back problems

[tay]

Bit late to this thread but...
Sciatica is actually made far worse by the stress on the nuscles causing them to tighthen.. which puts pressure on the Sciatic nerve.. which gives out pain signals.. which means the muscles tighten up.. which puts pressure on sciatic nerve.. which puts out pain signals... which means the nerves tighten up etc etc etc.... its just a spiral of pain. Until eventually you have lower back muscles (i.e your ass) which are completely bunched and causing immense pressure on the nerve.
The key is to take some ibuprofen to help relax the muscles.. which relieves the pressure on the nerve. The other thing you need ot do is massage the tightness out of the muscles... not easy to massge that area yourself.. so a trick my old rugby physio taught me was to use a tennis ball. You stand against a wall.. put the ball betweem the wall and your ass.. and then press up against the wall and move around kneading the tight and bunched muscles.. you will know where ot do it, as you can feel the ball really helping. Thsi combined with back stretches and ibuprofen, whill at leats help greatly until it either goes away after about a week, or you get professional help.

[BlasterBates]

The fact that you actually went to see the Doctor is a good start. People who actually walk into the surgery don't usually have a serious problem.

Give it a couple of weeks, and if it's really painful lie flat for a while.

The pain killers should help. You probably do need them

..... ouch

[freakydancer]

anyone know a decent accupuncture place i can go to in richmond during my lunch then?

Do you work in Richmond?

there's a place in Kew - http://www.kewphysiotherapy.co.uk/

[kramer]

anyone know a decent accupuncture place i can go to in richmond during my lunch then?

[John Galt]

Forget the pain killers - I agree with whoever came up with the accupuncture suggestion - would rather go to my accupuncturist than the doctor any day. Have had a bad back for years - tried Chiropractic but in some ways made it worse - Osteopathy is better but just seems to treat symptoms rather than the cause.

[Paddy]

woke up on saturday with sciatica(?)

feels awful

sent 40 mins waiting for the doctor.... 2 mins consultation... no examination
now have a pocketful of drugs...

the pain is nuts

Sleep on the floor. Uncomfortable at first but it will sort your back out in a few weeks. When you get home lie down (face up or down) do not sit up.

[martinb]

What's the name of the drugs? Dia-something-or-other?

Had back pain a while ago & the doc gave me some drugs. Sorted it out almost instantly, so I was planning on getting some of the drugs off the net just in case. Save on the time off for an appointment!

Pain killers - Co Dydramol
Anti inflammatory - Dicloflex

A doctor friend of mine saw the drugs I was taking and advised 2 things:
1. Dont drink.
2. Eat prunes - lots of them.

I've had the same problems - virtually unable to walk for a week in November. Physio and acupuncture worked for me - now embarking on "Core Stability" exrercises in an effort to prevent re-occurence.

[nucastle]

woke up on saturday with sciatica(?)

feels awful

sent 40 mins waiting for the doctor.... 2 mins consultation... no examination
now have a pocketful of drugs...

the pain is nuts

You had better be ship shape for friday?

[Goya]

now have a pocketful of drugs...

What's the name of the drugs? Dia-something-or-other?

Had back pain a while ago & the doc gave me some drugs. Sorted it out almost instantly, so I was planning on getting some of the drugs off the net just in case. Save on the time off for an appointment!

[n5gooner]

I had back issues a few years ago, very painful, one of the bottom disc's were prolapsed. I had to have it cut away, as I was in danger of loosing the ability to walk After the op I will had lots of pain and tried several different methods all of them gave some comfort. Over time it gets better, you just have to watch what you do.

[BrilloPad]

I really feel for you - 2 years ago had a really bad bout - followed by 2 more 6 months apart.

root cause was bottom 2 discs are knackered.

start with a physio - see if can help - then move onto MRI scan. you might find this helpful http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1774836,00.html . good you have pain killers - try to keep active!

for me pilates and losing weight have mostly cured my problems.

the very best of luck - I really really feel for you having been there.

keep us informed

Andy

[Lucy]

I was diagnosed with a prolapsed cervical disc and was told I needed surgery (because of the location, they would have done it via the front of my neck, and leave an obvious scar!)

The pain was unbelievable and I took loads of painkillers and managed to go to work somehow, then would spend everynight surrounded by pillows, so I didn't turn over in the night.

A friend of mine suggested an accupunture, the woman treating me used needles and very hard chinese massage. The results were amazing, I had about seven treatments and eventually the disc healed.

I know accupuncure isn't for everyone, if you are needle-phobic, they can use moxa, just don't give up and don't believe a gp when they say you need surgery.

[kramer]

woke up on saturday with sciatica(?)

feels awful

sent 40 mins waiting for the doctor.... 2 mins consultation... no examination
now have a pocketful of drugs...

the pain is nuts