The FastDay Forum

This is the second bout of what I believe is sciatica in less than a month . So bad I couldn't walk or put weight on my left leg. The last time was so bad hubby called an ambulance. My medical background meant that it was called just in case, as I have a prolapsed disk in my neck that is squashing my spinal cord.

I know I need exercise, I wish I could but I have to be very, very careful as I slipped my disk just by rolling over in bed. Vigorous movement could paralyse me, but so could rolling over in bed again. My doctor has banned me from exercising.

I can feel that my joints are stiffening up (I so want to be able to move properly again) and then I get this. Looking up advice online it seems that its probably caused by the buttock muscle getting cramped and pressing on the sciatic nerve. It does seem to be eased a tiny bit with hard rubbing at the top of the buttock in question.

I think I need some kinds of stretches, maybe yoga or something similar, to get my hips moving again. Are there any video's on you tube that any of you could recommend? Any pose that puts the neck muscles under any strain is a no-no though, so any versions of the plank are out.

[Betsysgr8]

Julie, I don't know any exercises to help. When I get sciatica pain or what I think is sciatica, I sit in a chair (like a sturdy kitchen chair) and draw my knee (on the effected side) up as close to my chest/chin as I can, holding it a few seconds, not sure how well it works but I feel like I'm stretching the muscles. I also take some Ibuprofen or some anti-inflammatory medication and along with the stretching it seems to help.

No, no, noooooooooo!!!
If your doctor told you to NOT exercise then you have to listen to that advice. Even if a member of this forum were a doctor, they don't have a full image of your condition in order to give you proper advice.

The ONLY sensible thing that you could do is ask your doctor if (s)he would accept to work together with a personal trainer and give them exact directions of what you can and cannot do.

If you feel that your joints are stiff, you could take a supplement. Collagen with glucosamine (others suggest the sulphate, I have seen much difference with the Hcl one) and chondroitine sulphate will help a lot with stiffness and joint aches.

My doc set me up to see a physio who put me through some "interesting" stretches and massage that just about brought tears to my eyes but worked! She also gave me some stretches to do at home which I did religiously. You can google stretches to do but with your history you'd be better off seeing a professional who'll tailor the exercises to what is suitable for you. The doc also prescribed anti-imflammatories which helped as well. You have my deepest sympathy. Sciatica is like having a leg sized toothache!

of course you need to consult with your doctor about your specific needs. Some ideas to discuss are water based exercise and seeing a physio to work on your piriformis muscle (the one in your butt). As you said, spasming in this muscle puts pressure on your sciatic nerve which is no where near as sinister as a disc bulge. I have had that also and it was related to tightness in my hip. No reason for panic, can be easily treated. Advice not to exercise at all seems abit over the top. Perhaps you need to clarify that and agree on some exercise which is safe for you. Often GPs don't know a lot about that end of things so a referral to a good physio may deal with some of this plus sort out your nerve pain.

Yes, you should consult with your doctor. But, doctors are only people not gods and a second opinion never hurts, either. I think you may have the right idea with yoga stretching and a simple call/question to your doctor should be sufficient. I can't speak for the system over there; but here many doctors would prefer to prescribe a pill rather than suggest a helpful yoga stretch. Doctors don't make any money from yoga but they get kickbacks from drug companies for prescribing pills.

I agree that it is better to be safe in your situation, so have your doc direct you to a physical therapist with a background in yoga to help you with stretches. I also agree that some (after approval and along approved guidelines) gentle exercise in the water (in a therapeutic warm water pool if possible) might help you keep some flexibility.
Always stretch when you're warm--right out of the shower or bath. I do some stretches which seem to help prevent it and alleviate it a bit, but in your situation, I would only do it with expert guidance.

I've had some trouble over the years with sciatica. Not fun! Some things that seem to initiate and/or exacerbate it are:
Tight butt, back or hip muscles.
Sitting with weight off-center.
Lifting something heavy.
At the first twinge and as needed, I apply ice to my lower back at hip level on the side which hurts. I lie down keeping pressure on the ice pack for quite a while. It really helps. At night, it eventually allows me to fall asleep. A memory foam mattress also helps a lot. Don't give up--get some expert help.

Yes, Julie, you should go to a good orthopedist that will probably prescribe you to see a manual therapist (not sure this is the correct term in English, "manuelle Therapeuten" in German) . I suffer from occasional attacks of sciatic nerve (I have two rotated disks in my lumbar region) and I know what horrible pain it is. After a couple of series of injections (in the back) to relieve the inflammation and the pain (my left leg was almost completely paralyzed), I was sent to a manual therapist who, through manipulation (painful, I am afraid to say, but effective) and soft exercises, solved the problem. It took me several months. The therapist taught me some exercises for my back that I use often (they can be done in bed!) and they help avoid that the problems comes back. BTW I also learnt some good stretching exercises, but you have to learn them from someone, I do not think trying them by watching a tape is safe, because they are effective, but also dangerous! Funnily, the stretches are similar to those made by my cat when she gets up from lying down, you should have seen her puzzled expression when she saw me doing them, too. In your case (neck) it will be different types of exercise, of course. But do not risk movement, it can make things worse! All the best for a speedy recovery.

Thank you everyone. I will phone the doctor who will probably refer me to the physiotherapist, again. I already take massive doses of painkillers and anti- inflammatories. I will also try and increase my NEAT levels as I spend way too much time sitting down.

[wildmissus]

I had a terrible 3 month bout at the beginning of the year. My doctor told me to take the painkillers, anti-inflammatories and walk. I had to force myself to do it and when I started out on a walk was almost in tears but when I got home I could smile! Doctor also said heat, so I used heat pads, not sure if it helped. I didn't go to my pilates class for a while which turned out to be a big mistake. When I spoke to my instructor she gave me daily exercises which took 5 mins a day and made such a difference. I've not had any trouble since.

I personally know that exercise can do a lot of damaged if not done correctly (an experience many years ago started my backs problems). You have other issues so go with what your doc says and I hope you can get some relief soon.

Julie, you can't imagine how much I feel for you!
First of all, please be very careful with your stomach. Anti-iflammatories, especially the non-steroid ones can be very bad for one's stomach (and intestines).

Do consider a supplement that will help you with joint aches and stiffness. Yes, the good ones are expensive but they aren't as bad for your liver as the painkillers and if you find what is good for you then you won't take ANY painkillers. Yes, you read it correctly, NO painkillers AT ALL!
I swear by Glyzan, not sure if it is available in the UK but you might find something similar.

Best of luck with everything!

Julie all the best sorting things out and I do hope you get good advice from your specialist and referral to an excellent physiotherapist. Hope the pain isn't too unbearable for you

Izzy, I know it is hard to believe but there is proof that certain ingredients work miracles with joints and bones.
I was unable to move my left leg for weeks, I was almost bedridden and facing depression and after half a tub of what I mention above I was able to DANCE!!! In high heels!!!
I was very sceptical too, I didn't believe it but my mum insisted so much that I took it to get rid off her nagging. I can't begin to tell you how glad I am now that I have a Greek mum who won't leave you alone until you do what she says!

Oh Julie, you poor thing!!

I've had a multitude of spinal problems from prolapsed discs and sciatica to scoliosis and arthritis! Pilates is great for strengthening the core muscles. I especially liked doing cat stretches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z8WBRXLEOI

I also do pelvic floor exercises to support the spine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weHBhVo4HjE

Do you find heat helps your problem? If so, long warm baths are lovely. Maybe give swimming a go as the body is more weightless, taking pressure off any herniation.

One piece of advice I still stick to is NEVER TWIST!! If you need to reach for something, turn your whole body and reach. It really does help.

For me, my spinal problems were from birth, but I had multiple surgeries 3 years ago that slowly fixed everything. I am now pain free but do suffer awful twitches in my legs due to nerve damage. But I'd take this over the pain any day! I don't know myself!! I had forgotten what it actually felt like to be pain free!

A consultation with a neurosurgeon might be your best route so that you're not left with any nerve damage like your's truly here!! Don't let it get out of hand,and please do not see an osteopath as in my experience, they can cause more harm than good.

Also, try sleeping on your side, never your tummy, and if you can, with a pillow between your knees.

Hope this is a bit of a help! All the best!

Oh, also if you are really in spasm, don't force yourself to do anything until the spasm passes. I always found simply lying on my back on a wooden floor a great help. Then when you feel able, stand straight and tall against a wall. Keep your heels pressed in at the skirting board and imagine a length of string is running up through the whole of your body, pulling you up to the ceiling.

Not going to cure your problem, but it's good natural pain relief!