I agree with absintheminded. Opiates do help (as long as you are careful with taking then and do not become addicted) and you need to be checked because the longer you wait the more problems you can bring on yourself. I waited and ended up with only 22% of the feeling left from my waist down because of it. It is not fun! Also just because the pain may go away does not mean there is nothing seriously wrong. My pain came and went for over 5 years. That is the main reason I ignored it, along with when I did go to the dr he did not check my back and I was misdiagnosed. Don't become another person on here with severe problems get checked. Best wishes, Sissie
Yes, this is common for sciattica. However, in my opinion, Opiates certainly do help! Being in pain helps no one...and lengthens healing time. use of Ibuprofin for swelling suggested as swell and muscle relaxers if spasms are present.. However, once the pain radiates from the buttucks down the leg, ESPECIALLY if you get pain/numbness in the foot you need to see a neurologist ASAP. Well, you need to see one anyway. The longer you have the pain, the more damage being done to the nerve. I waited too long. My disk (L4-L-5 huge combined disk) herniated, then ruptured. The pain was horrific. Now the numbness in my foot is permanent. I now suffer from partial dropfoot and neuropathy. Don't let it get this far for you...make the appt. with a good Neurologist. Feel better!
This type of pain is characteristic of sciatica, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve in the lumbar region. An MRI of the Lumbar region L1-L5 provides a definitive diagnosis. Do a search on treatments for sciatica. Meanwhile sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs. Usually the attacks are episodic and resolve for a while after a week or two. Opiates don't help.