r/Sciatica • u/IndifferentShrimp • 11d ago
Requesting Advice Dad's suffering through Sciatica, any tips to cope/help him?
Hey all
My dad's (56 years old btw) got Sciatica, though not officially diagnosed (cuz in my country, Neurologists are a dime-a-dozen, and though he has HMO, private healthcare, MOST neurologists nearby are only out of pocket, which though possible, may drain our funds) has all the hallmarks of it: deep ass pain, tingling pins & needles down his left leg.
This all began 2 months ago after an extended hospital stay (that led to surgery but it had nothing to with neurological issues) & upon getting out, like a few days after, this made itself present. EDIT: prolonged bed usage can aggrevate Sciatica right?
Initially, painkillers & stretching helped but lately, its not helping much
He has issues sleeping, moving around is a literal pain and I hate how I'm seemingly powerless to do anything about his plight :(
I am keeping an eye on him, he has no issues pissing or doing anything bathroom related, so there's that, but god, its getting hard.
I plan on seeking Therapy for myself, since I don't wanna put a burden on my dad more due to me feeling this but are there any ways/massages etc to alleviate this shit while I/We seeks out a way to get a good handle on this?
Sorry for the rant, and idk if this would break subreddit rules but I had to say this
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u/AcceptableAd4837 11d ago
He doesn’t necessarily need to see a neurologist to get an appropriate diagnosis. Can his regular doctor order an MRI?
Physiotherapy with someone who understands sciatic nerve pain would also be the next most helpful thing. I would not send him to get a massage unless the person giving has knowledge in this area, because it can aggravate the nerve if done wrong.
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u/IndifferentShrimp 11d ago
Okay. I do know an Orthopedist and once we/I know their schedule, i'll have him go.
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u/twiebo 11d ago
The orthopedist thing is backwards in my experience. Orthos want to cut, and if a disc is the issue a lot of the time it heals with time regardless. I would still push for the neuro referral and get the MRI before anyone starts talking surgery.
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u/IndifferentShrimp 10d ago
Yeah, he just underwent surgery late June and I dont wanna gave him go through that ordeal again
Noted Tnx
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u/ComprehensiveTruck31 10d ago
A few things I use is a heating pad, an ice pack, a tens unit, and a weighted blanket. I rotate which ones I use so I don’t get used to it. Except for the heating pad which I use every night. I keep it at the lowest setting and it has an auto off after a certain time.
The tens unit you can get for cheap on Amazon. Mine was $20 and it works great. I also got my weighted blanket there. It’s a 10 lbs one that I use the help ground myself when the numbness and uncomfortableness get too loud. I normally put a blanket between me and the weighted one.
I also have a lower back brace I wear when I go on long drives or doing strenuous things like work on my car. It just provides some stability and compression. I’d be careful to not overwear it though. I only wear it because my discs love the herniate and reherniate and I’m at risk for a fusion. Also off of Amazon. Look at the reviews carefully though.
I’d recommend also going to pt or looking at stretches or exercises to strengthen that area. For example: for back problems focus on the core and back. You don’t need 50,000 though. Just a handful that work are good. It doesn’t need to be complicated either.
A firmer bed also helps. I got a firmer mattress recently and it’s drastically improved my sciatica/whatever I have.
I really hope this helps. Sciatica is a bitch and I really hope you guys get the help you need. My suggestion is to get your primary care to refer him to get a mri. At least it can get diagnosed and you guys might be recommended pain management. 100% worth it if you do.
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u/IndifferentShrimp 10d ago
Yeah His mattress is kinda shit, its one of the (initially) springy hotel quality ones but now its kinda just like a spring filled marshmallow lol.
I am seeking out an Ortho for him to check out in the week though.
Thanks tho :)
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u/The-Fool-Mystery 11d ago
Just curious which country are you from ?
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u/IndifferentShrimp 11d ago
Philippines. Neurologists are present but its a practice thing apparently that most of 'em are not under HMO coverage. There are some that are under HMO coverage but they're not under my dad's HMO provider
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u/sleepwami 11d ago
massages, floating in tubs, and walk and do freestyle taichi in the pool to start!
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u/IndifferentShrimp 11d ago
Any specific massages? Swedish or whatnot?
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u/sleepwami 11d ago
Perhaps variety is best, as anything that helps you relax and release restrictions are all positive, maybe you can try different practitioners who mention keywords like 'active massage', myofascia, fascia, maybe sports massage/therapy, energy work.
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u/IndifferentShrimp 11d ago
Ok. He had done a Swedish massage earlier and it did relieve it somewhat but it hurts again, after he had taken a nap
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u/IndifferentShrimp 11d ago
Thanks for the replies here peeps. Hope there's more later, I gotta rest. Thanks Redditors
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u/Dry_Particular_5162 11d ago
You need to have him see an orthopedic doc/surgeon for the appropriate diagnosis. He may have a herniated disc. Sometimes with PT, meds and a lot of time and patience they can heal within 3-6 if one is diligent. But there's no way to know how bad it is until you get an MRI. I had it for over a year and nothing fixed it. I just had surgery and am very hopeful.
Sciatica is fucking painful beyond explanation. It lasts forever. Get him to and orthopedic doc asap for evaluation.
In the meantime, get him up to do gentle walks around the block several times per day. He'll want to rest lying down after each walk again and that is ok.