I’ve been having some lower back pain on and off for a while.  After talking to people and researching online I’m pretty sure I have sciatica.  I know I should see a doctor, but the explanation online is exactly what I have and it says a doctor really can’t do anything for it any way.  It says that ibuprofen, ab exercises, and some stretching is the best thing to do.  Has anyone else had this?  If so, does anyone have any tips?

Lower back pain could be a lot of things, Candace. Is the pain sharp? Do you sort of lock up and can’t straighten up sometimes?

I had a pinched sciatic nerve years ago, and then that same pain returned at Thanksgiving. My doctor couldn’t do much, but I started seeing a chiropractor, and the stretching and therapy really helped. Definitely proper exercise to strengthen your abs and lower back muscles will help too.

My favorite stretch is to stand a few feet away from a wall, lean in so my hands are on it, and then slowly pull my abs in and really slowly, tuck my pelvis till it’s like my body’s on an angle but my pelvis is heading toward upright. Very slowly and gently. Then release.

I agree that you should see someone - but not necessarily an MD. They may know about internal organs and body chemistry stuff, but not so good with the mechanics stuff. I’d see either a chiropractor (for bone/joint issues) or a Physical Therapist if it is more muscular. A chiropractor might be able to adjust your spine so that the nerve is not being pinched or aggravated as much. BUT get a professional opinion on what the issue actually is!!!

Take Care

Thanks girls!  If it gets worse or doesn’t go away I will think about seeing someone.  I found some good stretches online.  I have gone to Chiropractors in the past, but I wasn’t impressed.  I know there are good ones out there that do a great job, but it’s not covered by my insurance and here 1 visit is about $125.  I am going to try a yoga class this weekend at my gym and a deep tissue massage if I can afford it.  (about $55) I will also bring it up to my GP next time I go in.

Candace, ask around, there may be some chiro in the area who is good and would either be worth it or have a sliding scale.

Sorry you’re having back trouble.  I just had a bad bout of sciatica and used a chiropractor.  In addition to his treatment he had me stretch, use Ibuprofen and lots of ice.  I think the ice pack for 20 min every hour was the best thing for it.  He also had me get in the pool as much as possible.  That’s great if you have access to a pool because it takes the pressure off of it and hanging from a float helped stretch it out.  It would be best if you could get to a doctor of some sort to confirm exactly what is wrong but I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to try these things to see if you get any relief.

Take care.

Hi Candy,

I agree with everyone that a chiropractor would be of great help.  I will PM you a website address that may help you find one.  I have had a chiropractor for 4 years and he has help me with the chronic aches and pains that come with carrying too much weight and age.  I truly feel better than I have since I was a kid.

Hi Candy,

I have had a year long battle with back pain that has landed me in the hospital unable to walk and I have received a lot of different therapy for my problems.  The world of back pain and treatment is vast and confusing and what works for some doesn’t work for others.  Then something worked for you once won’t work again.  So yes, chiropractic or deep tissue massage could be a good way to solve the problem temporarily but may not give you the lasting results you want.

I don’t mean to get technical but it might be worth having a look at the muscles working in that area of the body for a minute so that you can get an idea of what might be going on for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfiz2LO_BCo

Have you ever noticed that there are eye doctors, heart doctors, skin doctors, bone doctors...a doctor for every kind of problem or area of speciality, but there are no muscle doctors!?  Yeah, there are physical therapists and they know a lot about muscles, but they are more interested in the mechanics, not the actual function of muscle which has goes through some amazing chemical processes as it changes energy you get from your food to physical movement.  I found this really amazing therapist in LA and I really like his approach.  It is total different than other doctors.  He used to be a chiropracter and has some interesting ideas.  Check him out and see what you think...he has a few more videos than this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfiz2LO_BCo

here is his channel on youtube and the name of his company is LA back and body...I’m sure you could find the website too.  I am really convinced in the work this guy does and I know he teaches too, so if you’re not near LA you could find a student in another place in California.
http://www.youtube.com/user/LAbackandbody