Sciatica

[Stephanie]

I have had sciatica for the past 7months. Started with osteo and then referred to physio by GP. Physio can no longer do anything and although much improved its still hanging on, neither better nor worse. The physio has recommended a Pilates class which is run by NHS and I am now awaiting an apointment to join a 6 wk course where my case history will be given and suggested core strengthening may help. I have been running for 20years and still run but find on consecutive days it can flare up and also with everyday chores such as washing car, hoovering. Is there anymore I can do but also with little expensive if possible and can anyone tell me why it lingers on and can it/will it go completely.
I also find that if I run long distances any muscle tightness feels worse in the leg with the pain

[bleuzmas]

Hi Stephanie,
I am 59 and a devoted runnerand I had the same problem about 10 years back caused by a slip when running downhill one morning. It lasted me 10 days in the hospital doing physio and tractions. It is gone now but I am very cautious about my movements and postures: never sit without supporting the lower back; when you straighten up after bending, do it slow and gentle; lift something heavy with your legs bent at your knees but do not bend at your waist; etc. I have one DIY exercises to improve the situation for you to try:
Lay face down straight and flat on you belly, hands on the sides, palms to floor/mat, pointing to your knees and feet touching each other. Curl your calfs to bend your knee until the legs and thighs are at 90 degrees. Gently tilt both legs to one side until you cannot go any further and then return to the other side. Make sure you keep the right angle when you do this rocking move. Repeat 10 times each set. Rest for a minute and do two more sets. Total 3 sets a day. This is what the physiotherapist told me to do to alleviate the tension to the nerve and relief the pressure off the lowest 5 of the vertibrates.
Hope this help.

[Stephanie]

Thanks so much bleuzmas. I will certainly give the excersises ago. I guess I should thank my lucky stars that as yet, I havent had it for years and not nearly as bad as you. Recover well. Tks again.
Bythe way have you tried any of these sites that claim to giving a full recovery in 2 days, theres one site that has a herbal remedy.