I can't sit, stand or drive my car without severe lower back pain which includes sciatic nerve pain that radiates all the way down my thigh, calf & foot. This has been going on for several months. My doctor says it's some kind of disc problem. I am looking for any tips that may have worked for you to decrease your lower back pain or sciatica as well as any exercises (physical therapy) that have helped you.
I've recently started swimming and going in a hot tub with a temporary gym membership and this seems to have helped a little. I also use alternating cold & hot packs. I have no medical insurance and can no longer work because of the pain. Any tips would be very much appreciated and if you know of any exercise or physical therapy that I can do at home I would greatly appreciate the time it takes you to post a reply.
I have a ten's unit, gotten from a physical therapy doctor that helps me. I also found a exercise that helps me. Lay on your back, with your knees up and bent. Raise your right leg up bringing your ankle up so it is over your left knee. Then using your arms to help, pull your right leg up off the floor. Only a short ways, as you will feel the pull on your sciatic. Reverse to the other leg. Start out slow, but this does help me. (04/02/2009)
By Noreen Mong
My brother crushed a disk in his back and the way he fixed himself is to lay on the floor at night while watching TV or when you are in pain, put your butt against the couch and your calves on the cushion. This takes the pain away and the pressure on the nerve and disk. He also got the inversion boots and hung upside down for 30 minutes. This took about 90 days to do and the doctors said he would not work again and he went strong for many years after that.
I hope this helps. (04/03/2009)
By Michael
I have suffered the same and ended up with surgery which was the absolute best thing I ever did. Life is now pain free. However, I have some permanent nerve damage as a result of waiting too long. Several toes and the outside of my right leg are numb; luckily this does not limit movement. I would suggest sleeping with several pillows under you knees. This reduces the stress on the back and allows the vertebra to open up.
Also lying flat on your back, bend knees and one leg at a time pull knee to your chest. This will also open up the spine. If pain becomes so intense as to limit your ability to move (I was dragging one foot) please find a way to see a neurosurgeon. The surgery itself is a one day stay in hospital and may even be outpatient by now (I had mine done 10 yrs ago). With no insurance, most hospitals will have some type of what they call charity care to help with payment. (04/03/2009)
Lie on your back on a bench, bring your knees up to your chest for about 20-30 seconds, get up and walk around at a good pace for a minute or two, repeat until pain diminishes. Repeat two to three times a day. Physical therapist had me do this and it helped a lot. (04/03/2009)
By Al Sequeira
(posted via email)
I would suggest that this person look up acupressure points. There are several. You just need to find the one that works for you. I use it on a daily basis. It is safe, can be used anywhere and doesn't cost a cent.
Barbara (04/03/2009)
By Jess
I started to take 3 fish oil tablets a day and noticed a remarkable difference. I've had 2 back operations. (04/03/2009)
By Sandy Zahn
I have suffered with back ache for years. I went to several neurosurgeons, and they all wanted to operate. I have 3 ruptured discs L4, L5, and S1 and spondololathesis. One doctor wanted to put a 6 inch rod and 6 screws in my back and I heard similar answers from every doctor. I tried everything, chiropractors, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and rehab. The pain was unbearable at times. I found an answer that works. Look up "prolotherapy" on line, and find a prolotherapist.
I went to Cherry Hill, N.J. I had 5 sessions and I am pain free. I suffered migraines for 35 years and back ache for the last few years. I have not had a headache for almost a year and I have no back pain. Prolotherapy is injections of sugar water with a touch of lidocaine and it causes your body to inflame, and then your body starts the healing process, strengthening ligaments and tendons. Do not have surgery. I also had hip pain and pain down my leg and numbness in my foot and was told by doctors that I would never get the feeling back in my foot. I have no pain and my feeling has returned. Prolotherapy is your answer and your insurance should cover it. I had to meet a deductible. (04/03/2009)
A friend of mine was in an accident and was in and out of the hospital several times with slipped discs (she now has 4). She did physical therapy which helped a little and uses a tens unit, but still had to rely heavily on drugs for pain relief. She felt she was becoming addicted to the drugs so she started researching on her own and found a book called "Treat Your Own Back". It really helped her. (04/03/2009)
By Adelia
EFT! MSM! I suffer from a great many issues and whiplash is one that has always been a factor of pain for nearly 20 years. MSM is not expensive, especially if you fill capsules yourself plus I have found the mg to be higher than already filled. EFT, is like acupuncture though you TAP instead and then there is TAT which is similar. www.tatlife.com, www.emofree.com. Both have free manuals and videos. Youtube.com has many teachers like Brad Yates and Robert G. Smith, also www.eftexpert.com. This literally has taken away pain in seconds, it really works and if you really have an open mind about the human body you will find this very enlightening and fascinating. You may even able to walk away from medications. I only use MSM and EFT! I hope you enjoy. Please get the word out. Thank you and happy freedom to you and your back.
Mista (04/07/2009)
By Mista
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