Sciatica

[Steve Chapman]

Anyone ever ridden or knows anyone who's ridden with sciatica? I've had it now since the beginning of December and it's driving me mad. Pain is from my buttocks to the back of my knee, and it's there all the time, although it does get easier when I'm moving around as long as it's not for too long. Been taking painkillers and doing stretches but it's not making much difference. I'm still working but not fully active, I'm starting to put a bit of weight on now and really want to get back on the bike, but obviously I don't want to make it any worse.

Really appreciate any advice🙃

[Steven]

Steve
No two cases are the same but exercises which maintain core strength and stability are helpful. Loads of examples on the net..

[Andy S]

Steve,do you recall any injury,did it come on gradually over several days or suddenly?
Have you any numbness in your saddle area or bladder/bowel symptoms?
What stretches are you doing?
Hopefully it's Piriformis syndrome rather than nerve root trapping,or
it could be overtraining one muscle group excessively,not enough glutes/hams.
Go to a good sports physio for the best advice and treatment,Andrew Seary in Whitchurch Cardiff is excellent,£25-£30/half hour but well worth it

[Steve Chapman]

Cheers Guys,
Hurt my back last year lifting, I had physio on it at the Princess of Wales and it got better but I've never really felt it's been 100% Never feel any pain while on the bike, just a little bit stiff when I get off ( like most people I guess ) Started up when I stopped cycling for my winter break. I'm doing stretches off you tube, just lower back stretches.

[traine]

Steve. The physios at The Princess of Wales are great. I assume you are still doing what they have advised.

I had a chronic case after Cyclo Cross training then doing DIY, lifting doors into position etc. It lasted about 6 months after I pulled a muscle in my buttock which swelled to trap the sciatic nerve as it passes through the pelvis. After a few attempts I found a physio privately in Ogmore by Sea ( I doubt if he is around now, it was 15 years ago). After finding the knot of muscle he applied a sonic pulse for about four sessions then showed me how to grind my knuckle into the knot. That worked ! ! !

I have not been troubled since but when it first happened I could not stand up then was walking on my toe of the one foot for a month. To get the muscle to settle try frozen peas in a towel for 15 minutes. I have been doing Pilate's for about 4 years now because my back had stiffened with cycling and sitting in front of a computer at work for 10 years (I suspect the computer was the main culprit). The pilates certainly helps but you need a physio or chiropractor first to discover the cause.

Best of luck mate

Tim

[Tom]

Sorry to hear that Steve but very sceptical that you've got a problem with putting weight on!!

[norman james]

Steve, I had sciatica a number of years ago. The Doctor was unable to help, but I had complete relief taking a herbal remedy called "Potters Sciargo."   A work mate who was a footballer had suffered for many years with sciatica tried this remedy, and found it eased his pain considerably.

[Steve Chapman]

Thanks Norman, will definitely get some of these ordered on the weekend and give them a try.

Tim, I know that feeling of walking on your toes, been getting a few strange looks as I'm walking around work.

Tom, it's true! I never put on any weight, Ive even had to go on a diet! Well, just not eating all the rubbish I normally eat😜

[mal jones]

I injured two discs following a fall I stupidly went out on bike a few days later but was in agony for 9 months had a nerve root injection following an MRI scan a And for some this seems to work really well but did not for me. I couldn't walk a step without real pain then suddenly a few weeks before I was due to have an op it cleared up ! I went to one to Therepy in Bridgend . Anghared is a top cyclist and is an excellent sports  physio but if the discs are injured it's just a question of time they should heal completely in 6 to 12 weeks . Hope this helps

[Mark B]

Steve, it was suffering from a back problem, showing itself in the form of sciatica, that was the reason I came to cycling from running. I too had a nerve block injection which took a little time to work (several weeks), but improved things massively. However, after 6 months it wore off and the inflammation around the nerve returned. As there are so many causes or more accurately, variations of the same cause, I would also recommend you get it checked out by an expert. I paid privately for a MRI scan (after a physio assessed me and identified which part of the spine was causing the problem) to cut out the NHS waiting time of 3 months +, then took the results with me to the consultant. The solution may just be to reduce the inflammation that is causing the irritation to the nerve, or may require other intervention. Either way, get an accurate diagnosis, and then look at what your options are. But if the cycling doesn't make it worse, keep going! Good luck.

[AndrewW]

Have just seen this discussion. Probably have most up to date info as have been off bike (and anything much else since last October). I have had a sciatic radiculopathy ( damage to sciatic nerve from problem in back). Have seen and been treated by specialist in this condition (consultant in Heath Hospital) and have discussed with him latest research and done a full literature search for myself (I am a retired consultant physician ).  I am on mend and should start back on bike in about 6 weeks.
'Sciatica' is loosely used term for backache but the sciatic nerve is the longest and biggest nerve which goes down to the sole of the foot, thus the stricter name sciatic radiculopathy -this is diagnosed by pain(sometimes agonising) but also other sensory signs such as numbness ,loss of feeling, tingling ,anaesthesia extending almost always below the knee. Indeed pain below knee is thought the key criteria for diagnosis. If you want more info give me a buzz Terssa and Tim have my number or email me. There are some warning signs for need for MRI - GP' s usually very good at diagnosis as common problem. 'Treat your own back' by award winning physio Robin McKenzie (Amazon ) is excellent and cheaper than even 1 session with a physio ! If you have pain,  or other symptoms below knee you should stop exercise until seen by doctor.Cheers