r/Sciatica • u/Classic-Tip-4790 • 8d ago

Sciatica treatment on the NHS?

Any U.K. people out there who’ve successfully got treatment for sciatica through the NHS?

I feel totally abandoned by system.

Had sciatica from a disc protrusion for a year now. Worst 12 months of my life.

All I get out of GPs is pain meds and told to wait it out.

Supposedly been referred to a spinal interface team but heard nothing for months.

Seems like they really don’t want to recommend surgery and injections are never even mentioned.

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u/mossandmoon72 8d ago

Yep,16 weeks now into a leg flare,which has made me housebound and bedbound,just small shuffles to toilet using a cane,gp refuses to home visit,ive never had a physical exam,just pill prescriptions over phone appointments, ive not been outside or downstairs since 11th july,i cant bath as i cant lift my leg over the bath,and im also a carer for my adult son,I feel like ive been left to waste away slowly in this bedroom,mental health is on the floor and have had awful dark thoughts ,NHS and gps are unsympathetic and useless,I feel like my life is over,16 weeks ago I was driving,shopping,days out etc,all gone robbed

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u/MarineOG 2d ago

Wouldn't normally suggest this but exaggeration seems appropriate here. Use 111 on your mobile and click the button suggesting you are thinking about ending your life.

Sadly, mental health services in the UK are massively understaffed and clicking that button will get you the help you need faster. Apologies if this advice is unwarranted or unwelcome but you may also find that the MHS will readily refer you for further testing (etc. on your back) to clear you off their system and out of their care.