Has anybody else got or had sciatica....how long did it last?!

I had it for many years it was absolute agony,I was on my back and off work for 6 months!.
Antinflammatory and chiropractors didnt do me any good either, I found the only pain killer that had any effect was anadin extra!.
For some years now I have made a point of a 5mile walk everyday, and for some years now no sciatica!.
Someone else told me he cured it by cycling everyday!.
I believe the answer to be exercise,which strengthens the back muscles, but it is bloody painful to begin with!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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I hate to say this but there is no set time after which sciatica
will disappear of its own accord!. The pressure on the nerves
in the spine needs to be addressed before it will ease!.
I was lucky in finding an osteopath that sorted mine, but only after 5 months of misery!. Gentle, well planned exercises
designed to impove the musculature supporting the spine, will help and surgery is a last resort!. Good luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com

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Mine lasted a year, although it got better after 6 months or so!. But it took me a year to actually start feeling anything in my toes!. I wasn't prescribed anything, just told to take hot baths, put heat pads on or a hot water bottle!. These did help but only momentarily!. According to my doctor there was nothing else to be done!. It's a horrible thing to have and I wish yours won't last as long as mine!. I know this won't help but you have my sympathy!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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Mine started in pregnancy and was horrendous for a few months afterwards- my legs actually gave way a couple of times!
In desperation I visited an osteopath, who was fantastic!. It took a few sessions but it was worth every penny!. I still pop back a couple of times a year for a 'tweak'- as one leg is fractionally longer than the other apparently, it has a tendency to recur!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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stand opposite the edge of an open door with your hands lightly resting on each of the handles and your feet flat on the floor!. Slowly bend your knees so you are lowering yourself to the floor, bottom down with your hands still outstretched in front of you (do not lift your heels off the floor)!. when you have gone down as far as you can, move slowly back up again to standing!. Do this once a day - it opens up the bones in your lower back and hopefully releases trapped nerves!. I hope it works for you because constant pain is a bummer!!Www@Answer-Health@Com

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i started with it when pregnant with my second daughter who is now 5 and have suffered with it ever since!. it mainly gives me grief in the winter months although it was hell when pregnant with my son who is now 2!. i used an excercise ball too help with the discomfort!.

my nana has suffered with it for nearly 7 years so it can go on for a long time!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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for years! i tried everything and as a last resort i stopped taking medication because i felt no different and i tried alternative therapies massage, acupuncture, meditation, walking and swI'mming instead, i now manage my pain naturally and am feeling less pain, so im sticking with it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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Mine came and went about 3 yrs ago, and it was agony!. I had two bouts of it, both lasting a couple of weeks!. And it gets very boring laying on the floor!
I'd see a doctor, or check out in the internet / books for alternative medicine treatment!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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Oh god its dreadful - I had it for months and months and I really sympathise!. Try losing weight for starters (it does help) and I found hanging off a door top helped oddly enough! Is hard to sleep too - try exercise to a point - swimming helped me!. Good luck!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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I have just been diagnosed with it & had it on & off for a month now, i just recieved painkillers which help to a degree, i don't know how long it lasts, it differs person to person but hopefully not too long, good luck!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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Sorry to say i have had sciatica for a few years !.And like you a take anti inflamitory tablets !. I find a heat pad helps And i have pain injections for mine!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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I've had mine every winter for about 20 years, but a chiropractor did help (after about 4 visits) i'm very wary of the cold now, keep warm!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

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For most people, sciatica responds well to self-care measures!. You'll heal more quickly if you continue with your usual activities, but avoid what may have triggered the pain in the first place!. Although resting for a day or so may provide some relief, prolonged bed rest isn't a good idea!. In the long run, inactivity will make your signs and symptoms worse!.

In addition to resuming usual activities, try the following measures:

Cold packs!. Initially, using cold packs may be able to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort!. Wrap an ice pack or a package of frozen peas in a clean towel and apply to the painful areas for 15 to 20 minutes at least several times a day!.
Hot packs!. After 48 hours, apply heat to the areas that hurt!. Use warm packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting!. If you continue to have pain, try alternating warm and cold packs!.
Stretching!. Stretching exercises for your low back can help you feel better and may help relieve nerve root compression!. Avoid jerking, bouncing or twisting during the stretch and try to hold the stretch at least 30 seconds!.
Over-the-counter medications!. Pain relievers (analgesics) fall into two categories

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