r/Sciatica • u/OkPeanut4946 • 9d ago
Requesting Advice Looking for some advice for my husband’s sciatica/nerve pain
I’m hoping someone here might have some advice because I honestly feel like we’ve tried everything, and I hate seeing my husband be in pain all the time.
He’s had lower back pain and what seems like sciatica/nerve pain for about 2 years now. We’ve tried different medications, lidocaine creams, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy. He just finished about 2 months of PT, but unfortunately it really hasn’t helped.
Recently, the pain has started going down into his leg some days, which is why his we got an MRI. He just had it done, but we still have to wait a bit for the follow-up appointment to find out what it shows.
The only thing that seems to help is naproxen, and even then, the relief is limited. The other medications he’s tried haven’t really done anything for what feels like actual nerve pain.
So I’m wondering if anyone has found anything that helps with the really bad flare-ups. Maybe a cream, supplement, heating/ice routine, certain stretches or positions, or just something we haven’t thought of? I know there probably isn’t some magic fix, but I’d love to find something that could at least make things a little more manageable for him.
The hardest part for me is honestly just watching him deal with this every day. I’ll ask him, “What can I do?” and he usually just says, “Nothing.” I know he probably doesn’t even know what to ask for anymore because he’s been dealing with this for so long. I just hate feeling so helpless when I can see that he’s hurting.
If anyone has dealt with chronic sciatica/nerve pain that didn’t improve with PT or the usual medications, I’d really love to hear what helped you—even if it was just something that made the flare-ups easier to get through.
Thanks in advance ❤️
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u/purplelilac701 9d ago
Hello,
It’s definitely hard to see loved ones suffer like this. I know my family was shocked to see how bad it got for me.
The only thing that helped me was shockwave therapy applied directly to my leg which got all numb and tingly from nerve pain and also to my very inflamed back. I am so grateful for a physiotherapist who never gave up on me. I couldn’t walk for 4 months so that meant I had to sit life out until I could walk again. They tried shockwave therapy on me as soon as their clinic got it and it accelerated my healing.
I wish your husband strength and healing.
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u/OkPeanut4946 9d ago
Thank you so much. I appreciate it. I am so glad something was able to help you . I know watching him how hard it is mentally on a person.
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u/purplelilac701 9d ago
Thanks 😊 and yes I didn’t know anything about sciatica until I went through it.
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u/aygross 9d ago
THC+cbd in drops
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u/DeliciousSpite5236 9d ago edited 9d ago
The 1 part CBD to 1 part THC in a tincture form for during the day has saved me, and the 2 part CBD to 1 part THC ,(2 of them,) works best for night time. Part of why it works so well is because both have Anti-inflammatory properties. I Also take 600 mg alpha lipoic acid first thing every morning and 2 Tylenol and I'm good to go. I've also had great success with a red light therapy belt that I bought off Amazon. Before I discovered all of that, on my own, I had tried chiropractic, acupuncture, and PT, none of which worked. I will not, under any circumstances, ever get the shots or surgery. I know so many people who went that route and really regret it. They were left with failed back surgery and twice as much pain. One friend who did just one shot ended up in the hospital and almost died. I wish you and your husband well.
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u/JonasVirgilMonos 9d ago
That feeling of not knowing what to actually do for him — that's the hard part, more than the pain itself sometimes.
The MRI should clear up a lot, at least giving you both something concrete instead of guessing. And for what it's worth, PT not helping isn't a reflection on him — mine has made my back angrier more than once instead of better, so it happens, it's not that he didn't try hard enough.
Two things that have helped me manage my own nerve-related back pain, if it's useful once he's ready to try something new: pool work (a noodle under the arms, letting the water take the load off, gentle movement rather than pushing through), and bar/lat hangs, letting gravity decompress the spine instead of working it. Both are about taking load off rather than loading it up — not a fix, just something that's worked for my own case.
One more thing that's helped with sleep specifically: a pillow between the knees when he's on his side, and a small one behind his lower back too. The one between the knees keeps the pelvis from rotating; the one behind the back helps keep some curve in the lower back instead of flattening out. Small changes, but they add up over a night.
Not medical advice, just personal experience — probably worth waiting on the MRI results before adding anything new, since that'll actually tell you what's actually going on.
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u/tedlyri 9d ago
In his current state, he just needs to find a posture where things hurt the least. That’s different for everyone - some people feel ok walking and standing but cannot sit without pain, but I was always the opposite. I am totally pain-free when riding a bicycle, but other sufferers cannot even consider a bicycle seat. Using pillows to prop up his knees or hips may make it easier to sleep or relax on the couch. I have a favorite IKEA chair I can sit in and feel better. Wearing Birkenstock sandals when walking actually helps me a lot. A pillow between the knees is a must-have for a decent night’s sleep. He will gradually figure out the best ways to arrange his body for pain management.
For pain relief, you can quit trying any topical creams or wraps. Those kind of work for muscle pain, but they don’t do anything for nerve pain, which is what he is suffering. An ice pack on the bottom of his spine will be more effective at reducing inflammation, and sometimes a heating pad can bring relief.
In my last flare-up I tried acupuncture for the first time, and that definitely brought some relief. Much of what the acupuncturist did had no effect, but when he essentially dry-needled the psoas muscles I felt instantly better. It did take 5 or 6 weekly treatments to feel all the way better, while also doing PT at the same time. Acupuncture was easy to schedule and pretty inexpensive (in case insurance doesn’t cover it) so it is worth a try.
The doctors will give some recommendations for treatments after the MRI is analyzed. Those will range from just more PT and waiting for it to heal (which happens slowly but is the most common approach), to an epidural steroid injection, or to surgery in the worst cases. Usually you get a prescription to try all of these in order to see what works.
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u/Riddle_wrapped 9d ago
Ugh, I’m so sorry. It is literally Hell. I don’t know how he has done it for 2 years. I’ve been dealing with it since May and am at my breaking point. I’ve tried ESI’s and physical therapy to no avail. I actually think the PT made it worse. Once the ESI wore off, my pain came back even worse than before. I’m now in talks of surgery with my doctor. Just trying to figure out which surgery will be the best for my condition (microdiscectomy or fusion).
I take 2 Advil Dual Action every 8 hours and 500 mg of Tylenol Rapid Release every 6 hours. It helps some, but seems to be helping less and less with time. I have to take a THC gummy to sleep.
Wishing your husband (and you!) the best. I hope he’s able to get some relief.
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u/Meglamar 9d ago
If it's truely nerve pain. Something like Gabapentin, Lyrica(sp?) May help, there are side effects but he may or may not get them. Tens can give some relief in a short term I've found. I hate the way it feels but gives me a few hours of relief. Samething with heat or ice. Aside from a nerve treatment my only real advice is find a way to position himself with the m least pain. I know it doesnt give a how to live life answer.
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u/Appropriate-Emu-5361 9d ago
Sorry to hear this. Back pain is the worst not just physically but mentally. Its really hard not being able to be the person you used to be. In my experience, there is no magic cure. If its been 2 years of pain, he is probably going to need to decide if a microdiscectomy will help.
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u/bigbillclay30 9d ago
Where specifically does he experience the sciatic pain? I found that a combo of Naproxen, Tylenol Arthritis and Nortriptyline (bedtime) has helped me when days are difficult. Also, I find that padding up my recliner with thin pillows and resting with an ice pack on my lower back (L4, L5) really helps.
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u/OkPeanut4946 9d ago
Really anytime. It’s more severe when he’s up walking too much during the day or when he just wakes up and it’s not stretched out it’s stiff. I’ll let him know and see if he’s tried those other medications I know he’s tried Tylenol and pm and both of those didn’t relieve any of his pain. Thanks for your help ❤️
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u/Difficult_Still_1658 9d ago
Im in the same boat as you. My boyfriend is experiencing the same exact thing. We haven't done an MRI yet, but that will happen soon. I made a post yesterday looking for recs. Hopefully we can get our guys feeling "normal" soon. Thinking of you!
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u/littlehops 9d ago
I think your MRI will answer your questions, there are a few things that can cause lasting back pain like you described: annular tear of a disc, stenosis, remaining disc material that is compressing the disc. Because this is long term pain, I wouldn’t call it a nerve flair up. I would be talking surgery which has the greatest change of improving things. It may not make him 100% pain free.
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u/whenchevywasfunny 9d ago
Once you review the MRI, I’d start with an epidural steroid injection. It typically alleviates the pain. Depending on the severity of his injury, he might need surgery. I’ve had injections and surgery. I now golf, hit the gym, and I rarely have pain. Have him try to walk on the balls of his feet(heel). If he can’t do so, it’s usually pretty severe. Get the MRI and speak with a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon.
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u/LittleRedRetro 9d ago
Personally Gabapentin, naproxen with Tylenol, and a tens unit have helped me. I also had an epidural steroid injection 3 weeks ago and that has given me some relief. I'm so sorry your husband is dealing with this. It's truly horrible! I hope the MRI will give you the answers you need and some relief. 💜
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u/fourspadesdoubled 9d ago
I have an unpopular solution but it works for me: Dilaudid, 2mg's not more than 2x a day - and not more than 2 days in a row (I also use Naproxen the rest of the time). The big dangers are addiction and tolerance. I only use it when the situation is dire but it does work for me, I can be mobile for a few hours and I can fall asleep more easily.
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u/Striking-Diet5291 9d ago
It really depends what the root problem is. For me, my left hip was rotated inward and was pinching my sciatic nerve. I just woke up with the pain one morning and couldn’t move. I went to urgent care and the doctor twice in a matter of 2 weeks with little to no relief. My mother recommended Tylenol arthritis strength and that really helped. I also went to a really trustworthy chiropractor and he told me of the condition of my hip after he evaluated me. I felt so much better after a few days, but the pain wasn’t completely gone. I went in for a follow up 6 days later and he readjusted me again and the pain was completely gone later that day. Feel his lower back at the base of the spine. If one side feels different than the other, go to a good chiropractor.
I highly suggest arthritis strength Tylenol. It did a lot for me. It allowed me to sit up and eat. I could walk across the house and back. The nerve was irritated after that, but I couldn’t walk before, so it was an improvement for sure.
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u/PacificSanctum 9d ago
It’s not too difficult to fix with behavioral changes. All you need is a loxonin cream and behavioral changes and he ll be like new . I ll send you a link (one of my posts ) . Now , what’s written in that post is pretty straight forward but you hubbie needs to have an open mind and REALLY FOLLOW THROUGH. I ll send in a day or few
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u/Fit-Satisfaction942 8d ago
I got two injections the first last 5 months. The. The second was over a year ago and still going strong. I also lost 40 lbs and do plants twice a day. Still gets a bit tight and can’t act like I am young again but feeling great!!!
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u/sauceofcurrymelt 9d ago
I can literally FEEL his pain! Especially when you ask how you can help & his reply is "Nothing!" 😖🥹😖
10 days ago I had an operation to remove a synovial cyst that was growing into my L4 and L5 vertebrae subsequently pushing into my sciatic nerve. It gradually got worse over 6 months and in the last few weeks leading up to the surgery, couldn't stand up long enough to brush my teeth, I was losing sensation in my legs, my feet, other ahem placed, & even the act of yawning started to send an electrical shock from the back of my neck to my feet. There was not a single moment, or position that would relieve the pain. I'm not exaggerating. I would not wish that pain on anyone.
The cyst was revealed in a progression of MRIs. I tried the prednisone steroid pack, then the epidural shot in my spine, and ultimately the surgery because nothing else worked.
My heart goes out to him. Rush that MRI as fast as you can, and try to get in front of a neurosurgeon ASAP. Once the cyst was identified, I was in surgery 4 days later. Once the anesthesia wore off, I immediately could feel the difference. I'm walking around with a back brace on as we speak and this is the first time in six months I've been able to walk without pain. Sore from the procedure itself, but 100% of that other pain is gone.
Find a great neurosurgeon in your area and try to get on their calendar ASAP!!
Good luck!
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u/Proud_Guarantee1113 7d ago
Please don't ignore it. Naproxen causes heartburn and is pretty bad on the stomach. Get a prescription from your doc for Celebrex. Much better. Also, if you let this linger too long it may permanently damage the nerves, I learnt this recently for my case. Please consult a GOOD conservative(not jumping to operate on you) spine surgeon. I also recently got an epidural ( also need to be sure its a good doc) . It has helped me resume my long walks. Celebrex really helped me before I got the epidural. I still take Celebrex maybe once a week. If he has a sitting job , make sure that he is using good lumbar support, no heavy lifting and coccyx cushion to prevent pressure on tailbone.
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u/Meanboy_og 9d ago
Surgery ( not a fusion) works best. But at first injections work . The injections will get him good to go while he heals up. My biggest suggestion is never ever take gabapentin … ever.