Sciatica - any helpful advice please

I had a very bad bout of piriformis syndrome (much the same as sciatica) about six years ago. I'd been going to a Bowen therapist (who is also a well qualified physiotherapist) for various aches and pains, but this was more debilitating than anything else. She had me walking normally after just one treatment. Bowen's uses gentle pressure on points throughout the body, like acupuncture but without needles. I don't know why it works, and I may not work for everyone, but it worked for me. I can't take opioids (or are they opiates?) without repercussions, so alternative therapies are worth trying.

I may not work .... IT may not work

why is there no editing facility on Gransnet?

Some good ideas here. The piriformis stretch is the one that works for me. Should NOT be painful - stop straightaway if it is. You should feel a gentle pull, and the feeling lessens after 20 seconds or so. Anything you can do via physical therapy and reducing drugs is good - the drugs all come with some downside. Hoping you find a way to be more comfortable. www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/piriformis-muscle-stretch-and-physical-therapy

My sympathies. I have had severe sciatica in the past and I found physio exercises the most helpful thing. It took a long time to get better but always do stretches now to ensure it does not come back.

I would just pay & see an osteopath, I take a friend of mine who is 85 for a similar problem, should be no more than £50 & at least you will be seen more or less straight away. Maybe see Gp for pain meds.all the best getting it sorted.

I saw a physiotherapist, magic hands, bliss

Sandelf
Those are the stretches my chiropractor showed me. Saved me £100s 😉

I’ve suffered from this too for many years 2 x totally bed ridden for days until it wore off. I too though have now been diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome which caused extensive pain hip, groin and thigh area. Have had ultrasound guided injection which did help but now need another higher and deeper. Can truly sympathise however, I use a product called Chiro Ice available online (and do get from my Chiropractor - who has helped my pain a lot). Physio did help to some extent but Chiropractor has been of more use. TENS machine has also helped as I cannot take ibruprofen.

sent to rehab for2 months 3x aweek
was good for year until was stuck in hospital bed for a week
so going back to rehab

Had to see my GP about something totally different, mentioned that I had sciatica and did it need to be reported in my medical notes, etc. 'No', she said, nothing that can be done, just do the exercises!!!

I am doing the stretches recommended by NHS site. Love the way someone on here states it is just £50 to see someone privately (JUST fifty quid!!!).

It is mainly up the right hand side - will continue with the stretches. I am reluctant to take any more regular pills, even pain killers, but will see how things go.

Many thanks for everyone on here who has given helpful suggestions. Suppose I am fortunate that I have reached 82 years of age with this being the very first time Ihave experienced this condition.

annodomini there is 'preview' button which is useful BUT I find that although I frequently use it i then forget to press the 'send'. I agree 'edit' would be useful.

Franbern
I was like you Re pain killers until my Dr explained I was doing more damage by trying to walk with the pain. You’re putting strain on other joints by trying to alleviate the pain.

DD sees an osteopath £75 for first session then £ 55. That's East London.
Cost me £95 to be told by an engineer that our fridge freezer wad beyond economic repair.
That was not helpful of your gp Franbern.
Hope you find some of these suggestions help.