Anyone have advice about sciatic nerve pain?

Question

I have 2 ruptured disks that pinch the sciatic nerve.Anti-inflammatories do not work at all since it is being pinch.Been taking hydrocodone 500mg,but lately have to take 2 of them and at times that doesn't even help.My dr says surgery is not an option for me since I am diabetic and he says it would not heal well.Got any suggestions?

Answer 1

There are a couple of exercises that will really help this area for pain and inflammation.

The first one:

Lay on your back on the bed with your bent knees up in front of you, feet flat on the bed. Cross one leg over the other by putting your ankle on your thigh. GENTLY lift the leg that isn't crossed about two or three inches off the bed. Hold this stretch for a few seconds, then let go. Do it several times. You should feel the stretch in the sciatic nerve and hamstring muscle. Regular stretching will keep this area very limber and make your pain a lot less.

Second exercise: very much like the first one, but done standing in a pool (about chest deep water is good.) Stand flat on the bottom of the pool, legs just slightly apart for balance (about shoulder width). Cross one leg over your other, same as the other exercise--put your ankle on your thigh. Then hold your arms straight out in front and pretend to "sit" down in the water until your uncrossed thigh is parallel to the bottom of the pool. Hold on to the pool edge if necessary so you can do this. When you get into the "seated" position, raise your foot that is still on the pool bottom up about 2 inches. Hold this position for about 15 seconds if you can, then relax.

Both exercises should be done often and evenly--on both sides of your body--to get even benefits.

And if I were you, I'd get off the Vicodan as soon as possible. The more you take the more you need--it's addictive, and the withdrawal is not pleasant. If you manage your back with exercise you can manage the pain with Tylenol.

Answer 2

Stacy, I have similar problem right now but in my case an operation it is an option, but I am just so terrified of it and will leave it as the very, very last option. Tomorrow I have a MRI scan and after this the doctors will decide what to do next. I have already said "no" to one osteopath who wanted me to have the operation.

The same as you I did not find the medicines much helpful. I am seeing now another osteopath who tries to save me from the operation. He does a very good job but the time will show if it will help in longer term. Have you had a physiotherapy? They do a very deep massage to relax the muscles and it helps, even if this is only for a short time. This I would really recommend you.

Also, have you tried an epidural injection (although I also said "no" to it as I am still hoping I will get better without it).

What you can do at home is keep your back and the place where it hurts warm as much time as possible (heat pads, hot water bottle, heat cream or spray).

I also bought a tens unit but still don't feel it is working for me (but it is worth trying as some people can feel the difference ).

Also, my osteopath told me to buy an elastic support for my back as he said I will feel a difference after using it. See www.physio-med.com, Triple Pull Elastic LS (Lumbosacral) support, code no 6064.

The exercises the first answerer suggested you to do will help you too. Please do it regularly.

Do you swim? I find swimming relaxing and slightly easing the pain.

It is very important to see a good physio, so she/he can suggested a few tips or useful information about your problem. It will not go away on its own. Please try a few different doctors, not GP's but an Osteopath or Physiotherapist, or Neurosurgeon.

Do you sleep on a firm mattress?

I really hope you will get better soon. x

Answer 3

I developed a bulging disc between lumbar 4 and 5 by running too much on the jogging trail. I'll tell you what I did. You'll have to decide what is applicable in your case. Ruptured disks are more serious than bulging disks.

1) My chiropractor recommended taking daily doses of 100 mg. of Vitamin B6. It strenghthens nerves. I noticed an improvement in 4 to 6 weeks.

2) Aleve is a good NSAID medication that is sold over the counter.

The doctor can prescribe a stronger form of the drug in the name Naproxen. The doctor can also prescribe Tramadol which is a narcotic and good pain reliever.

3) The lunge exercise is good for sciatic conditions.

An example is at the bottom of this site:

http://www.halhigdon.com/15Ktraining/Str...

4) I bought the Teeter inversion table. You can invert yourself partially

or completely for spine decompression. It feels great.

It costs a few hundred but I like it.

http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html

5) Back ice packs (they connect with velcro) you can buy them at most pharmacies

-- example at the site below:

http://www.shapeupshop.com/fitness/recov...

6) I purchased the Rebuilder 2407 Electronic Stimulator (information at the site below).

This product was intended for a variety of ailments including nerve damage due to diabetes but I found it helpful when the electrical attachments are placed slightly to the right and left of the spine where the bulging disk occurs. In my case,  just slightly lower than waist level to the right and left of the spine.

They want $699 for this, so it's something to consider even though it's a little expensive. I bought the more expensive model since it had the AC adapter associated with it rather than just the battery (and so it supplies more power)

http://www.rebuildermedical.com/