When is Sciatica NOT Sciatica!

Coastal · Getting to Know You... Joined: May 09, 2008 Posts: 13

Hi guys,

I've got ( what I think is ) Sciatica. Had it bad 4 years ago and got acupuncture. Disappeared.

Now I've done the ON thing and got an MRI result with three spots and....the Sciatica which had started to twinge really went for it last night Crying or Very sad

would appreciate your sciatica stories and if it might be MS symptoms instead. Woke up last night in agony and popped two ibruprofen which helped, but there is still a nagging ache down calf and hip.

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1762

hi i haven't gone digging for journal references to support these claims but here are some ideas:

http://naturalhealth.ninemsn.com.au/Conditions/Detail.aspx?ConditionId=1354
Natural therapies
* The mineral magnesium is anti-spasmodic and may help to relieve muscle spasm
* The herb hypericum, is a traditional remedy for sciatica, and provides relief for some people; (note - Hypericum is unsuitable for use if you are taking antidepressant medication)

http://www.nutritionalupdates.com/nutrition_for_sciatica.htm
Vitamin B-complex - 150 mg. a day
Vitamin B1 - Take as directed.
Vitamin B12 - sublingual, 1,000 mg. a week
Vitamin D - Take as directed.
Vitamin E - 800 I.U. a day; (Start at 200 I.U. and increase to 800 I.U. over 4 weeks.)
Histadine - Take as directed.

mrhodes40 · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

I have had sciatica for 10 years....and I've had MS for 17. I regularly am in phsyical therapy for it. In my case, I have some piriformis issues wherein that muscle is in spasm in an unnatural way that is assumed to be related to the MS. Because it is "hard as a rock" and not a soft muscle, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve and hurts in the hamstring and calf areas as a referred pain. I have a bulging disc and torn annulus (disc covering) at L4-5 which is thought not to be the cause of these isssues.

I have tried many things in the 10 years I have had this now, and whether or not it is like yours I do not know but from my experience I do not recommend a piriformis botox, that made me weak.
Physical therapy is always good. Massage on a regular basis is good for me as well to help me keep things softer and flexible.
good luck with that!
marie

Coastal · Getting to Know You... Joined: May 09, 2008 Posts: 13

Thanks for your replies - Jimmylegs those are interesting links and advice and you too Marie - I hadn't heard of that perspective...

Much appreciated.

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1762

marie i just read your post properly - i had only glanced at it earlier.
i think cheer might have some recommendations for you related to bulging discs.
for muscle spasm anything... did you have your magnesium and zinc levels checked any time since your sciatic's been hurting you?

hope something in there turns out useful coastal Smile

mrhodes40 · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the thoughtful recommendations! I get lots of Mg and Zn. It could not be an issue Mg is a good laxitave of course and it is necessary to keep things running smoothly. Ca is also useful thing for keeping nerves calm. the botom line in my case is that the spasms from the CNS issues are what cause the unnatural tighness and thus secondarily the sciatica. It is a bummer.
marie

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1762

that's good that you get lots of mag and zinc. do u mind if i ask how much specifically? and the circumstances? absorption can be so low. if you're taking magnesium in a combo, or if the timing is off, or the dose is lowish, other things could be interfering.

i took my magnesium in a blend with my d3 and calcium, and with meals, for ages - well over a year. the mag didn't do anything for me until i started taking a LOT more, by itself, on an empty stomach (and later adding zinc to address a deficiency that was identified on bloodwork at the end of 07 - it's supposed to help out with the absorption).

yes it is a good laxative too :S lol!