anyone up?.....

[newlife52]

and has ever experienced severe sciatica pain.  I have been off opiates for almost 6 months and wonder if someone may have any suggestions.  I've had brain surgeries(s) and have NEVER had pain like this.

Any thoughts...been doing stretches... heat...ice - no relief.

[IBKleen]

If it starts in your bum and shoots down your leg..I would bet good money that you herniated L5. Get an MRI as soon as you can.

[vicki595]

It's hard if not impossible to diagnosis this stuff without an MRI but it sure sounds like a lower lumbar disc or two has slipped, ruptured, herniated...Are you still thinking about going to Urgent Care this morning?  It's a good idea. At first I thought this was chronic with you but it just began, right? So it's acute and would be smart to check before you go doing any manipulations!

Let us know-

[newlife52]

It starts in the middle of my right butt cheek and shoots all down my right leg to my calve and lasts a good long time

[IBKleen]

I didn't read all the comments but I have sciatica down my left leg and have had it since 1985. I had back surgery to remove and replace a disk and the hope was that the sciatica would be healed as well. that didn't happen and I live with still today. Then I herniated 4 more disks. and the sciatica is also in my left arm. The thing that has helped me the most is steroid injections into the herniations to bring down the swelling and alleviate the pressure on them. I would get a series of 3 injections to have it work. Do you know the cause of the sciatica? Where are you having it?

[weaver71]

Thanks Connie, I was just about to post that book. Thanks. It really is a do it yourself type book and practical knowledge. Good luck.

[clean_in_ks]

First, a huge congrats on almost 6 months off opiates!!!  YAY YOU!!!
Second, congrats on overcoming and proving the naysayers wrong...you ARE walking again.....that's amazing and wonderful!!!!!

Like you said, it may be the way you are overcompensating and actually walking that has caused some misalignment and shift in your spine.  Before you start doing any exercises or stretches or manipulating trigger points, it would be prudent to find out the source of the pain.  If it is indeed a disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, a lot of options are available.  The most important thing is not to let it go on unchecked for long...because nerve damage can occur.  That is what happened to me (though it wasn't because it was left "unchecked"...lol)

I'm so glad you made it thru your brain surgeries and are walking!!!!  

Please let us know what you find out...we're rootin for you~

P.S.  The book that Weaver referred to is (do you mind Weaver?):
"The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Claire Davies.  It's a hands on step by step book showing how to relieve pain by knowing and utilizing trigger points.

[msdelight]

Hi there! There is a pressure point located just below the back of the knee which helps relieve sciatic pain.  Place an ace bandage around your calf not to tight just below the knee on the affected side . There are devices available on the market for this purpose but an ace or well placed compressio sleeve should do the trick. Good luck and hope you get some sleep tonight!

[lulu747]

I would echo Vickie's advice.  Have you tried a forward fold?

Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and your knees soft.  Roll down slowly vertabrae by vertabrae and let the weight of your head bend you in half.  You can place your hands on your legs for support, or if your flexibility allows it, hold on to your elbows and shake your head yes and no to make sure you've relaxed your neck entirely.
If it is sciatica this should help.
My dad has it really bad and whenever he does I guide him through this and his pain is almost immediately relieved.
Also, a good hip opener.
That one is harder to type out so google Threading the Needle for instructions.
I was a yoga instructor in another life (:

Then do the pillow thing.
If this doesn't work it could be something more serious so go to ER.

Hope you get some relief sweetheart...
Lu

[newlife52]

Was just thinking I would head to Urgent care tomorrow......thanks...going to try to sleep now.

Night

[vicki595]

If this just came on All of a sudden and is causing horrible pain then you need to get examined right away or as soon as you're able. Maybe at an Urgent Care tomorrow morning? Sometimes these things are serious...and can affect organ function and mobility unless relieved.   I hope you can get comfy enough to sleep. Do you use a pillow between your knees if side lying and behind your knees when on your back?  I'm sorry for your trouble...

[weaver71]

I found that pain and mental stress were keeping me awake. On those nights I count from 100 backwards over and over as I try to relax my body. I will skip numbers, then lose my place, then i awaken, not realizing I ever fell asleep. I think it distracts me from thinking of how I feel. Just thought I'd mention it, hope you sleep well, and I'll tell you the acupuncture book in the morning. Good night.

[luvdolphins58]

If u put in Google search sciatic pain pressure point relief chart. Should show u what where and how. This might take edge off or should take sone pain away. I have my own issues but I know several charts on pressure points due help. Hang in there.

[newlife52]

I am going to try and sleep soon.  I have had a very rough 178 days and your posts and others help keep me sane.

So.....A BIG THANKYOU~~

[newlife52]

Hi Vicki...no clue what is causing it.  Need to see my doctor.  My thought is possibly the way  I walk has possibly done something to a disc.  I was told I would never walk after brain surgeries because my vestibular system is shot  BUT I do but I compensate to keep my balance.

I am taking ibuprofen and icing but it has gotten much worse!

[weaver71]

Yeah well, WE are pretty great, aren't WE? There is nothing new under the sun, especially me. All I know was what I have learned from another. One thing I know is feeling crazy and suffering, Im what you might call an expert in that area. I'm glad my old rantings help someone, you are part of what has made it so worth it. Thanks for saying it though, I have to keep my progress in the front of my mind, so it helps to hear you say that. Is your pain keeping you up?

[vicki595]

I was going to suggest YouTube  as well!  Just search Sciatica relief on You Tube and you'll see a million videos. Choose one that looks like it may work for you. Some of the positions bring instant relief!

I've used the info and suggestions myself. Are you taking Motrin throughout the day?  Using ice for 20 mins at a time?  What's causing the sciatica? A disc?

[newlife52]

Thanks.......

Hey Weaver...is there anything you do not know?  I read hear many times a day and have to finally say how your comments and OLD posts have helped me.  

EVERY time I have had a rough time on a certain amount of days clean and put that number in the search bar....YOU had a rough time on that exact amount of clean time BUT worked thru it.  You are beyond impressive, compassionate and kind.  You inspire me to come thru this a better person!  Just sayin'!

[weaver71]

Nobody up but us chickens, **** a doodle doo. I just starting using a pressure point book to work on nerve pain, I don't want to wake anyone to get the title and author, but I had a true skeptic tell me it has helped his sciatica a great deal. I'll get it to you, when the family is in REM. Epsom salts baths seem to help with the muscle tension, but nothing but acupuncture or pressure seem to actually work on the nerves. Hey, at least you're not alone, we gotta focus on what we have, rather than what we don't.

[pinkgirl73]

i'm up...lol....  i always go on youtube and look for different stretches and exercises that help with chronic pain...even some eastern medicine type of exercise.  thay have so many things on youtube to help with pain that may work a little for right now.  I'm sorry that i don't have better advice.  i am new to this sight and i'm on it constantly so i just thought i'd reply.