? Hope it's not a bloke then

marky · 29-09-2005, 15:50

A wheaty warmer i have one they are great http://www.winhealth.co.uk/Wheaty%20Warmers.htmAnd a tens is what they put on women in childbirth, but are

for backs

Ramrod · 29-09-2005, 15:52

In my experience the GP is probably the least able to deal with low back pain or sciatica. You should see a chiro or osteo.
Nugg, is the pain all the way down the back of a leg into your foot?
__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by marky

A wheaty warmer i have one they are great http://www.winhealth.co.uk/Wheaty%20Warmers.htmAnd a tens is what they put on women in childbirth, but are

for backs

Unless you have inflammation, in which case the last thing you need is more heat applied to the area!

and a TENS just tends to mask the pain......so you can stuff your back up even more without feeling it!

29-09-2005, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

Quote:

Originally Posted by marky

You could get a wheaty or a tens machine

Hmmm, good idea - what the hell are they then?

Quote:

Originally Posted by homealone

I'd get back to the GP, in the first instance, Nug - as it is recurring he may refer you to a chiropractor, or to the hospital for an MRI scan.

I don't envy you having to drive every day, with it

I think you're probably right. I don't want to because he's mad and foreign (other than that, he's okay

).

TBH, I think it's the driving that's causing the problem

I think marky means one of those bags full of wheat kernels that you heat up in the microwave for 'topical application' - it might be worth a try sticking one under your thigh while driving? <EDIT> just seen Ramrod's post - best not then

- I'd still get it checked out, though, as sciatica can be symptomatic of a potentially slipped disc

- one of the potential causes I just read about was driving (constant pressure on accelerator) - the other was sitting on your wallet

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

In my experience the GP is probably the least able to deal with low back pain or sciatica. You should see a chiro or osteo.
Nugg, is the pain all the way down the back of a leg into your foot?

Not yet

At the minute, the 'main' pain is centred just in my lower back - it tends to hurt a little way down the back of my thigh, but no lower than that.

Now, you're not allowed to tell me that my legs going to drop off - that'll put a right crimper on my day

marky · 29-09-2005, 15:56

Ramrod are you some sort of expert (flame proof coat now fitted)

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by homealone

<snippety-snip>

- I'd still get it checked out, though, as sciatica can be symptomatic of a potentially slipped disc

That's what I'm worried about

(although, do you get time off for that

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by homealone

- one of the potential causes I just read about was driving (constant pressure on accelerator) - the other was sitting on your wallet

Well, the accelerator one I can go with! As for the wallet - you know there's never enough money in there to make a difference

Salu · 29-09-2005, 16:20

Back pain is something that Doctors badly treat and indeed diagnose. It's a case of prescribe non-steroidals, Kapake and send them away... As this is your second episode your GP may refer you for an MRI scan but unless there is any worrying neurology the treatment will be conservative which means "wait till it gets better on its own...."

You are at the right age for a herniated disc but there are other causes of this type of pain. Piriformis syndrome or an inflammed facet joint for example.

Your best bet is a referral to the Chiropractor as Ramrod (who is one...) suggested. GPs do not generally refer directly to them. They may refer to physios though...

Of course my official advice is to go to your GP in case I have missed a ruptured renal artery etc....

Let me know if you get a foot drop or a priapism.....

(look them up

)

Edit Spelling corrections..

**Rob** · 29-09-2005, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

Let me know if you get a foot drop or a priaprism.....

(look them up

)

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

Back pain is something that Doctors badly treat and indeed diagnose. It's a case of prescribe non-steroidals, Kapake and send them away... As this is your second episode your GP may refer you for an MRI scan but unless there is any worrying neurology the treatment will be conservative which means "wait till it gets better on its own...."

You are at the right age for a herniated disc but there are other causes of this type of pain. Piriformis syndrome or an inflammed facet joint for example.

Your best bet is a referral to the Chiropractor as Ramrod (who is one...) suggested. GPs do not generally refer directly to them. They may refer to physios though...

Of course my official advice is to go to your GP in case I have missed a ruptured renal artery etc....

Let me know if you get a foot drop or a priaprism.....

(look them up

)

I already know what priaprism is, and I don't think I'd tell you if I had one. There's certain members of the forum that I might tell, but you're not one of them

marky · 29-09-2005, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

I already know what priaprism is, and I don't think I'd tell you if I had one. There's certain members of the forum that I might tell, but you're not one of them

I just googled it and ouch that must be hard to cope with.