sciatic nerve spasms

[1sorepup]

I would like to thank everyone for their input on my upcoming surgery to repair herniated disks L3 - L5 and S1, S2. My PCP assures me the neurosurgeon I am seeing on Oct. 9 is the best in the area I live. My question today is, can anyone recommend how to stop the severe sciatic nerve spasms I get? I don't mean the normal pain I am in everyday, because I take meds for that, and am on medical leave from work. Once a day, usually late evening, or in the middle of the night, I get a spasm that lasts for 15 - 30 minutes. My PCP put me on a stronger medicine for these, but, my stomache won't tolerate it, and I had to stop taking it. Last night, was the worse one I ever had since this began. I apparently moved in my sleep, and aggrivated the nerve, and it jolted me out of sleep. I tried to adjust my positon in bed, but, couldn't get comfortable. I got up and wrapped a gel ice pack in a hand towel and applied it to the area, and took a regular pain killer. Finally, after half an hour, I felt l could lay down again and eventually fell asleep. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with the severe spasms when they occur? I can't wait to have this surgery and be done with this whole thing. Thanks for any help.

[1sorepup]

Thank you for your advice. My PCP has prescribed Vicodin 5-500 tablets, 2 every six hours, and IC Carisprodol 350 mg. tablets, 1 pill 3 times daily. The ice packs are helping. I am doing that 3 or 4 times a day, for 20 minutes at a time. I am counting the days until I get to see the neurosurgeon on Oct. 9,  and I just want to say how grateful I am for this website, to ask questions. Thank you so much.  robin

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
I would suggest you to continue with the ice packs and pain killers for relief from sciatic nerve spasms. You can also try soaking in a tub of warm water with Epsom salt added to it.
Do not sit for prolonged periods of time, make sure you get up and walk every 20 minutes. You can also discuss the usefulness of muscle relaxants in your case with your treating doctor. Hope this helps!