Flying With Sciatica

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi Everyone,

I will be traveling next week and I am a little nervous with my sciatica acting up while I am on a plane. Most of the leg pain I get happens when I am sitting down. I was wondering if anyone here has tips on how to lessen this on the plane.

Thanks in advance!

Matty

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    HI Matty

    How long have you been suffering?

    I am having the same difficulty, I can't sit for longer than 4 mins before I need to stand up to ease the pain.

    My suffering has started recently whilst I am in Malaysia so I have a 13 hr flight back to the UK on Wednesday!!

    I am trying all sorts to ease the pain. What I found applying some ointment for muscle relaxation and then a tubular compression bandage on my calf to above knee provides some comfort. It may well be just a placebo effect but the compression seems to help.

    I have been given various tablets whilst out here from muscle relaxation to pain relief, One in Particular is concentrates on the nerve pain itself not sure if it work being a big guy and the tablet only 75mg I don't feel the effects but maybe your doctor could prescribe you stronger pain killers.

    You can also look at stretch exercises, there are a few videos I found on YouTube which may help short term. Just don't try do them in the aisle.

    I also have a memory form cushion which was only purchased as it was going to be along flight so to help with back and not getting a numb bottom. You could look at these too there are various examples on Amazon.

    The last thing any of us want to do is be trying to get up during take off and be thrown off the flight!!

    All the best with your travels. As I am first time sufferer and it's happened while on holiday I have pretty much spent must my time in bed so plan well.

  • Posted

    Thanks for your email and suggestions! I have been suffering from this for over a month. Fortunately I will be on an airplane for 4 hours and not the 13 hour flight you are having! I hope everything goes well with you and you find relief on the flight!

  • Posted

    Sitting for long periods is the hopefully it worst thing for sciatic leg pain... hopefully you will be on a larger air plane, my advice is keep getting up and walking around as much as possible e.g. every 15 / 20 minutes.

    This advice comes from a very, very experienced sciatic sufferer

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