Trapped nerve in lower back

Have you tried a TENs machine? I believe they’re quite good for nerve type pain.

I hadn't thought of that Ramsgate. Thanks for the tip. I'm researching them now!

I've heard good things from people who have gone to see sports injury physios.

Yes MissAdventure I hope the physio will help but I will get a tens machine in the meantime.

Good luck.
A bad back is awful; it impacts everything.

Have you tried gentle stretching? I have my sciatica under control now through yoga, pilates tai chi and physio. It also helps me connect with my body so I can feel it starting and target the area with stretches and balance work. Sending much sympathy. Constant pain is miserable.

I find that the NHS physio videos are really good, and you know they are properly qualified

Are you able to get into a swimming pool... just to do some gentle stretches with no resistance/weight to support. I find it helpful with all sorts of back issues.
I hope you get relief soon as back pain is so commanding.

I’ve found a sports physio to be much more thorough than an NHS physio when I had an agonising shoulder/back problem 18mths ago. I simply couldn’t wait for the NHS so went private. I think I had three sessions which cost less than £200 in total.

I hope you get some relief soon, back pain can be utterly debilitating.

I used to find using an ice pack to numb the pain gave me some relief, even if only temporary. I improvised and used a wine bottle cooler, about 30cm x 30 cm square, slung over my back/hip area while I did my chores. Hope you improve soon.

If opiate type medication is making you feel zombie like ask your doctor to prescribe Naproxen instead. You do have to take it with a stomach protector but it’s marvellous for pain and you remain lucid.

I’m recovering from spinal surgery at the moment and it’s been brilliant. Also I found the flexible heat shapes you can heat in the microwaves a godsend the warmth really helps. Buy a long flatish shape you can wrap it around / place it in exactly the right place .

I have suffered for many years with a lower back injury. I have found that the only thing that helps is a visit to my osteopath. Whilst physios are great at helping with recovery from an injury, for me not so good at diagnosing and treating my back. If you do see an osteopath then go to one which is registered with the General Osteopathic Council. I also use a TENS machine which has been a godsend. Good luck and hope things improve soon

Back pain seems to be very common unfortunately. I have had it off and on for years but this time it seems different.
I think it's a trapped nerve.
It is worse at night and eases off during the day.
Thanks for your advice and experiences. Very helpful.

Grammaretto, have you considered making an appointment with a Sports Massage Therapist? They are qualified in deep tissue massage, and manipulation for want of a better description……..just don’t be put off by the ‘sports’ title…..they won’t make you run around the track.
Either way, I hope you get some relief soon.

The exercise which helped me most when I had a similar issue was:
Get down on your hands and knees.
Hump your back, releasing the nerve, then lower your back.
Repeat several times.
I did the exercise several times a day.
Obviously, don't continue with it if it doesn't feel right for your particular situation.
I believe this exercise was responsible for freeing the trapped nerve in my back.
You have my sympathy and I hope it will not be too much longer before you find relief.
PS I moved house nine months ago so I understand how you must be feeling.