Oh! One more thing: NO SITTING! Lay on your side and change positions frequently. People can develop this problem just by sitting too much.
Hubby had the same problem. He went to a chiropractor, and it made the problem much, much worse, absolutely unbearable. He went through the drugs, which only made a dent in the pain. He had the spinal injections, which also didn't work.
Hubby finally had surgery, just a tiny incision in his lower back to remove the bit of disc that was pressing on the nerve. There just was no other way to stop the pressure on the nerve.
You must have an MRI to discover the cause of the nerve problem. Do NOT let anyone manipulate your spine until you know the cause, I cannot stress this enough.
If it is true sciatica, there is no home remedy other than pain management.
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.
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.
This isn’t just an old person’s disease. I had it briefly as a teenager. It turned out mine was cause by my wallet. sitting on my wallet was causing me nerve damage. I quit putting my wallet in my back pocket and It never came back.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions and encouragement. It’s been two and a half weeks now, but I woke up feeling much better yesterday and it’s continued into today. I was getting a bit of cabin fever with Spring coming on, but worked at staying patient. I’ve started some gentle stretching and that’s helped me too. Again, many thanks for the suggestions and kind words.