treatments for sciatica

[miss49]

looking for information of success rate for decompression therapy by chiropractor.  My doctor says if it is successful my sciatica would heal on its own anyway.  The treatment is very expensive.  Also would like information on anyone who ordered the 'loose the back pain" for muscle balance, diet, and pressure point DYI?  I am currently scheduled for epidural steroid and physical therapy this week which medical doctors say is the only treatment besides surgery for sciatica.  There has got to be answere somewhere?  What about the tnf injection by the doctor in California?  Why is it not the number one treatment if it is a miracle cure?  I have been down and fightin sciatica for going on six months so I am looking for help for chronic sciatica.  I only have a small tear and bulging disc.  after I Had a cyst removed that was on my spine. No other issues according to MRI.  My condition should be an easy cure but for some reason is not healing.  Open to Any suggestions?  Thanks!

[caregiver222]

Thank you gymdandee for correcting me. It IS  DMSO, I seem to be developing dyslexia. I have used this also, but only medical grade. Read up on the literature BEFORE using,

[gymdandee]

DMSO is very good I recommend Nature's Gift DMSO

[caregiver222]

Gymdandee has diescribed the appropriate exercise, however it is (in my opinion) impossible to understand them unless demonstrated in person by a physical therapist who watches you are provides input and correction. Therer are several other exercises.

Sciatica can have several etiologies. Sometimes there is a problem with the piriformis muscle and sometimes vertebral compression secondary to disc damage, and sometimes both problems.

Aciatica secondary from problems with the piriformis muscle, connecting the greater trochanter with the pelvis, will often heal on it's own. Damage to the discs will NOT ever "heal on it's own". Exercise to maintain good muscle tone to separate the vertebra is always helpful.

Local administration of epidural steroid is simple and always works, however the medication loses effectiveness and repeated administrations will cause degeneration of the discs and other adverse side effects. Transdermal lidocaine is helpful, as well as a TENS device, good hydration, and DSMO.

[Paxiled]

While the above might help, most of them were no nos when I did physical therapy for my lower back problems, which just goes to show.  They were yes yeses when I first saw an orthopedist, no nos the second time.  This stuff changes all the time.  And every physical therapist is a school unto themselves once they're foisted on the public.  I'm doing all kinds of range of motion and core building but none of those stretches, which I used to do, so if you're going to do physical therapy be prepared for the ever-changing world of what's good and what's not so good.  As for alternatives, I'm no expert, but if you have the courage for cortisone you have the courage for other things that might actually fix the problem, and might not, such as prolotherapy or platelet rich plasma therapy.  If you have a chronic pain center near you they should be able to discuss these alternatives, but they're often not covered by insurance.  Good luck.

[gymdandee]

The Five Best Sciatica Stretches – Try Them All!

These simple but effective sciatica stretches are indicated for relaxing the lower back, pelvic floor, buttocks and legs. They also work to help you strengthen these key areas for reducing or preventing sciatica pain by allowing the spine to return to its natural, functional alignment.

For best results, repeat these several times a day until your pain subsides.

Before you begin, lay flat on your back with your arms at your sides and legs outstretched. Allow your body to relax and clear your mind in preparation for these pain-relieving stretches.

Remember: listen to your body. If anything hurts, stop or reduce the intensity immediately.
1. The Complete Back Stretch

While you’re lying on your back, perform this stretch. It will relax your entire back and is very effective at alleviating sciatica pain.

How to Do It:
Bring both your knees to your chest
Wrap your arms around your legs, at the knees, and relax your lower back
Do not try to “crack” your spine—this is purely for relaxing your back
2. Lower Back Stretch

This exercise stretches and relaxes your lower and middle back specifically. Remember to be gentle while stretching your back.

How to Do It:
From your flat back position, bend one knee to a 90 degree angle while keeping your foot on the floor
Allow your knee to “fall” gently to the opposite side of your body, letting your hips twist
Rest your foot on the floor for support and try to keep your back and hips flat on the floor
Repeat on both sides for 10-20 seconds
3. Pretzel Stretch

This stretch is excellent for releasing tension in your buttocks and pelvic floor.

How to Do It:
From your flat back, bend both knees while keeping your feet on the floor
Bring the right ankle atop the left knee
Pull your left thigh back toward your body slowly
4. Single Leg Stretch & Lift

A common exercise in Pilates practices, the single leg stretch and lift will strengthen your core and hip flexors while stretching the buttocks and hips.

How to Do It:
From your flat back, lift one leg to a 90 degree angle, supporting your thigh with both hands
Keep your foot parallel with the floor
Then, lift your other leg a few inches off the ground, your foot at 90 degrees
Repeat the lift 12 to 15 times, then switch
5. Modified Quadricep Stretch

This stretch is great for relaxing your hips and quads.

How to Do It:
Flip gently over to your stomach and lay flat.
Lift one leg up behind you, bend your knee, and grip your foot or ankle with the hand on the same side (i.e. right foot, right hand)
Pull your foot as close to your body as possible, but don’t pull too hard. Go for a relaxing stretch, not an intense burn.
Three Exercises to Avoid With Sciatica

When sciatica pain is at its worst these stretches may seem like common sense, instinctual exercises to do… but they can actually make your pain worse.
1. Downward-Facing Dog

This popular “fix all, relax all” yoga pose may feel good after a long vinyasa, but not if your sciatica is currently acting up. Downward-Facing Dog not only stretches the hamstrings, but your calves and tendons down to your heel

Downward-Facing Dog and yoga are recommended for maintaining your condition, but only after acute sciatic pain has subsided.
2. Hamstring Stretch

Whether you’re standing and leaning forward, in a runner’s stretch, or leaning over both feet, this one stretch can aggravate the entire length of your sciatic nerve, from the lower back to the heel.
3. Leg Circles

A common exercise in Pilates and martial arts, swinging your leg in a full circle will stretch the hamstring suddenly, possibly causing severe pain down your sciatic nerve.

Besides these three, as a general rule you should avoid high impact, jarring exercises or sports until you have corrected the condition causing your sciatica pain.
More Sciatica Exercises to End the Pain for Good – Fully Illustrated!

The stretches and exercises recommended above should help relieve much of your sciatica pain. But it’s just the beginning.


Top 3 Exercises for Sciatica and Pinched Nerve
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htgyPKNHUls