Foxtrotlima Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Ok, pretty much as it says on the tin - I am the (un)fortunate sufferer of one of these buggers. I have been more than fortunate in getting 2 hours a week of physio care of our local NHS, but I was wondering if anyone had any alternate forms of pain relief (legal of course). I am looking at least at 4 weeks off work, so any help gratefully received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cret Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Scheisse! I feel for you as I suffer from sciatica and when it's really bad it literally is physically crippling but your problem sounds even more nasty. I get fairly strong painkillers from the doctor, but have been considering buying a tens machine to see if that helps given that I've been in pain this time since around new year and don't want to be constantly eating pills as if they're sweets. Can't really offer any other tips sorry, and I've heard these can work wonders for some people but do nothing for others, but perhaps is worth a try. Good luck with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
localyokel Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I get fairly strong painkillers from the doctor, but have been considering buying a tens machine to see if that helps given that I've been in pain this time since around new year and don't want to be constantly eating pills as if they're sweets. Tens machines are good. You'd be surprised what an electic current can ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheeky boy Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Did 2 discs in 1990 and was the most painful experience of my life, spent 3 weeks in Nobles and 4 months laid on the floor I was dosed up with strong painkillers and valium plus anti-inflammation pills, I became very depressed despite the valium as it was suggested by the doctors that I might not walk again The solution for me was to get a substantial back brace and crutches then do as much walking as possible. On the plus side I went from 12 stone down to 9 Took me several months to get fully mobile again and since then I use the gym twice a week and cycle a lot. I found that taking things easy was detrimental to the injury and the only way to deal with it was to keep fit & supple I have relapsed couple of times by dodgy lifting and once by riding in a car with buggerd seats. Keep the back brace handy ( I never travel without it ) and a supply of Co Codamol or similar Don't let it rule your life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bananaman Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I popped L4 and L5 back in '91. I used to suffer (especially with the sciatica down th left leg) but (touching wood now and haven't had any relapses for a good while) I found a brilliant chiro. A good shoeing off one of them sets you right. If you've ever had a slipped disc it will be with you for ever unfortunately. But you do get some silly stories out of them. One time I was cleaning my teeth, sneezed, back had gone. I was in agony. I was trying to get on the floor and lay as flat as possible. It really really hurt so I was aaaaaaaaaagggghhhhhhh uuuuugghhhhhhhgggggggggggaaaaaaahhhhhhhh-ing to get to comfyt position. My beautiful wife was in the next room and had heard me. Me a little miffed she didn't come running and lying naked (in pain) on the floor ''Why didn't you help me?' says I. 'I thought you were doing something rude' says she. Ggggggggggggggggggggggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! Or should that be GGGgggggggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaa aahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gggggrrrr! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Been out bananaman? If you have any sort of back injury, the worst thing to do is to do no exercise. Muscles will get weak and actually agrivate the problem. My father who is a GP, takes medical disability boards. Some people who just want a hand out, will for instance, get an injury to their arm, not use their arm for months, then end up with real problems with that arm, now, real problems, just because they haven't used it or exercised it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahc Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 I have to admit I made that mistake once. I had a bit of sciatica and was frightened to do any exercise in case I made it worse. After a quick chat to a doc I did a bit of yoga and it's not bothered me since (touch wood). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keristal Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 I'm just coming up to the end of the third week with my disc, it is getting better it just seems to be taking a long time. When my GP saw me and diagnosed it, I thought 'oh shit flat on my back for weeks', which is what happened with my Dad back in the early 70s, but she said to move around when I could and not to stay in one position for long periods even to start with just changing from one chair to another and she gave me plenty of painkillers and anti-inflamatories. The other thing I've been doing is some basic Pilates breathing and exercises which also seems to help me. I saw her again the other day and she's pleased with progress but still put me off work until the start of April. Good luck with yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mission Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Really sorry to hear that FTL. I can't offer any useful advice unfortunately but I do hope that your suffering isn't too prolonged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxtrotlima Posted March 22, 2008 Author Share Posted March 22, 2008 Thanks for all your replies. I have got the sciatic pain down the left leg and need a walking stick to get around - made shopping in Tesco yesterday rather fun! Like Cret said, I am sick and tired of eating pills like they are going out of fashion, it is 15 a day at the last count. The good thing is I am doing pretty much what everyone said, ie, keeping moving and I have changed my computer chair so it is really comfortable (kids are whinging about it but I am sure they will live). I am definitely going to look into the TENS, yoga and pilates thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Ayres Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 Anything you need doing just give me a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxtrotlima Posted March 22, 2008 Author Share Posted March 22, 2008 Thanks Skrappey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyboarder Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 I am definitely going to look into the TENS I am certainly no expert but I would excercise extreme caution when using one of these. An acquaintance of mine a while ago was suffering from back pain, not crippling but fairly uncomfortable. She popped into a physio's surgery and was given a session on one of these machines. As a result of which she was unable to walk out of the place. She ended up at the hospital and was seen by a specialist who said she had been given totally innapropriate treatment. The theory of which was thus: A problem occcurs with a disc or two. The body responds by contracting the muscles around it for support and this is what causes the pain. (ie, a muscular pain). The electrical treatment relaxes the muscles hence easing that pain, but this then puts premature and unwelcome pressure on the damaged disc/s. Result - agony. This is purely anecdotal as like I said, I am no expert but I would seek proper advice before self treatment using this equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxtrotlima Posted March 22, 2008 Author Share Posted March 22, 2008 I appreciate your comments about TENS, thanks Keyboarder. I am a bit of a medical wreck as it is so I am going to run the suggestions past my physiotherapist on Tuesday, as there are other things that might mean it is not appropriate for me. I am getting to the point that if somebody told me dressing up in a tutu and standing on my head whistling Danny Boy backwards would relieve the pain, I would probably give it a go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyboarder Posted March 22, 2008 Share Posted March 22, 2008 whistling Danny Boy backwards That alone would be mightily impressive! (unless of course you'd previously scored it.. ; )) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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