Any Recomendations for Relief of Recurring Back/sciatic Nerve Pain

I hate that. I have had siatic issues as well. Can you take Ibuprofen? This really helped me. I also just read something to help this but I can't remember where. I will try to find it and get back to you. Hope someone can help with this.

I would go see a Chiropractor. I started seeing a great one when I had sciatic nerve pain with my pregnancy and he really helped me out. I saw Dr. Hansen in Elk Grove. His number is ###-###-####.

I'd go to a chiropractor. When I have problems I go to Paynton & Paynton in Walnut Creek. Good luck! C.

B.,
I also have sciatic nerve pain, and it goes down my right leg. Usually what happens is a muscle in the glute area will grab the nerve and pull on it to cause the pain, in other words a spasm. I have started a new stretch that seems to help a lot. Sit on a chair, grab your left ankle and put in on your right knee, then lean forward to make it stretch more. Then change sides to do the other side.
I do this about 3 times a day, otherwise
I am constantly wanting to see the chiropractor. Which also helps as well if the stretching does not work. I hope this helps you.
W.

Hi B.,
Osteopaths (who do manual manipulations) are much better than (imo), but also more expensive than chiros. A chiro is better than nothing, though. You need to get your spine back in place and your muscles relaxed enough to not pull things back out of place. True massage (not a ladies who lunch one) can help along with an osteopath or chiro (feel free to email me for an explanation of how these two types of practitioners differ). The D.O., chiro, and/or massage therapist should be able to give you stretches to do at home. A good one is to sit on the edge of a chair (well, I'm 5'1", so you might not need to sit on the edge!) with one foot firmly on the ground. Take the other leg and place that foot on top of the knee of the leg that's planted on the ground (like guys stereotypically sit. Be very careful that you do not sickle your foot (i.e., roll it in at the ankle) because that will strain your knee. With the crossed leg, lower your knee as much as is comfortable (i.e., open that hip as much as is comfortable). Straighten your back, and with a very flat back (no curve!) lean forward until you feel a stretch. Stop when you feel a light stretch and hold that pose for about 30 seconds. Then do the same thing on the other side. You can do this several times a day. Yoga could definitely help. I've done acupuncture, and it gave me some temporary relief. However, it does not fix the underlying problem of something in your spine being out of place and pressing on your sciatic nerve. Also, have a professional (osteopath, chiro, or physical therapist [physical therapy might be a good idea anyway]) observe your lifting motion. Do you bend only at the knee or do you lean over at all with your back? Also, try to carry your baby in a baby carrier, such as a Bjorn or Ergo, that keeps her weight centered on your body. My back couldn't handle a sling. I hope you find some relief!

Hi B.,

I feel ya! I've been suffering from sciatic pain for several years now - mostly because I carry my kids on my left hip and my body has gotten out of whack. Several things that I do that seem to help are various stretches that target the hip area. You can go online and find stretches for sciatica - they really help! Especially first thing in the morning and right before bed. Another thing that has helped me is hatha flow yoga - it's very calm and slow and focuses on stretching. And finally, I got a Thai Massage in Calistoga (it combines stretching and deep tissue massage) and it realllly helped. If you're interested in this let me know and I can pass along the info to you. Bottom line is to stretch, stretch, stretch! And try not to carry your daughter on the same side all of the time.

Good luck!
S.

B., I feel your pain. I was stumped over like an old man for months. I tried everything. It hurt to breathe. Finally a really good friend of mine suggested going to a chiropractor. I had always had mixed feelings about it, but really had nothing else to lose. He took one look at me and told me right away it was my sciatica. He measured me and my left leg was a full two inches shorter than my right. He did a complete adjustment. I can't say it felt good, but it didn't hurt either. BUT for the first time in months, I could stand up almost completely vertical. I started crying. I had never felt so horrible for so long and in a matter of 30 minutes, I was starting to feel alive again. Please don't wait another day. Go to a good chiropractor right away. Not sure where you live, but I can give you the name of the practice I went to if you need it. Unfortunately, my doctor retired, but the other partners are still there and are just as good. God bless.

I hear you! Those nerves pain can really take your breath away. A friend told me about MaxGXL. Out of desperation, I tried it myself. Sure glad I did too! It works great! It has helped me with other health issues as well. Now I wouldn't be without it. I get mine from www.maxgxl.com/maxmagic. There's a video you can watch to find out more about it. It's all natural too. No prescription needed either.

Hope it can help you too!
Good luck!
N. :o)

Hi B., I am not an expert but have some experience and can maybe shed some light on a few things. I have had 3 ruptured disks. The pain can become debilitating that is for sure. Your problem may be that the disc isnt ruptured but it is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve which is causing the pain. A true ruptured disc is usually constant pain;a disc putting pressure on the nerve can be intermittant. First ruptured disk 13yrs ago. Severe severe constant pain. Finally after 6 months of Physical Therapy (and being on vicodin)I had surgury & recovered quite nicely. I did not have faith in chiropractors at that time and the disc was too far gone for chiropractic help. One year later I ruptured the disk above it. Once again, severe pain, and on vicodin as nothing the doctors did helped. Ibuprofen did not work at all. I finally went to a chiropractor but the disk was too far again so had 2nd surgury. Even after I recovered from the surgury I continued with the Chiropractor for preventitive maitenance which I beleive REALLY REALLY HELPED ME. When I moved an hour away I still drove down to see this chiropractor as I had come to believe they can really help, if you find the right one. He gave me exercices to do that I still do every morning while lying in bed just to open up the area (to prevent the disc from putting pressure on the nerve)
and stetch some things out. Fast forward 5 yrs and pregnant with my only child (at age 41) and guess what....the weight gain of 331bls was enough to cause me to rupture another disk. AFter months of pain and being on vicodin again (obviousy had to give up breast feeding) I had an injection in my back which didnt help. 3rd time around tho it did and now I am going strong 7yrs later. Even thouugh I am no longer in constant pain I continue to see a chiropractor
for preventive maintenance. Everything we do all day
causes us to get out of alignment; the chiropractor helps
to straighten us back out. You may just be experiencing (as I said above) the disk putting pressure on your nerve. That is something a chiropractor can certainly help with. Don't be alarmed if when you first go you are told you need to see him 3 times a week initally, 2 times a week after that and so on
because it can be true in the beginning. I dont know where you live but I can recommend a great chiropractor in the Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Concord area. Every once in a while I am in pain and think 'oh my gosh, i have ruputred another disc'. I go see my chiropractor and he always helps me. If you are a side sleeper try sleeping with a knee pillow (a regular pillow isnt the same) as it can help alot. Before you even get out of bed in the morning pull you knee(one at a time) to your chest and feel the stretch. I just looked up and saw how much I have typed so i wont list anymore exercises to do before even getting out of bed. I guess the bottom line as to what I am saying is do not rule out Chiropractors as they can be a blessing. Ya know 10 years ago medical insurance didnt cover chiropractic care;now alot of them do. Reason being the medical profession has finally come around to knowing they can be of great help. Most physical therapists just give exercices, which I'm not saying cant help, but a chiropractor can get get to the cause of the pain.
I hope some of this helps. K.

Hi there, I feel your pain!!! Mine started shortly after I had my daughter. I ignored it for a while and dealt with it as occured, but several months ago I had to go to the chiro for neck problems so I had her look into my nerve problem. She did some fixes and told me that I would be dealing with this for the rest of my life :-( Bad news, but whatever she did helped. I am starting to feeling it coming back I am going to be making an appointment. I have also found some reprieve in using the foam roller (at gym). The exercise is hard to explain but I am sure a chiro would be able to show you some exercises.

Take care!

when my sciatic nerve was pinched, I finally had to go to a chiropractor. I went 2-3 times a week for 6 weeks, and by then I was good as new! mine was so bad that my right foot and calf went numb! it was awful! but yes, chiropractic work, stretching, and exercise. :) Hope this helps!

Hi B.,
I have this problem when I haven't been strengthening my muscles. I usually just wait a while and it goes back to normal, but if it doesn't, I go to my chiropractor. I am a massage therapist and I know that you can do some stretches to strengthen that area, also pressure points around your sacrum and sciatic areas are good. My chiropractor always cures me!! Im not sure where you live, but Dr. Polley in Fair Oaks is really good. ###-###-####.
Good luck, It sucks to wobble around all day especially with a toddler! I know, as a matter of fact, I feel it today! dang it

I am so sorry to hear that you are having back and sciatic pain. I completely understand, as I too suffered from it during my pregnancy. During my pregnancy I saw my chiropractor once a month to be sure my nervous system was in tip top shape. Then when I was about 7 months along, I experienced severe hip and sciatic pain after getting out of bed one morning. So I began seeing him once/twice a week and it totally helped. After delivering I saw him once a week for 1 month and felt a huge change after the 1st week. As my body began to settle back in, now I see him once a month and have no pain. He also recommended some core exercises and stretching which have helped too. Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery.

I have been dealing with a very similar situation for about 8 years. The newest development in my case is called sacral ileitus. I have found relief, but not a complete solution, from seeing a chiropractor (I only benefit from adjustments made on a drop table). The latest trial will be water-based physical therapy. You become weightless once you are in chest deep water, so this relieves any pressure on your back and hip. Your abdominal muscles are what keep your spine pulled erect. when you are feeling good, try doing some mild crunches on a ball. If you have access to a pool do your walking in chest deep water. If you have a very firm matress, some research shows that you could benefit from sleeping on your stomach. DO NOT do too many stretches. When you are in pain ice your back. Ice pack 30 min on, 30 min off. The pain you feel is a nerve that is irritated. dont heat the nerve. Ice it. It will help. If you would like to talk, send me a personal message, I will call you. I will give you all the information I have collected over the past 8 years. I go through periods where I cant walk and no one can touch me for a matter of days. I can hardly lift my right leg over a 1" threshold to go to the bathroom. I would rather go through labor again then deal with how intense the pain is at times. These periods suck because I have a 7year old and an 18 month old who I am not capable of caring for whenever I have an episode, not to mention my husband (our only income) has to take time off work to care for me and both kids.

Hi there,

I strongly recommend that you get some real diagnosis from a competent doctor you trust-push for testing to reveal the source of this. Whatever you do, don't let a chiropractor or anyone do something invasive or rough..It sounds as though you have disc involvement of some kind which can only be worsened by that kind of treatment..When i was exactly your age (with 2 young children 4 and 1) I experienced low back pain that was pretty bad but would subside. Several times my back would go "out" as I stood up, and i would not be able to straighten up for a few moments, but it would quickly pop back in. I did not seek any medical help or diagnosis. Eventually I went to a chiropractor reccommended by a friend,and had the ridiculous "million dollar roll" (folding the legs over and crunching the body) which left me instantly and completely unable to move off the table...i could not walk, had to crawl for weeks and was in blinding pain. The chiropractor had injured me so severely that it changed my life forever. I struggled with this debilitating pain and inability to move properly for the next 10 years. I never found any "bodywork" that gave me any relief, I only would find relief in lying on my back and sometimes taking strong painkillers just for a respite. I would try to walk for exercise and do other suggested movements but all seemed to exacerbate the issue. At one point I had an MRI with a renowned back physician in SF, and the doctor told me I had the 2 worst herniated discs he had ever seen, and they rarely ever saw people walking around with such injuries. I can't tell you how many people over the years told me that backache was caused by "stress".. So briefly, after about 10 years, I was "healed" to a point that I began to be able to find exercises that I could do without increasing the pain, and the exercises strengthened my body and some real healing seemed to occur..and since then I have been able to (with many bouts of painbrought about my doing something wrong) maintain a more normal life. Anyway, the point of all this is to encourage you to find what is going on with your body through some medical diagnosis, and then to find smart and careful healers/instructors and exercise which will strengthen your body and to prevent further loss or injury. Disc things are serious. Pregnancy and all he lifting and carrying of motherhood can create some weaknesses which can set up the body for a disc injury. I think the trick/challenge is finding exercise to strengthen. I wish you all the best. Please take yourself and your young body seriously and with care and attention.

Exercise is the best remedy for back pain. I watched a program about people with excruciating chronic back pain and they forced them through a rigorous exercise program. Maybe it's time to start Pilates.

I have been dealing w/ lower back pain for sometime and I have tried almost everything. I have lower back pain w/ shooting leg pain and I know painful it can be. I tried accupuncture and it didn't work much for me. I did physical therepy and will help a lot. I had epidural injections for the leg and it did help a lot. It did get rid of the pain, but it does return after a certain amount of time. It can last weeks to months. The best natural way is decompression!!! You can find a dr. that operates the deconpression machine and receive treatment. It is costly but it may help u forever. good luck

Hi B.-
I know you have already received lots of good suggestions. I am a personal trainer/pilates instructor (of nearly 20 yrs) with a history of sciatic issues myself. I was very worried when I got pregnant but I truly believe that keeping my core strong made a tremendous difference in my functional ability and post-natal situation. If you can find a pilates instructor that has gone through STOTT training, it is very similar to physical therapy rehab programs (having worked in PT clinics for over a decade too, I have designed and taught many back stability programs). Chiro treatment also helped me but that is a personal choice and you should definitely be evaluated by a physician for an accurate diagnosis as to what is the underlying cause of your pain. If your spine is functionally ok, then it might be alignment and/or a combination of tight & weak supporting muscles. Maybe try to find pilates mat classes at your local gym if personal instruction is too costly. I'm happy to help recommend someone in your area if I know of any fellow instructors.
Good luck and take care!
M.

Hi B.,

You have received a lot of very good advice. I hope you have been able to try some of it and get relief. It might take a combination of things to get the results that you want.

I would like to share more about nutritional/nutraceutical support that can be very helpful also. I have been taking these products from Symmetry Direct for 10 years and I can attest to the awesome quality and results for many health issues. You can check them out on www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon

Omega III fatty acids can be used as an anti inflammatory and it doesn't cause any negative side effects. In fact, it you want to address pain naturally, you can take 2 Advanced Omega caplets, 2 Calcium Coverage, and 2 Tranquility (B Vits & herbs for calming) as often as needed. It is totally safe and can even be used in conjunction with pain meds if necessary. Also, The omega III helps to repair tissues, nerves,etc. Genesis (100% juice supplement)is also extremely useful as an anti inflammatory/pain reliever. You can watch the videos on the web site about it. Ease GM can be applied to the outside of skin for deep penetrating pain relief. It might even be a good idea to try Glucosamine Formula for all of the musculo-skeletal needs. I hope this gives you some encouragement and useful support.

Call me if I can be of any further help to you.
D. Hendon, RDH,SMM
###-###-####
www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon

If you're in the area Tami Clarke is an awesome chiropractor in Sunnyvale. She'll sit down and talk with you to assess the problem and instead of making a quick adjustment (buck) she massages the area first. She has a wonderful massage therapist you can also see. She is very reasonable and WONT have you come in more than you need. She also is a mom of two young boys! I've been dealing with my own pain from getting used to a very big baby so it's a good reminder for me to get in! Good luck.

My sciatica is relieved by doing "pigeon pose," a yoga pose you can look up on the internet.

I also have a great chiropractor if you want a referral let me know.

Cheers,
J.

Hi B.,

I had sciatic and back problems for years. I worked out all the time, accupunture and chiropractors. I found the best results when I started wearing and sleeping on magnets and have not had a problem in years. My chiropractor also notices that now I hold ajustments I did not before.

If you would like more info let me know

check out www.nikken.com/ninamarie

good luck.

N. Marie

Hi B.,

This is so common and a very difficult thing to treat and manage. As a yoga teacher, I suggest you see a chiropractor, physical therapist or yoga therapist (not just any yoga teacher, LOL, but a reputable therapist). Sciatica can be caused by instability of the SI joint and is posturally connected most of the time. Some retraining will do wonders for you. Good luck!

My Siatic experience with Acupuncture was amazing. I went twice and have not had any pain since. The proceedure is pain free and works on a long term basis. I am not sure how or why it works, but it is the best $45 I have ever spent on a doctors visit. If you try this method, don't be surprised if they put the needles in areas that are not in pain...that is how they do it. Needles in the ear and forearm treat pain in the knee and hip.(for me at least) Each patient is different, and some insurances cover it. Although if you have Kaiser, you can only see their accupuncturist if you are teminal....so I was told. I paid for mine independantly, because Kaiser would only give me pain pills. My husband had his treatment paid for by workmans-comp. because the treatment was considered pain management.

B.,

When I was pregnant with my daughter 15 years ago (I was 29 also) I had similar sciatic/back problems. It started when I was pregnant and gained 33 pounds and also continued after my daughter was born since I was carrying her around in a carseat. I went to physical therapy for about 2 years and was treated with ultrsound stimulation on the area (it was my right side and all the way down my right leg) and massages. The treatment helped but it took some time to feel better. When I was pregnant with my son 12 year ago, I didn't have any back issues. Then last fall I hurt my back again and was in terrible pain. I finally saw a chiropractor at the urging of my husband and after about one month of seeing him twice a week, my back was better. The chiropractor discovered that my pelvis is inverted and my hips are not even, hence the sciatica and back problems all these years! Today I do stretching every morning and am careful not to pick up heavy items. It's so easy to tweak my back the wrong way. My recommendation is to see a chiropractor. They can at least assess you and try to discover what is going on and then get you readjusted. Good luck!

Hi B.,

So sorry to hear about the back/sciatic pain. I was there a few years ago and the only that helped me was massage therapy and chiropractic care. I went three times a week for a month before I could finally sleep through the night. The medications didn't help at all. I also tried propping pillows under my hips and leg to help ease some of the pressure and that didn't work either. If you're not comfortable with a chiropractor, I suggest finding an osteopath in your area. The DO can adjust your hip and precribe anti-inflamatory meds if needed.

Good luck to you.
J.

Hi B.,

I feel your pain...literally. Let me tell you that from my experience the only thing that worked was physical therapy. You are on the right track with exercises but the PT can show you specific exercises that will benefit you. They will also check on any back issues that you might have. I have been in pain for 15 years, seen 4 or 5 different doctors ranging from my GP to a bone doctor, then I saw a wonderful Dr. at Stanford who properly diagnosed me. He sent me to physical therapy right away. When I saw a little improvement but not enough he gave me a cortisone shot. That was like a miracle cure. I still go back to PT once in a while if I do something dumb that tweaks my back again, but once I get back on those specific exercises I feel great again within a few weeks. (let me know if you need the name of the doctor or a physical therapist in the Sunnyvale area)

Best of luck,
J.

Hi B.,

I highly recommend a chiropractor. I was in a car accident many years ago and have lower back problems ever since including sciatica and the chiropractor has helped tremendously. In fact, I never get that pain going down my leg anymore. Try and find a non-force chiropractor.

M. S.

Dear B.,

You should go see a chiropractor. They are spine specialists. They are also the best to ask any health question to. Check out Dr. Silva
www.silvafamilychiropractic.com

He will answer your questions and help you to understand what chiropractic is and how it helps not only your spine but your whole body health.

He does a free consultation to determine if chiropractic will help your situation (99% of people will benefit from some kind of chiropractic care),and then do a computerized scan and x-rays if necessary.

I am currently pregnant and loving getting adjusted. He is my chiropractor and I would recommend him to anyone. He is great at explaining everything he does and loves helping people. Best of luck.

B.,
Try a chiropractor that use's "The Pro Adjustor". This machine is non invasive. You sit in a massage chair during treatment.They use a wand type of thingy,that maps out your back with electric impulses? It will show on a screen,and the impulses can pinpoint where the pain is coming from & then they ONLY work on that area.The machine does the adjustment NOT by someones hand,so you won't feel adjusted. I had a sciatic nerve problem & within a couple treatments the pain & numbness in my legs was gone. i go back once a month or so for follow up's (only when I find it necessary). I use a doctor in the Auburn/Grass Valley area that I could refer you to if you would like but I am not sure where you are located.
I also know there is a doctor in Roseville & Penryn that use this machine. I would explain HOW it works but i am just not that smart...LOL
I believe it shoots an electronic pulse to the nerve or muscle? I don't know much other that it worked for me. I also know that recently one of our employee's was rear ended,& it worked wonders for his sore neck! Good Luck.

I was plagued with back issues, due to an injury far before child birth. I have noticed, now since being pregnant again, my back is at its worst when my stomach is not tight. you need that core strength to keep you strong and upright.

Yes an exercise program does work, and for me, so does the relief of a weekly chiropractor visit. Sitting is definitely worse. I swear by heat/ice combo when its really out of control and possibly even a visit to the MD.

It sounds as though you may have if not a strain, maybe something a bit larger, like a herniation of one of your vertebral bodies (L5-S1). If you do not have relief within 6 weeks, its possible you might want to go see them.

If you have questions, sometimes i feel like an expert on the matter, please ask. I had to have spinal surgery in 2004 and have DEALT with it ever since.

R.

Hi B....I see this stuff everyday since i work for a chiropractor. I would go see a chiro and have him do a full assessment on you. Some docs even have this new gadget where they point to where your pain is with a wand and it tells you all sort of stuff. One thing you need to do first tho is to call your insurance company and see if they even cover chiro and if they dont, call around to see if you can find one that is in your price range. If you need any help locating a good doctor i would be more then happy to help you.

J./East Bay

I think you should see Dr. Mary. My family and I go to her. She is great! See for yourself, www.drreimer.com. There are animated exercises you can do too!

I know you've had a couple suggestions for acupuncture but I wanted to share my experience as well. My back pain wasn't sciatic pain but just general back pain. I've lived with it for years, tried pain medicine, massage etc. and the pain would always return. Finally, I went to acupuncture for a series of back pain treatments. I have never felt better in my life! I have significantly less pain, and more range of motion. I highly recommend it. I do think you should research where you go, as I'm not sure all acupuncturists are equal. I'm not sure where you live but I go to Cypress Natural Medicine in Palo Alto. Let me know if you want more information.

I had the same problem after my 2nd and 3rd children were born. I saw a physical therapist a couple of times who gave me some stomach strengthening exercises (ones that would not hurt my back, and would strengthen the muscles opposite the ones causing my back pain). The exercises were all done using one of those large exercise balls. My sciatic problems were in the L4/L5 area (middle of your lower back), and the pain shot down my left side, around my hip toward my inner leg, and down my leg toward my foot. There was no way I could sit, lay or stand that would totally alleviate the discomfort. As most of my pain started after I'd stopped nursing, the Dr. told me to take ibuprofen as it is an anti-inflammatory. He and the PT also recommended icing my back 2 times per day (using a soft ice pack made from freezing a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol). Heating pads will increase the inflammation, and the sciatic pain is caused by inflammation along the sciatic nerve. After about 2-3 weeks of the exercises and icing my back, I felt MUCH better.

Please try a qualified physical therapist. It sounds like you may have a disc issue as well as a possible sacro-iliac problem. The hormones in a woman's body during and following pregnancy cause the joints to be more flexible and can move out of place. You need an evaluation, treatment to assure joint alignment (including the pelvis) and strengthening to the muscles that keep the specific joints in place. I am a physical therapist who is at home for my 4 & 6 year olds but my husband and I own a practice in Los Gatos. His name is Ross and you can reach the office at ###-###-####.

I'm sorry you are having such a bad time and hope you feel better soon.

KrisN

Hi B.,
I am a personal trainer. Have you ever heard of Somatics. It is a great program for the whole body to keep it supple. We get all tied up with our stress and our muscles think that is how our body is supposed to be as it gets programmed into our brain. Somatics helps you reprogram your brain to tell your body, "Oh I can voluntarily move that muscle that your brain thought it could not move." I work only with women and usually do classes but can do personal training if necessary. I work with the ball, discs, weights, rubber bands, and medicine balls. Somatics is just with body weight. I only charge $15 for a class of two to three people or $30 for a personal training-I can charge these rates because I do it in my home. I live in Cupertino about a mile south of DeAnza College. If you are interested in my classes or even if you would just like to know more about somatics give me a call. K. Wilson ###-###-####

Hi B.,

I feel for you! It's hard enough to be in pain but especially taking care of a little one. I had back problems prior to my pregnancy. My pregnancy became worse as it got closer to delivery and ultimately caused my c section rather than a natural birth. Following my delivery, I was double down with a back injury and now a abdominal incision. I have tried physical therapy since I was 15, I have been in great shape, I have done the chiropractic thing. I have a friend who was treated by a rolfer and recommended the treatment. It's still pretty uncommon ( insurance doesn't pay for it ). I feel it's one of those things that can truly help, but sadly - doctors prescribe medications instead.
It was a costly 10 visit treatment, but I have never felt better and more confident in my back. I haven't been in crippling pain in about 3 years. I saw a lady by the name of Lillian Shoupe ( certified rolfer ).. You can research it on the internet to get more information, and maybe find a rolfer in your area. I highly recommend it and I feel it was worth every penny. Good luck to you!

T.

Hi B. -

This happened to me almost identically. The trigger for my sciatic pain was bike riding - which I was doing almost every day at the time. But the pain was constant - aggravated by sitting or lying down. I was the organist for our church and could barely sit down long enough to play a hymn. I visited an acupuncturist 2-3 times a week for 3 months and stopped riding my bike and I've been fine since.

I would visit an acupuncturist, and also a naturopath for nutritional support -

Good luck -

Hi B.,

I have been there and I know how much pain you are in. The first thing I would do is see your doctor. He or she can give you lifestyle and exercise advice and maybe refer you to a physical therapist or, if it's really bad, a back specialist. If it appears to be a herniated disc (probably not yet, because your pain comes and goes), you'll probably have an MRI and then you'll get to try all the wonderful (I'm being sarcastic here) shots and painkillers (including morphine) that never worked for me. Surgery did, and I have had no pain since the surgery three years ago. I am in better shape than I was 30 years ago.

In terms of lifestyle advice, stop lifting heavy things! When you do carry something (your daughter?), carry it in front of you, with both arms, not on one side or the other. When you are standing at the kitchen counter, put one foot up on a little stool. Ice your back, 10 minutes every hour if you can. Try to sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs. Doctors like you to walk when you have this condition, but if your disc is herniated, you won't be able to walk. The physical therapist (or the doctor) will work with you and give you exercises (I had ultrasound and exercises but neither was very effective). It helps to be able to take something (aspirin or tylenol, etc.) to reduce the inflammation, but since you're nursing, I understand your reluctance. I didn't see a chiropractor for this, but I did try acupuncture for six weeks, which did absolutely nothing. I selected an acupuncturist who specialized in acupuncture for the back/bone problems. Acupuncturists are licensed by a state board in California, and you can select one from the list of licensees (I found the list on the Internet). Twenty-five years ago, I didn't need surgery because the pain came and went, but when my disc herniated, none of the shots or drugs helped. I can't say enough about my surgery, and I hope your pain ends soon!

E.

Hi B.,
It sounds like you may have in inflamed sacrum, but since I'm not a doctor I'm just guessing based on my own experiences.
I know that many people have recommended a chiropractor, but honestly in my opinion having had lots of lower back issues myself I would say that the two things that have helped me the most (and I've tried EVERYTHING) is physical therapy and massage.
Every time I saw I chiropractor it only helped for a few days and I would be back to feeling my pain again. I finally got a recommendation from my doctor to start physical therapy and it's really the most proactive way to getting your body back.
I've tried acupuncture as well and it just wasn't as effective as PT and massage.
Good luck,
-M.

I have back problems and go to an innate healer who is in Carmichael (close to Manzanita & Fair Oaks. Look him up... K. Brent Fisher. I have been going to him for years when I have problems and he is great. You might find him under chiropractor.

I think you are probably on the right track with the exercise idea. After my first son was born I had this problem, but it has not come back. I started stretching really well - my entire body - and walking, too. I'm not sure why but it helped. A chiropractor friend reccomended I do those things and it has helped, but I never received any professional care...Best of luck!

and i thought i was the only one! after pregnancy i noticed some stiffness in my right groin that resulted in sciatic pain after doing certain stretches. then, after about 9 months post-partum i got shooting pains from my butt down my leg - so bad i couldn't sit or drive. rest, ibuprophene and massaging my butt with a lacrosse ball helped manage the flare ups, but they kept occurring seemingly randomly (but now that i think about it, it was probably aggrivated by stress). leery of chiropractors i went to a personal trainer and got some exercises for the glutes, hams, and core. two months in and i've not had a flare up, can do hip/groin stretches with much, much less sciatic pain, and feel generally stronger.

hey hun, sounds like you exacerbated your injury (a bad back) with that heavy lifting...bummer! i'm sorry to hear that you're in pain, and besides taking ibuprofin, which helps with the inflamation, and icing your lower back periodically, there are also pelvic exercices and some stretches that can help you -
for sleeping, i wanted to let you know that i learned years ago to wear "slippery" pajamas (silk, satin, etc) - they help a lot to turn over in the night (you're not "stuck" to the sheets) and plus, they're usually a bit sexy :)
accupuncture can only help when you're in spasm and i went to a chiropractor for years and ended up the same, so...
anyhow, good luck and take care!
i feel your pain!