Especially when you are in the middle of the room and the muscle grabs and you have nothing there to hold onto. Anything athree foot away may as well be a mile away. Moving isn't an option until it releases. But a cane helps you realign yourself to move and to easy the muscle spasm.
I take 800mg {prescription strength} of Ibuprofen three times a day when it's acting up and one a day at bedtime when it's not. I wouldn't take 800mg and any other OTC pain meds together though. I can't handle the stronger stuff with Opiates.
I’ve suffered with Sciatica for years.
Epidural injections do not help.
Narcotic pain meds can only be taken for so long.
Inversion therapy gives me the best relief.