mike gregory - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:14:59

I understand that it is far wiser to seek banjo playing advice from a doctor, than to seek medical advice from a banjo player.

And a REAL doctor will be consulted, as soon as an appointment opens up.



Meanwhile, what have YOUR doctors and shamans and herb ladies recommended?



Because, when the pain is bad enough, a person will try just about anything.

Edited by - mike gregory on 11/20/2022 10:16:07

STUD - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:24:37

Me heart surgen played piano..fer Bela Fleck...

I'd ask him music questions...
N..i made him a 4 string cigar box eletric guitar..

That just the other day one od his nurses..that took me blood said he still has it n plays it in his office...

N...it sounds good..
I made him some slides too..to play with..

Kinda cool i thought..

STUD - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:27:26

As fer a sore butt..n leg...
Sit or lay on a baseball...

It helps me..
Try it on yer car seat...

That constan pressure sure helps...

N..it is a cheap way to try something..

STUD - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:28:11

But don't ask me fer banjo advice... ;0)

bubbalouie - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:28:25

I've had that pain right from my butt to my knee on both sides. I'm not aware of any way of managing the pain other than whats over the counter.

What I do know is to avoid lifting & twisting at the waist. When lifting or carrying anything keep your knees square to your shoulders. I learned that the hard way carrying windows & doors. 

Your sciatic nerve is a big bundle that goes out around tail bone & down the back back of your legs. You can pull it like a muscle & that's where the problems begin. Hope you find some relief Mike!

banjoy - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:32:46

I have found great relief with a good Chiropractor. Find one who does it the old-fashioned way, with his or her hands and not a bunch of gadgets ... I wish you well.

banjoy - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:35:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by bubbalouie

I've had that pain right from my butt to my knee on both sides. I'm not aware of any way of managing the pain other than whats over the counter.

---

The acupuncturists I see tell me they have a lot of success with these kinds of pain. I know they' helped me a lot. It's one of those things that won't hurt you if it does not help. If you explore that route, go with one who is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it makes a difference.

bubbalouie - Posted - 11/20/2022:  10:44:11

I still do a lot of lifting but haven't had any problems for a while using this one simple trick! 

Lifting off the back of a truck or your trunk or off a table or a work bench, you want to turn your body first. Don't do that!

You turn at the waist & let your legs follow. Don't put strain on those 2 bundles . Let your feet turn with your torso to avoid torsion!  It may look like you crapped your pants but it's pain free! 

Edited by - bubbalouie on 11/20/2022 10:45:07

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/20/2022:  11:42:12

Both my physical therapist and my chiropractor gave me a list of exercises to do that help ease sciatica. They don't cure it, but do help alleviate the pain.

This exercise won't do any permanent damage, but it might help ease the pain.

Sit in a chair, grab your leg just below the knee and lift up as far as you can towards your chest. Do the same with the other leg. You can also do this lying on the floor, but since I have trouble getting up once I get down..... I do it sitting on a chair.
Stand up straight, bend at the waist and try to touch your toes. Stop when the pain hits.
Both these exercises will stretch the muscles that are pinching the sciatic nerve.

I do those 2 plus several more every morning and have had little or no pain for months on end.

Of course, do check with your doctor when you get an appointment, just to confirm these exercises help.

chuckv97 - Posted - 11/20/2022:  15:12:57

Check out stretches for the piriform muscles,, they can affect the sciatica nerve.

youtu.be/h-vfPIIMMhA

Edited by - chuckv97 on 11/20/2022 15:15:50

OldNavyGuy - Posted - 11/20/2022:  15:35:34

quote:

---

Originally posted by mike gregory

And a REAL doctor will be consulted, as soon as an appointment opens up.

---

This ^^^

Mad Hornet - Posted - 11/20/2022:  15:44:16

I had it once and it made one of my legs go numb for about three weeks. Chiropractor (ultrasound therapy) and masseuse helped get me functional but it was literally 18 months before I was normal again. Even now my right ham string gets tight as a banjo string from time to time. It was a lesson in knowing my limitations on lifting and not trying to take short cuts or impress anyone. Frankly I don't recall if I ever visited an MD for it.

donc - Posted - 11/20/2022:  17:25:44

Once I had those symptoms but no doctor. A nurse friend suggested one easy stretch which worked almost immediately. It doesn't involving bending, twisting, or stretching the back. Stand on the edge of a curb or a stair. Place the front half of both feet on the stair and let the back half suspend in mid air. Keep your feet level with the stair and then allow your feet to bend slightly with the help of gravity. Now bring your heels up again to a level position. Repeat once or twice. All you are doing is stretching leg muscles which may correct the sciatic nerve. Allow a few seconds for the stretching to take place. Keep your hand on the hand rail so you don't fall. If it starts to hurt.....S T O P !

Edited by - donc on 11/20/2022 17:27:33

talljoey - Posted - 11/21/2022:  22:14:38

What worked best for me is yoga. I have fibromyalgia, and the muscles in my truck were pretty weak. I also stood and walked crooked due to reoccurring pain. Since I started yoga, I have gotten much stronger. I do still hurt, but nothing as devastating.
Good luck, and yes, contact your doctor!!

Paul R - Posted - 11/22/2022:  05:04:42

Riding my bicycle helped. There's no weight and very little pressure on the leg, but the exercise seemed to work things out. At first I could hardly walk, but I could ride.

STUD - Posted - 11/22/2022:  05:26:09

Paul R...
I have come to the conclution that...
You n yer bicicycle...
Are...ONE...... :0)

wrench13 - Posted - 11/22/2022:  09:22:22

My poor wife broke her tailbone on the back of my motorcycle 2 decades ago, when we hit a massive pothole. Her sciatica has never been the same and as one might guess age has not improved the situation. Nothing works. Acupuncture, Chiropractie, surgery, pills, nothing. I wish there WAS some magic bullet, her life SUCKs big time.

banjo_brad - Posted - 11/22/2022:  14:31:54

My wife gets shots from our doctor for both Sciatica and Bursitis. Takes anywhere from a couple of days to maybe a week, but they seem to work.

Lasts 2-3 months, usually.

STUD - Posted - 11/22/2022:  14:40:04

quote:

---

Originally posted by wrench13

My poor wife broke her tailbone on the back of my motorcycle 2 decades ago, when we hit a massive pothole. Her sciatica has never been the same and as one might guess age has not improved the situation. Nothing works. Acupuncture, Chiropractie, surgery, pills, nothing. I wish there WAS some magic bullet, her life SUCKs big time.

---

Mebee..DeeP..masague..?

StPeteNick - Posted - 11/22/2022:  18:38:28

If you carry your wallet in your back pocket, move it to the front pocket or a shirt pocket. It makes a big difference.

mike gregory - Posted - 11/22/2022:  18:54:43

It's not MY sciatica.

Asking for a friend.

However, you are RIGHT. Since I took my wallet out of my pocket, and now carry it in a VERY manly purse, belted across my chest ala Sam Browne pistol belt, MY sciatica ain't bothering me much at all.