Hello. I am brand new to this forum. I get sciatic pain due to a cracked lumbar vertebrae. I've read through the treatment options and see the only real way to address the issue is with an "overall back rebuilding program". But I don't know where to go from there to get started! I'm ready and willing to start with whatever exercises I can do at home but need a resource to get me going.
Any info would be great.
getting starting with sciatica treatment
Re: getting starting with sciatica treatment
cherieb wrote:Hello. I am brand new to this forum. I get sciatic pain due to a cracked lumbar vertebrae. I've read through the treatment options and see the only real way to address the issue is with an "overall back rebuilding program". But I don't know where to go from there to get started! I'm ready and willing to start with whatever exercises I can do at home but need a resource to get me going.
Any info would be great.
Before you get started you need to know where you stand with your sciatica pain. In other words... What are you able to do and what are you not able to with your body?? Based on your condition you might be able to go right into the "rebuild program" and start the beginning of physical therapy or you might be in so much pain you can barely do simple task like sitting, laying down, bending, walking, ect... In this case it is very important that you contain the pain first before you are able to continue to the next process of your rehabilitation. It will be virtually impossible for you to start rebuilding your back if you are in too much pain that you are not able to do simple stretches and excersices. So if thats the case their is several different ways to contain the pain: pain killers, muscle relaxers, and so forth, all witch i do not recomend unless you absolutely need them. My aproach to this phase of my recovery was to use a more natural way. For the first month I used hot cold therapy on the lumbar part of my back to reduce all swelling and to promote blood circulation and also took natural vitamins, minirals and oils to assist with any swelling. I rested but also tried to keep my body in motion, I also avoided using my back period! Lifting, bending, ect.. And the last thing I did and cant stress how important this is..MAINTAIN CORRECT POSTURE AT ALL TIMES!!! VERY IMPORTANT!! When you are sleeping, sitting, standing, and driving! Making sure you have a constant arc and support on your lower back. And do some research on this..the best way to sleep(get off your stomach!), driving lower back support cushion, the best shoes for your feet to maintain proper body alignment, ect ect ect! If you are persistent with all of this, you will contain the pain giving you the ability to start physical therapy to rebuild your back, and you will speed up your own bodys recovery!!
I hope this helps! And be patient!! Im still in recovery my self from a bulged disk but im happy to say that after almost a year of severe sciatica pain, I have definitely felt the progress from a 25% to 75%! Almost there.
Re: getting starting with sciatica treatment
Thanks for the reply. I do not have severe sciatic or back pain. I get pain depending on the position of my body. Certain things, like sitting on an airplane seat, which is not at all designed for my 5 foot tall body, irritates my back and then I get sciatic pain. Standing - not walking - can be problematic after a while. I learned the Alexander Technique several years ago which helped a lot with posture and holding my body a certain way helps avoid pain/discomfort. All by way of saying, I believe I am ready to start with the stretching exercises, but where do I get information/instruction on this?