Sciatica
Posted , 4 users are following.
I have sciatic nerve pain due to a cyst on the bottom of my spine pressing on nerves. Am on 900 mg of Gabapentin at the moment and have been for three weeks. They are doing no good at all as yet. Also been told to do exercises to 'strengthen' my back. Have been doing these forw 4 months, without any improvement whatsoever. Am getting very depressed. Can anyone let me know if there are any exercises which DO help sciatic nerve pain. Also what experience any of you have had re Gabapentin. The doctor is in the process of upping the dosage. Any feedback would be wonderful.
0 likes, 13 replies
linda55005 Soxy
Posted
Hi Soxy
I experienced sciatic pain for a number of years, thought to be caused by a disc problem. My Osteopath diagnosed a very stiff Psoas muscle pulling on the spine and treated me with deep tissue massage and gave me a cycling exercise to keep it at bay. I've had cysts on my spine but they disappeared without any treatment. I was taking Gabapentin for a few years, the dose rising to 2700 per day! It didn't help with the pain so gradually weaned myself off over about 8months. It was' t easy as had nasty withdrawal symptoms but persevered and eventually got there 6 months ago but had to go back up on dosage several times towards the end as symptoms became worse.
Soxy linda55005
Posted
Thank you for your reply. I don't see an osteopath and probably won't go down that route. If Gabapentin didn't help with the pain at all, even on such a high dose, why were you taking it for a few years?
ihavenonickname Soxy
Posted
I have tried both Neurotin-gabapentin and Lyrica-pregabalin.
Personally. I prefer Lyrica.
Both take time to build up in the blood stream...perhaps acetaminophen 500 mg would help in the meantime.
My sciatic becomes so severe that I find rest and ice most helpful.
kind regards
judith
Soxy ihavenonickname
Posted
Thank you for your reply. I will try to be patient and let the Gabapentin build up in the bloodstream. It's a long old business though, not working as yet. I find heat better than ice and lying down is better than sitting in a chair. No way to live a life though is it.
ihavenonickname Soxy
Posted
If heat makes your sciatic feel better...go for heat. The same with laying down.
Maybe you can enjoy a book, or television, radio...rather than just staring at the ceiling
hugs
judith
Soxy ihavenonickname
Posted
Has anyone ever suggested doing exercises for this condition Judith. I was told by the doctor at the Pain Clinic to do exercise therapy which I have been doing for over four months now, with no discernible improvement. Just wondered if you were ever told to do any.
ihavenonickname Soxy
Posted
No, I have never been given exercises...but I am very interested in what you learn.
Soxy ihavenonickname
Posted
debbie26682 Soxy
Posted
Hi Soxy, I don't know if this will help as your sciatica is caused by a cyst whereas mine is caused by a disc bulge but I guess it's worth a try. I was diagnosed this year with a L5/S1 disc herniation which I've suffered with twice now, the last time being only 3 weeks ago where I was stuck in bed for a whole week, as every time I stood up I had severe pain right the way down to my foot, numbness, tingling etc. Anyway after suffering for over a year in constant pain the 1st time when I finally found out what was wrong with me I went straight on YouTube to find some stretches that might help, and came across a man holding a model of a spine showing exactly how the stretches that he was showing opened up the spine and took pressure off the bulge that was pressing on the nerves, which then took pressure off the nerves. He explained that if the pain was down your right side then you should lean over to your left side and vice versa if the pain was on your left lean over to your right. The stretch that has helped me both times now within a week of doing it is to stand with your legs slightly apart and bend gently over to your left or right? as if your head is stretching down to your foot and this gives your spine a nice stretch, I am now pain free again after just a week of doing this and just have a numbness and tingling in my leg and foot which I'm hoping will go soon. Of course everyone is different and do not do this if it causes pain, I don't know if I've explained it very well lol maybe check it out on YouTube? I really hope this helps 😊
Soxy debbie26682
Posted
Thanks for your reply Debbie. I do stretching exercises, but on both sides. They haven't made the slightest bit of difference. I'll give your suggestion a go and just concentrate on stretching the one side. Can't do any harm. It's a horrible condition, wouldn't wish it on anybody. Thanks again.
ladyfish Soxy
Posted
Hi Soxy,
?I've been on and off gabapentin for over 2 years now for sciatic pain - currently I'm on 12 tablets a day (3600mg), and this does nothing to touch my pain. In fact I am having to reduce my dose as I'm fed up with getting night terrors.
?Each person is individual and you might find tht they need to explore other combinations to help find what will reduce the pain for you.
ihavenonickname ladyfish
Posted
Perhaps you will discuss Lyrica-pregabalin with your physician...it is similar.
kind regards
judith
Soxy ladyfish
Posted
Thanks for your reply lady fish. I am on 1800 m per day but as yet not a lot of benefit. No side effects as yet, but I won't keep taking them if they are doing no good. Will make a note of the other drug mentioned,Lyrica and speak to my doctor should the Gabapentin not work. Night terrors sound awful!