Solitary chicken - need advice

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I think I might have sciatica . I tend to have problems with my left lower back which I get chiropractic treatment for but I've now got a lot discomfort in my left buttock, going down the back of my thigh especially if I'm sitting for any length of time. It's not stopping me running or doing step classes, thankfully, although it's an annoying niggle the whole time.

 

Trying ice packs and have a chiro appointment next Thursday. Any other treatments you can recommend to ease it?

[PixieDust]

My OH currently has this. He is a Head Gardener/Estate Manager and is really struggling. He refuses a chiropractor

 

Luckily it's his week off next week so he can rest up.

 

I hope you feel better soon, ANH. Not very comfortable to deal with.

[Grandmashazzie]

Hi ANH I too have a back that gives trouble,last time was three years ago.I started yoga and think that has really helped strengthen my back.It didn't stop me twisting when trying to pull washing out of machine and shove in tumble dryer result agony.Co incidentally I had had 3 pilates classes,and once the severe agony settled I am left with a sciatica,burning intermittent pain.I have found some gentle Pilates stretches to be excellent for settling this sciatica,and can be found on the floor several times stretching,you can goggle and see some exercises on line,but if there is a class near you I would recommend it.

[Cat tails]

Sounds very uncomfortable!

 

I use Yoga whenever my back plays up, really does help. I have an app on my iPad which is great. Gives you a whole range of exercises, ready made into routines or you can make your own. There are different skill levels, so you can start easy.

 

BTW: My fysio always tells me that cold packs are for sudden injuries (like sprained ankle) and heat packs are for longer lasting injuries. So I would recommend a warm water bottle instead of a cold pack. Heat increases the blood flow to the area, speeding up healing of any injury.

[Chickendoodle]

I would also recommend gentle exercise. I do a body balance class at my local gym which is a combination of yoga, pilates and tai chi and have not had any problems with my back since starting it

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I have actually recently started pilates classes and did find it helpful for my back pain. I've missed a couple of weeks with one thing and another but went yesterday and plan to go regularly now if I can.

 

The pain started after I'd been for a run after not doing much for a few weeks due to a cold/cough and think I must have done something then.

 

Good tip about the heat, I'll give that a go, thanks.

[kinsk]

Have you seen your chiropractor since it started? My Mum's sciatica flared up after her knee replacement so got her to go and see my chiropractor and she has really helped.

 

I have problems with my back, hence having a chiropractor, but have found that pilates really helps. Instructors can vary as some do it more as an excercise class whereas some do it more as a physio/remidial class.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I have had similar but nowhere near as bad discomfort before and mentioned it to her then but she didn't really say much about it. I didn't mention sciatica. I will do so on Thursday!

[mullethunter]

Hi ANH. My OH and my mum both have sciatica. My mum got exercises from a physiotherapist (we have an NHS drop-in centre here that she used) to do when it's bad, and OH has almost got rid of his with morning and evening stretches as advised by his chiropractor. Good luck

[Alis girls]

I have had 2 pilates classes - the first left me feeling like I had been run over by a bus - the second more relief. My letter from the hospital came today - I have severe degeneration in L2/3 and 4/5 (L= lumbar) and displacement at 4-5 - basically I am ready to be put out to pasture and she muttered something re the top of the spine - getting pain between the shoulder blades which I will have to see quack about as I am not sure if related. We are a poor lot on forum I would check if Pilates is for you as my doctor said I could do it. I cant get the breathing right - but what the heck - at least I am still breathing just in the wrong places good luck.

[Valkyrie]

Ah welcome to the L2/L3 club. I'm not giving in without a fight. Although I have been known to lie on the floor face down because that's the only relief I could get. Of course getting up is interesting - and then you hope you don't need the loo in any hurry!

I have had the pains in the bottom and leg (my mum gets a slipped disc from time to time and she describes it as toothache in her bottom) so it does sound like the nerve being pinched a bit. I'm afraid it sounds like gentle exercise. My mum's disc is better when she's standing and walking. Mine eases after a session on the floor (cold and probably eases the muscles). I think the doc/physio and chiropractor would give you some light exercises to try. Swimming is also good. Just a thought ANH - a dip in the local loch might shock it into submission! But then again maybe you need warmth. I was told ice pack for mine.

 

Edited to add - all the exercises I have been given are for the stomach, so a six pack tum does wonders for the back. Which is why mine goes now and again - I have a flabby tum!

[Alis girls]

My pelvic floor was shot to pieces with baby no 1 a 9lb heffalump now an 18 yr old giant. It needs relaying!!! I am a pro at the PF exercises and can do them whilst peeling spuds. I enjoy the Pilates but the breathing is soo hard - I do out when should be in and vice versa. i like swimming but not in UK as cold esp in winter and my hair frizzes. OK very vain but anyone with frizzy locks will know where I am coming from. A dip in a fresh loch sounds inviting on a hot day. I do feel for anyone with back probs. I got very cross yesterday as someone had swapped my trusty chair at work for something which seemed very low and reclining. I am a tall girl and was really uncomfortable all day - I am going to call elf and safety. ES said " sue the NHS" - youth of today just see £££££ signs - if it were that easy I would - i never had an injury on my days on the wards but am paying for it in middle age.

[Claireabella]

I really do sympathise with you regarding sciatica. It's hoovering and mowing the grass that always gets me! I think it's the body position that does it - not quite standing up straight but not bending fully over (hope that makes sense); somewhere in the middle. I can't sit for long once it strikes, I have to keep moving about or I seize up even more with a numb bum and leg and limp badly from the back pain

 

I used to be able to garden all day, I'd suffer terribly at night but could get up the next day and it would be fine. These days, it takes a fair few days to recover if I overdo it

[gavclojak]

I think I might have sciatica . I tend to have problems with my left lower back which I get chiropractic treatment for but I've now got a lot discomfort in my left buttock, going down the back of my thigh especially if I'm sitting for any length of time.

 

It's really weird you have posted this, you,have described my symptoms exactly! After a rehoming in September I must have lifted a crate awkwardly and have had the pain you háve described. mine is finally getting better but has been replaced by a dodgy neck due to holding the phone between my ear and shoulder!!!

 

Maybe I'm just getting old

[chickencam]

I suffered withy his badly I was pregnant particularly with DS. Mostly ok since. It is my upper back that I suffer with, I have knotted tendons, had physio a few years ago and know that I have to gently stretch as much as possible. I can't get my right hand any further up my back than waist height and have a lot of pain, it has eased since I bought a memory foam pillow.

 

Oh the joy of aging