Nerve gliding , it sounds odd I know ha. I had actually never heard of it until I messed my auxiliary nerve up in my shoulder.
It has helped strengthen and calm the irritation down immensely.
Go on youtube and have a look. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
yoga (various videos on YouTube for sciatica yoga).
I had very bad sciatica, to the point I could barely walk. I was still going to the gym 4 days a week, I don’t smoke and I am not overweight. I did try a cortisone injection but sadly this didn’t work and eventually had to have a spinal fusion. Pain went instantly but it is surgery that you only have when you have run out of options. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
Is it definitely sciatica that you have ? I’d recommend an osteopath/sports massage etc to have a good assessment in case it’s another issue causing it to flare up |
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Go to your doctor and ask for an MRI to determine the cause of your sciatic pain. You're wasting time and money with alternative treatments until you have established what's causing this symptom.
Trust me, one spinal implant later I know not to ignore it |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
My "sciatica" was caused by a muscle knot in my glute. Private Physiotherapy and some lower-body weight lifting removed it.
Basically, the left of my lower body has a weakness from lower back to foot instep.. whenever I have pain there, I have to strengthen and stretch the area specifically.
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
depends what's causing it. some stretches will aggrivate and worsen the condition dependent on the cause. get refered to the physio dept and take it from there. i've been crippled with sciatica to the point where i couldn't walk. completely imobile and in agony that no painkiller will touch. i still have peripheral nueropathy in my leg which will probably never go away. good luck. |
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You need to assessed properly, see a physio. Running could do more harm than good and if you are not doing the relevant exercises to help it could lead to drop foot so please get an appointment ASAP. |
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A lot of people think that they have sciatica, when they don't. Often it's a trapped nerve because of a tight muscle in the glute area. It can often be treated fairly easily if a trapped nerve. (I managed to rectify the problem for someone with a 10 minute treatment). Getan assessment from a good physio / sports massage therapist. Good luck. |
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By *otsossieMan 35 weeks ago
Hard.shoulder of the M1 |
"A lot of people think that they have sciatica, when they don't. Often it's a trapped nerve because of a tight muscle in the glute area. It can often be treated fairly easily if a trapped nerve. (I managed to rectify the problem for someone with a 10 minute treatment). Getan assessment from a good physio / sports massage therapist. Good luck."
This.
Proper sports physio assess needed.
I had treatment for months and no help then saw the right guy and it just released like magic. |
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I struggled for years, went to chiropractor for a bit, ended up needing mri, found I had a fully extruded disc and other complications so no amount of self help therapy would have worked. Knowing the pain, I’d say go get it looked into, you never know what’s going on in there. |
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Me too-between sciatica, Bursitis and a back injury pain is there a fair bit. Sometimes feel I've been kicked by a horse. I'm getting some physio at the weekend. My work means I spend too much time at a PC doing reports etc, driving to clients, so a lot of time on my ass. I'm going to try working standing up.
I think yoga and doing plank exercises might help. I did buy a new mattress recently, but it does not seem to do much good. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
I struggled with sciatica for almost 6 months, constantly from my lower back going down left buttock and left leg, it was worse at night sleeping BUT... it simply went away, sorted itself out after 6 months... so don't lose heart, yours might do same |
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By (user no longer on site) 33 weeks ago
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Really interesting to see this post here.
About 2 weeks ago I was hit with pain in my right side. From buttocks down to toes. Started with immense pain and then pain with numbness in my calf and foot around the outer side.
Pain relief is pretty much ineffective, just seen a physio which hasn’t really done much. A lot of night time pain that makes sleeping impossible
Will follow this thread for any useful tips and insights. |
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By *arlo56Man 33 weeks ago
Newcastle |
"Really interesting to see this post here.
About 2 weeks ago I was hit with pain in my right side. From buttocks down to toes. Started with immense pain and then pain with numbness in my calf and foot around the outer side.
Pain relief is pretty much ineffective, just seen a physio which hasn’t really done much. A lot of night time pain that makes sleeping impossible
Will follow this thread for any useful tips and insights. "
Yes sleeping is very limited when I get a bout of sciatica. |
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"Really interesting to see this post here.
About 2 weeks ago I was hit with pain in my right side. From buttocks down to toes. Started with immense pain and then pain with numbness in my calf and foot around the outer side.
Pain relief is pretty much ineffective, just seen a physio which hasn’t really done much. A lot of night time pain that makes sleeping impossible
Will follow this thread for any useful tips and insights. "
I always recommend trying different physios and osteotherapists, it’s not cheap in the short term though |
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Another sufferer here.
Yes to all advice given regards getting it checked out.
I was seeing a private physio and it was costing me a fortune and doing nothing, in fact it was making it worse.
GP didn't want to know fobbed me off telling me to " drink more water and sit correctly" 🙄
So I decided to pay for a private MRI which was a nightmare due to GP not being helpful regarding referral letter.
Eventually it turns out I have a herniated disc in my lower back.
Managed to get a appointment with a specialist back physio.
EVERYTHING I was doing was just aggravating the sciatic nerve and causing horrendous pain.
The problem is with back issues we all think we know best but every case is different.
Turns out the thing that helps me is the cobra pose.
But I can't emphasize this enough GO AND GET IT PROPERLY CHECKED OUT.
In the meantime.
Ice it when possible ( the area of the nerve at bottom of spine not all the different referred pains)
Look at ways to sleep and reduce pressure on the nerve, this usually involves a pillow and resting the leg with the pain onto it in the bent position.
Stay as active as possible within reason, anything that causes pain is probably bad.
Avoid sitting for long periods particularly driving.
I used to love running unfortunately I don't think I'll ever be able to again.
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By (user no longer on site) 33 weeks ago
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Have you considered Bikram Yoga?
It can be beneficial for some people with sciatica, since the heat helps to increase circulation and flexibility, while the postures can strengthen and stretch tight muscles that contribute to pain.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone with sciatica, since certain poses could aggravate your condition, so it's crucial you consult your GP and make sure to inform the Bikram Yoga instructor about your condition in advance to ensure proper modification of poses to prevent risk of further injury.
Best wishes. |
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By *hilloutMan 33 weeks ago
All over the place! Northwesr, , Southwest |
I'd suggest a thorough assessment by a competent spinal specialist. If there's no prior imaging and symptoms haven't improved after 6 weeks or deteriorate noticeably, MRI to determine where the nerve compression may be.
There are a number of conditions with overlapping symptoms that nay seem sciatica without it being actual sciatica.
Best form of determining what physical activity is advisable is proper assessment and identification of cause of symptoms. |
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I would visit a chiropractor. I have sciatica and I’m afraid a physio never did anything for me. I went to a few, but none of them did me any good. However when I went to a chiro, he was able to help me. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
I suffer with it about once a year since I got an electric shock at work a few years ago.
I lay on the floor on my back. Raise my legs in the air with my waist off the floor.
I try and stretch so my feet are above my head and then slowly lower back down again and then repeat 10 times.
Keeping my legs moving has helped alot wether it's been walking or swimming. mostly the motions where you move your whole leg not just your lower part of your leg.
Hope this helps. |
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Acupuncture really helps me when I have a bad flare up to the point I can hardly move
45mins with pins in various places but with one right in the correct spot with an electrical clamp on it sending a pulse down every second is a wonder for me
Then 15mins of cupping and it’s like a switch has been turned off
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By *ik shawMan 30 weeks ago
Staffs/Cheshire border |
I’ve had several bouts of sciatica over the last 12 years, often lasting a few months. I tried physio and acupuncture with varying degrees of success but never lost any work time through it. This all changed 3 years ago when whatever I tried it wouldn’t go away and 6 months in I tried an osteopath rather than physio. It took 5 months to get it under control and I now have a 6 weekly session which keeps it at bay. Yes it costs but it’s worth it. |
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By *recticWoman 30 weeks ago
taunton |
Depends on if it’s true sciatica or piriformis syndrome or a weak hip, illiotal band syndrome can all have similar symptoms. The get u better app can be a good start for exercises.
Listen to your body, don’t over do it. Choose low impact for now and get up and down the stairs |
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"Depends on if it’s true sciatica or piriformis syndrome or a weak hip, illiotal band syndrome can all have similar symptoms. The get u better app can be a good start for exercises.
Listen to your body, don’t over do it. Choose low impact for now and get up and down the stairs "
We aren’t allowed to call it piriformis syndrome anymore as the piriformis can’t solely be identified as the prime suspect. Subsequently we have to now call it ‘deep gluteal syndrome’ 🤣
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By *99cjbMan 30 weeks ago
Grantham |
16 years of sciatic pain only cured by 8.5 hours of spinal surgery, 2 titanium plates, 6 screws and a cage to replace a prolapsed disc. Went through the whole gamut of pain killers which did nothing, osteopath helped at times ( he was bloody good at what he did) but it was only temporary relief. As has been said before, get an MRI. It’s not possible to be certain where the pain is coming from without it. And you can definitely do more harm than good. If your GP is not being helpful PALS gives you the right to a second opinion. But get it checked ASAP. |
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I had an MRI to confirm the problem then had a meeting with the surgeon who gave me two options
Back surgery to “ease” back pain but the pain going down my leg would get worse
Leg surgery to “ease” that pain but back pain would get worse.
I stood up shook his hand and thanked him for his time and left
Absolutely no point going under the knife for just about no improvement whatsoever
So painkillers when needed and acupuncture is what works for me |
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"I had a deep tissue sports massage from a sports therapist. I get the occasional twinge, but not been sofa bound for weeks since.
"
Sofa bound……
You are lucky as when I get a bad flare up I can’t even get up out of bed no joke
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See a sports physiotherapist.
Pay for it (it might seem a lot, it's worth it).
They'll assess & identify the place of cause.
They'll take you through a series of stretch/strengthening, at each stage of rehabilitation.
Well worth it - sciatica is a b*tch. |
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There are lots of bending and stretching exercises. I've just bought a fab electric standing table at IKEA so I can work at my PC both sitting and standing. Some physiotherapy might be a good idea too and back strengthening exercises. |
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I had a kick off of sciatica years ago, this is when I weighed my heaviest. (22st +) now at 12stone. I went and paid privately for physio through a pain clinic on a high street. Best thing I did. 2 sessions and I was brand new. The lady also taught me exercises to keep the nerve happy. To do thos day Ive had maybe one or two flares but soon calmed down after doing the excerises.
Good luck. Hope you sort it soon x |
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"Gabapebtin was the only thing that helped mine after a prolapsed disc"
I'm on pregablin and a host of other painkillers after my back surgery 11 years ago. Wish I never had it done now because of the pain I'm still in. |
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By (user no longer on site) 29 weeks ago
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Have an as yet undiagnosed back issue for 3 + years.
Several MRI's and x-rays. Incompetent Neurosurgeon (based his findings on the arc of one MRI that was 3 years old)
At it's worse,had acute pain radiating through my spine,(walking like I had extreme scoliosis) shoulder blades, collar bones, mid way down my left arm, my full right arm, neck, mass blinding headaches, pelvis, both legs- pain radiating down both thighs and glutes, sciatica pain radiating to both ankles.
Could only walk with aid of crutches, had to sleep in a sitting position for 9 months,(3 months in a car as the seat shape afforded the most comfort) , ultrasounds every month to rule out DVT.
On pain meds with 3 years, and still experiencing pain a daily basis.
Codeine and pregabolin take the edge off.
Spinal injections or epidural have had zero effect,the struggle goes on as I await another neurosurgeon consult, while waiting on another MRI and consult with pain consultant for an alternative to an epidural. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
Yoga or Pilates pal, I did my back in a few years ago and I went from struggling to get out of bed to the toilet in time to basically being back to normal, albeit I have to maintain my lower back strength
I really understand the struggle, there are answers pal, sick with it |
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Tens machune was only thing that helped me
1st time pulled a boot off with a boot puller 2nd time other leg getting out swimming pool 3rd time both legs after a slip while running
Dine the physio chiropractor painrelief
Yoga and pilates worked for a bit (still do yoga)
Consultant recommended tens machine never had a problem since |
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By *ddy86Man 29 weeks ago
Abram |
"Make sure it’s sciatica first and foremost. I had a MRI on my back due to suspected cauda equina. It’s no laughing matter.
Physio and light exercises
C x"
+1 on this. Currently got a disc bludge at L5/S1 which is impinging the sciatic nerve causing sciatica and pressing (but not currently irritating) the cauda equina. Not a fun prospect  |
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"Gabapebtin is the only medication that actually helps the nerve pain "
Seeds from the Henbane plant are good for nerve pain aswell…..but they will likely cause seizures, vomiting and possibly coma….so it’s a bit of a double edged sword. |
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Pilates. Its working for me. Also bought a standing desk to work at when i have to do some computer work. IKEA do fab electric versions. Just bought custom made shoe insoles as i have sunken foot arches. Lots of back and knee pain is related to feet. |
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Pilates is the answer you are looking for.
Strong and stable lumbar spine will be the most powerful prevention to sciatic nerve pain, both structural impingements and muscular.
I’ve been through surgery twice and spent many months in rehabilitation each time.
There’s some great prescription meds available from a Dr, but a strong and stable lumbar is the answer and recovery/prevention. |
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Id say get yourself checked over, if its muscular the treatment will be totally different to if its nerves or bone
Mine is due to spinal injury thats gone into arthritis
I take a cocktail of pain relief pills
when its really bad, I cant walk then I use my TENS machine and even heavier duty meds. And find laying on the floor beneficial too. |
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"Id say get yourself checked over, if its muscular the treatment will be totally different to if its nerves or bone
Mine is due to spinal injury thats gone into arthritis
I take a cocktail of pain relief pills
when its really bad, I cant walk then I use my TENS machine and even heavier duty meds. And find laying on the floor beneficial too."
Similar here, although I've got a big cage in my spine (l2-s1) so the cold weather really doesn't help either.. |
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I feel for you, this can be horrible
I was/am a fully qualified Sports Massage Therapist, so as others have said try that first, we can often unlock things that are contributors to the condition.
Also, if you know anybody with a TENS machine have a go, this sometimes relieves an in some cases cures. |
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By (user no longer on site) 17 weeks ago
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I have had three episodes of sciatica, in my 20s, 30s and last year at the age of 45. Been to sooo many chiros, physios, osteopaths in the last 15 years, with all sorts of treatments. They are anll short term fix. Even had epidural injection 5 years ago. The main thing is you have to strengthen your core muscles and your back muscles including Glutes.
I use to run a lot and it didn’t damage due to
Me not stretching and also working at a desk all day.
Last year was the worse one, had it in both legs, drs kept fobbing me off, eventually went to hospital a n e, refused to leave until they did MRI, they eventually agreed to do it, got my result in few hours and I had to have an emergency op, ended up with Cauda Equina, 12 months later I still have pins and needles and no more football or running.
Get yourself and MRI and then start your physio and exercises and stay on top of them, you don’t want to go down the surgery route. |
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Sciatica is the WORST, here's my story and how I fixed it at home!
Last year I fucked my back lifting a heavy desk up a flight of stairs on my flat in my own (twat).
By the time I got back in I knew I had done something bad as I couldn't walk properly all i could do was lay down with burning constant extreme PAIN coupled with extreme numbness.
itn got worse the next day and I couldn't walk, bend over, put on socks, even sitting down on a chair to work hurt fkr ages and I've had to stay up and try swig my leg around lol
I live alone so I had to force my limping ass out the house to try make it to a shop and back a bunch of times to get food and pain killers, but I could only make it a short distance before getting 'drop foot' and starting to loose controll of the leg and the extreme numbness at this point felt SO FUCKED I couldn't even feel my foot at all.
This lasted around a month then started to slowly improve, at first it was the numbness and dropfot and ability to walk improved but I still had to end up dealing with 4months of reduced movement, unable to bend over and leg pain which shot dosnfhr back of my leg.
It was bad, after like month 3 I thought I had done lifelong damage somehow answer it was really getting to me. I started researching everything.
what helped the most out of anything was deadhanging from a pull-up bar I did it once every hour until I couldn't hold on anymore, as many times a day as I could
There is some science behind how it works/helps and I watched watched video on it but essentially my sciatic nerve was pinched by the disks in my back so by hanging with all my weight it let the weight and gravity realign the disks and removed the pinching of the sciatic nerve from the disks becuse it opens them up by pulling them downwards releasing pressure on the nerve.
One month after my daily hangs, I could walk normally and pick stuff up and move without pain, run and putting socks on wasn't extremely painful lol and a the numbness in my leg and foot was gone.
I think the video about the sciatic nerve and deadhanging was from a dude called 'Atheleanx' or something like if my memory is correct, he had a video on sciatica recovery.
But yeah sciatica is fucking painful and horrible and I don't ever want it again. But if it does happen again I will just hang as much as I can every single day until it improves.
I hope this helps anyone with sciatica pain from back injury.
Hang hang hang then hang some more   |
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By *hreesCouple (MM) 17 weeks ago
North Wales Coast |
14 years ago I was diagnosed with sciatica, this diagnosis lasted for 2 years. I had all the classic signs of it, when I described the path of the pain to the 3 different doctors I saw, it’s only one of them that came up with a different diagnosis.
As it so happens it wasn’t sciatica it was a total right hip replacement that was required.
Been absolutely fine since. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
Not much help here but just keep trying to move around as sitting for long periods makes it worse.
Swimming would help a little for me when it flares up and hot water bottle. |
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"Really struggling with sciatica stopping me from running again
Trying consistent stretching but not improving
Anyone any suggestions on what works to improve it "
A short course of valium with pain relief really helps me when the pain is at its worse. Ive not had a flare up for 2 years now (touch wood). I took up cycling 2 years a go and I think its helped massively.
Mr |
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By (user no longer on site) 17 weeks ago
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Had it once was in agony .Ended up chatting to a man on here .who was a physiotherapist for injuries and came to my rescue .Naked deep tissue massage and acupuncture was start of my recovery . |
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By *otsossieMan 17 weeks ago
Hard.shoulder of the M1 |
I was seeing nhs and private physios - nerve gliding, manipulation etc and nothing helped.
Private referred on to a colleague who I suspect was a chiropractor, he looked after the rugby team.
Wrung me out like a dishcloth and I rapidly got better.
Also worth checking for things which might be putting pressure on the nerve. I think my hips were out of position but the car seat was also pressing on the nerve and aggravating it. |
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By *en_kMan 17 weeks ago
North West |
Most of 2024 and half of 2025 was spent in agony through sciatica.
For pain relief I had some success with codine based PK and TENS machine worked well sometimes. Have to be wary of codine dependency so switch it up.
No real help from doctor or physio sessions as too sporadic but the latter recommended just 3 exercises which I did in the shower every day - face forward twisting side to side, dropping hands down outside of hips/legs (kind of rocking side to side) and slow squats building up to being in the squat position for 30 seconds or more and I think that these helped.
I used a rotating board to get in/out of the car for a while and and a back brace. Both helped a little.
For work I use a Variers kneeling chair abd can’t recommend that highly enough. Brilliant.
Ultimately though time is what was needed. Alls good now but I’m very aware of how I move, lift and exercise. |
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By *akedMMan 17 weeks ago
Witney |
I get this now and again along with chronic pain. I stretch every morning, go swimming and Tia Chi. Although I am in pain 24/7 , don’t take pain killers unless the pain starts to get uncomfortable then Paracetamol, if it gets worse then co codamol. If it’s really bad Tramadol, a heat pad helps, a tens machine as well . Been to pain rehab plus alternative therapy, pacing yourself helps |
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