siatica (sp)

[aidylc]

I am fine during the day, but the minute I lay down at night, I am in a great deal of pain.  Can't believe how much.  Toss and turn all night.  What can I do other then sitting up and sleeping in a chair all night?  Thank you.
Lyida

[Tuckamore]

Hi Aidylc,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I'm sorry to heat about your sciatica. I too suffer with sciatica. Do you know the source of the pain for as you know sciatica is a symptom and not a condition.

Treating sciatica often means treating the cause of it. If it is a chronic condition that does not have a treatment plan than obvious you must treat the symptom. As Sandee said there are medications that treat nerve pain such as gabapentin and lyrica. If you are not on one of those I would consider discussing that with your PCP. Sometimes the addiction a a narcotic medication will work hand in hand with the medication(s) that treat nerve pain.

Heat can be effective but it can also increase the inflammation of the nerve however I also find heat more effective than ice. Other ppl find that rotating heat and ice is more helpful or just ice. It's trial and error to determine what works best for you.

I find that a regime of steroids every year or so will also help with the inflammation. Steroids are not recommended long term but short bursts can be beneficial.

My sister was taught to do gentle stretching of the area while laying on her back on the floor she rotates the effected leg across the other to the floor. This relieves her sciatica. In my case that technique is not helpful but if I sit "Indian style" (similar idea) that can sometimes help ease the pressure on my nerve. We do this several times a day. Our sciatic is from two different sources which probably accounts for the difference in the techniques. You might want to ask a physical therapist or your physican if a similar stretching would ease your pain.

Rest, rest, rest is another important tactic to treating a sciatica flare. I also purchase heat wraps that help my gluteal pain. Sometimes placing a pillow between your knees if you are a side sleeper can help.  

I hope you will find something that can relieve your pain. Sleep is very important to our bodies in terms of healing and just general good health. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Best of luck.

Take Care,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

What are you being treated with as far as medications?
Sciatica is very painful and as so with me at night it is the worst.. talk yo your doctor about something to help with the pain at night. There are many different medications that will help. Have you tried heat? It does help me at times:)