I went to the dr. almost 2 months ago and was prescribed gabapentin as I also have fibromyalgia. The side effects were too much, so I stopped it; it did nothing for my pain. My leg aches from my butt downward. Is there anything I can do for relief besides mass quantities of ibuprofen and the heating pad. Tried some stretching exercises I found on-line, but I'm not sure if I'm doing more harm than good.
Help!
Sciatica pain - what else can I try other than gabapentin, ibuprofen, heat etc?
Question posted by 505eva on 1 Feb 2011
Last updated on 29 July 2012
12 Answers
Inactive
18 April 2012
I found a great one I do from youtube. Like you some of the ones I found seemed to make it worse so guess it will be trial and error to find what works for you. If you search "exercises for sciatica," it's the one by Masisu or also "eraseyourbackpain." It shows a Piriformis Stretch. Don't overdo it, as soon as you feel pulling that's far enough, try doing in a few times a day as soon as you feel it coming on. May be good to apply some heat before doing it too so your muscles are relaxed. Hope you find some relief.
suzanfreedom
17 April 2012
I keep reading this and wondering why there's so little focus on alternative care. There is this bodywork called NST or Bowen therapy that totally cured my pain and I'm 65 years old. I didn't need drugs and in 3 sessions my pain is gone and never has come back. I was told by docs that I would need surgery and drugs, etc. I decided to try everything I could find first and fortunately I found this answer for me. I hope it can helps lots of others too. You can find websites with information to see if there are any practitioners in your area.
Good luck because pain is the worse thing to put up with in life. I hope it can help you.
Inactive
18 April 2012
Tahnks for the info! I will surely look it up... Mary
505eva
18 April 2012
I need to look into this, as well.
Inactive
7 March 2011
I have answered you question, but after re-reading it, I wonder is Fibromyalgia the only conditon you have or is there a lower back problem too. Leg &hip pain can come from damage in the lower spine. Have you had xrays or an MRI? If nothing else is wrong, it's your trigger points that are giving you all this trouble. This may sound crazy, but I found ( and believe me after43 years I've tried everything) a simple crazy little trick that helps these flares. It may help or not, but you could try it. Take a toothpick & lightly pin prick yourself with it. If it feels aggravating to the sensitive nerve your on the right spot. Then very very lightly run the toothpick up & down this area. I have found this to work very well. Infact, so well I am amazed! I have even done this for an upset stomach.
I know it sounds crazy, but it works for me! For the upset tummy, I lay down, pull up my top to my boobs, loswer my pants to just about "down there"; then I start very lightly draw circles around my whole abdomen. It tickles too. I think it's tricking the nerves is what it's doing, but I'm all for anything besides pills. Kinda like a TENS unit., but more gently, & not as long etc... I know I sound crazy, but I swear it helps me. Not everytime, but most of the time. Just wanted to add, the sharper the better! Good luck with your problem.. ..
505eva
8 March 2011
I went to PT 2x wkly. for 3 weeks, then the therapist reduced it to 1 x every other week. I've got the extension exercises to do at home. Still, I have pain in the butt--mainly... like it's difficult to sit for any amount of time. I'm trying to take the ibuporfen 2 x a day (600 mg at a time). I just don't know if this is working because I'm still having the pain. How long does it take to get some long lasting relief? I'm due back at PT in 6 days. I wish this would stop.
Inactive
8 March 2011
Somestimes injections of zylocaine & cortisone into the trigger points in the hip area help too. You may have to see a pain specialist for this. Good luck! (Did you try the toothpick trick? Just curious as it's helps me)
Kermit88
7 March 2011
I have pretty severe sciatica caused by herniated disks in my lower back. My pain radiates down my lower back, through my buttock, behind my right leg and knee and goes down into my heel, much as you describe yours. Pain medication was not enough to allow me to manage the sciatica pain sufficiently to get through my daily life. In addition to regular pain medication I take back injections every 3 months or so by a pain specialist. I was referred to him from they physical therapy doctor. These consist of some type of narcotic and cortisone. Usually, I get pretty good relief for about 2 months, then the pain starts coming back slowly during the last month. During the first two months I am almost without pain, and can do most of the things that I can't do when the pain comes back.
The last 2 weeks are often pretty bad, but it sure beats not being able to pick up the mail, walk, standing to make dinner and many other things that I was not able to do before getting the injections. I
I have had these injections several ways: a) by the doctor feeling the location in my back with his fingers to palpate the proper location. This was not a good experience. I am overweight, and I am told by other patients and doctors, that when one is significantly overweight it is impossible to find the correct and accurate location because the thickness of the skin and fat do not make sufficient accuracy possible. b) guided by an X-ray or CAT scan (not always accurate, since the size and exact location of the herniation can change over time) and c) with a flourescope which is a low-level radiation machine that gives the doctor doing the procedure a LIVE view of what is happening with your back from minute to minute.
When the injection starts wearing off, the leg and sciatica pain become slowly more noticeable. Then I resume limping, the muscles in my leg and calf become tighter, and sometimes I experience numbness and tingling in my leg, calf and/or feet in addition to the pain. I find that hot showers greatly reduce the tightness and pain, as does regular stretching on my back in bed, often lifting my leg and crossing it slowly to the opposite side of my body, controlling the speed and amount of stretch. My aim is to purposely stretch the muscles that are giving me the most pain. With the stretching they are gently loosened. I get significant relief from this stretching. Often my pain is the worst in the morning, so I try to do several stretches on each side before starting my other morning routines. For me, it is best to start this out slowly and progress only as fast and far as my body can take, a little at a time.
kathie202
25 April 2012
You sound just like me, but I cant sleep on my back or my right side at all! I can only sleep on one side,that is so hard to do all night.My doctor has suggested the shots that you are taking. Would you recommend them?? i have heard that it they are not good for you,they actually in the long run make it worse. have you investigated what the shots do to you??
I am at whits end with my sciatica-it is so debilitating.I also need a knee replacement on the same side of my sciatica pain,so many pills, I am so sick of it. I am in therapy now, but I don't see any difference.I cant sleep at night, I watch the clock and have to get ip and walk around.I am just beside myself. Hopping some one has some good advise for me.
madhattersbash
1 March 2011
Hi: I second the suggestion to take SOMA (the generic version) as it is a GREAT muscle relaxant and even helps me sleep (after 35+ years of insomnia!). You don't wake up 'drugged out' with it, and I have never had to increase my dose, and I have been on it since 2006.
It appears to be a very safe drug, unless you have an addictive personality--then you would NOT want to take it. Be sure to check it against your other meds before starting. Some docs just freak out when you ask for it--like it is the worst thing in the world--but they are the ones who have read a couple of horror stories about junkies getting addicted to it. I have asked other docs about it, and they have told me that it is a wonderful drug, and they can't understand why some doctors refuse to prescribe it. And, it is not that expensive either!!
Good Luck to you.
brenda fain
1 March 2011
i'm on soma's for fibromyalgia and it works great !i just had 3 lower back surgeries within a month !i am doing great now and with new meds i am having less pain in my right leg and ion my rear end ! i still have those times when the pain is almost unbearable !!! but doc has put me on fentanyl patch alone with fentanyl citrate 200mg for really break through pain!!!
sounds to me like you might need lower back surgery to stop your pain too! it's not a bad surgery !my problem was they nicked the sack around my spine .had to lay flat for 24 hours so i wouldn't get a headache !second surgery was to relive pressure on my spine and to clean up puss pocket !third was due to my pain and to make sure all was well inside ! but still it was an easy surgery ! worth it not to hurt as much!!
Sonmer
26 July 2012
Does the patch go over the area of pain? does it cause any affects with thinking? Is it a generic or have a generic form? Thanks.
brenda fain
29 July 2012
yes i use the gernic form does great for me .no you can place the patch on your arm,back ect., i wear mine on my shoulders since the tend to stay on for me there !
Inactive
28 Feb 2011
If you have to go back to the doc for a referral ask about Lyrica to use in place of gabapentin. It works well for Fibromyalgia. I had tried gabapentin & it didn't work for me. It does for my hubby tho'. See, everyone is different! Lyrica really helped my leg pains, but unfortunately I had some side effects, but not to worry everyone reacts differently. I have heard lots of good about it from my Pain doctor for Fibromyalgia.
Kermit88
7 March 2011
Allergic reaction to Lyrica; Lyrica contains polyethylene glycol and therefore has the possibility of causing allergic reactions to people sensitive to this ingredient. I took Lyrica for about 1.5 years and over time developed severe mouth pain, with swelling of the mouth, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat leading to difficulty eating, swallowing and breathing. I even had severe allergic asthma attacks and problems breathing in cold weather, landing me in the hospital emergency room more than once.
None of my doctors could figure out why I was developing all these mouth problems and breathing difficulties, even several allergists. I was referred to various physicians and investigated for angioedema and pulmonary problems and several autoimmune diseases. Eventually, upon eliminating Lyrica, all my mouth and breathing issues went away in a matter of a few days.
Christie00
2 Oct 2011
Doctors! I wonder how some even get to be MDs, I mean I know there are some good ones but few and far between, so rely on yourself also!
peggyalex58
28 Feb 2011
Have you tried being evaluated by an Osteopathic doctor? I have had sciatic, back and forth severe to mild but always there since I was 19, and I am 52 now. Over the years went to chiropractors, physical therapists, and just took massive doses of ibuprofen(which caused severe reflux disease). Recently,the chiro, and PTS helped some--but the osteopathic doctor, who is also Internist, help the MOST. Apparently, one leg had been shorter than the other for over 30 years,due to my sacrum slipping out--- and now I have the Piriformis Syndrome, so the sciatica sometime flares from this, even if my sacrum is in place. It goes back in place easily now, but am told that if I lose weight(which is hard to do with sciatica and fibromyalgia), and strengthen my "core" and "lower back muscles" this will help the sacrum stay in place longer. I am trying gabapentin for now, but dont want to go up on dosage due to side effects.
I am planning to try accupuncture--- and will say that a really "GREAT" massage therapist can help if you have the piriformis syndrome... hope you get some relief and fell better!
Peggy
Inactive
19 Feb 2011
Ask your pain specialist about a SI joint rhizotemy. It's a procedure, done under fluoroscope, where they use needles to touch the actual nerves involved and then burn them. It doesn't hurt much, and after a few days of being sore you have no sciatica pain whatsoever for 4 - 12 months or so until the nerves regenerate. Then you can have it done again.
Jusanot83
19 Feb 2011
Neurontin (Quinnine for the tingling sensations) - as per prescription
Mandura fruity drink
Instaflex
One-a-day Energy (vitamins)
Omega 3 XL
Vitamin B6
S.S.S. high potency tonic
(tried all of these, trial and error, desperate) - pain free after 20+ yrs.
caringsonbj
1 Feb 2011
I think physical therapy sounds like a good idea but first of all I am unsure where you are located our physical therapy dept is run through the local hospitals and require a doctors orders before the would even allow a therapist to evaluate you, and I doubt once you make him aware of the side effects were too much to handle until he would be unlikely to be irritated about that, besides it is your body, combining the therapy evaluation and possible ongoing for a while he might even be able to prescribe some kind of muscle relaxant in order for you to be able to move with more ease, I think that him knowing he also might be able to prescribe something in the antiinflammatory family and reduce your pain making things much easier to cope with, so talk with him and maybe he will have some options that we haven't even thought of please let us know I have been on here a short time and there are lots of kind compassionate people on here that you will feel comfortable to talk with, please be sure and let us know how you are
505eva
2 Feb 2011
The Physical Therapy place and the clinic for appointments is all connected to a big, greedy hospital. Unfortunately, they are the only place my insurance will pay for (and that's also a joke, but better than nothing, I guess). I have that alleged appointment on Friday--if I can get out of here. We've been blasted with a blizzard and there are huge drifts in my driveway. I've got to have my son come over and dig me out... I'm sure this crap weather doesn't help the aches and pains. :[
Inactive
1 March 2011
Also age plays a part in physical therapy. Medicare in the States only pays (I believe $1500 a year ) now. Doesn't take long to add up, but it is a good idea.
LaurieShay
1 Feb 2011
Have you tried physical therapy? A physical therapist can help stretch and strengthen the area in your spine that is pinching the sciatic nerve causing you the pain. There are lots of medications for pain (most have side effects) but why not try something that may help before going down the road of narcotics and other pain relievers.
I have found pyhsical therapy to be very helpful but you have to do what the therapist says and stick with it for a month or two and then do the exercises at home afterward.
Just a thought, let us know how you do,
Laurie
505eva
1 Feb 2011
Thanks Laurie, I called the dr. again and asked about PT, but now I have to go in for yet another appointment... another co-pay to say the same thing I said to them two months ago. All I wanted was a referral to PT. It's always about more $$ with them. :(
LaurieShay
2 Feb 2011
Yep, it does suck to put it bluntly, but hang in there and you'll get what you need. Let us know how it goes,
Laurie
Jfamily
2 Feb 2011
You could also try going for a massage. I have gone for sciatica and it did help.
Would save you more money on appts. and the PT.
madhattersbash
28 Feb 2011
Hi:
I had sciatica in '99, from my hip down to my big toe, and then the pain wrapped around my toe! The only thing that helped was to go to a foot doctor and get professional orthotics made to insert in my shoes. They are the full length ones.
They will warn you to only start wearing them for short periods each day, then gradually work up to more and more hours per day. LISTEN TO THEM--you can make the pain worse, if you try to wear them for too long in the beginning!
After about three months the pain was totally gone, and has never come back!!
I wish you good luck with whatever path you take.
Inactive
1 March 2011
In a word Lyrica.
caringsonbj
1 March 2011
Physical therapy is an excellent tool to use, I found out one thing once you leave the place where you go then you need to be sure and follow up with the exercises as the therapist tells you, if you experience problems with a particular exercise share that with the therapist, I found that using the pool was a big help, but as it was said whatever path you choose I too wish you the very best, please feel free to share your experience with us
madhattersbash
7 March 2011
Hi, Again:
I forgot to add: I went to a foot doctor and got professional orthotics for my shoes. They warn you to only wear them for short perionds of time each day, showly building up the time. I did this, and about 3-4 months later was pain free--and it never came back!!
Good Luck to you,
suzanfreedom
17 April 2012
the only thing that worked for me was Bowen Therapy or it also goes by NST
You could check and see if there's any practitioners in your area. It's very effective and painless work and my body never had the pain again. It was totally gone.
Related topics
pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, gabapentin, side effect
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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