What NOT to do if you have Sciatica 

So much conflicting advice on this topic - all from "experts", "Dr.'s", professionals, etc. Why isn't there a clear answer? One says to stretch the side hurting, another says only stretch the opposite side. One says don't use ice, the other says only use heat while another says use both! WTF?!

I just watched a video by another doctor and she said the exact opposite of what you said. All these conflicting opponions from assumed professionals are why the internet should not be your go-to when you are facing health issues

It seems to me that treating sciatica symptoms is not treating the root problem, so an accurate diagnosis should first be made. Where do you put the ice? Under the thigh, on the lumbar area, where?

Thank, you

Hi can u pls tell me of planning a pregnancy is okay in disc herniation? Which is not painful anymore

I'll be damed if this is not the best information I have seen on RU-vid about this problem. This lady makes the most sense. Thank you

Best advise. I have back problem and had 2 surgeries, Now I am having a sciatica again and I didn't know what to do , I tried a lot of different exercise to help reduce the pain for the past 3 days. Now I realized that the more I do the bending back ward and stretching the back and legs the more pain that I have. Now I learned that I should have let it be alone to heal itself. Then I watched your clip , I agree with you 100%. Everything you said on that clip is true.I wished I that I watched your clip before I watched others and did a lot bending and stretching. Thank you for your advise. I am using ice pack now to reduce the swelling. Thanks millions.

I had to watch this again. I got a scan yesterday and walked around the shops thinking I was doing good to keep moving but now watching again I can't walk it out unless I'm walking properly. Waking up in mornings is so painful, just rest today. Thank you again, I should of took notes. 🙏

I was doing all the wrong things, especially heat pads, which caused heat rashes. Thank you...

In my opinion your video on sciatica makes more sense than anything else I've heard or read before.

Im not saying you r wrong, you r right but it may not work for EVERYONE… different people responded differently and that may be for many reasons. Some ppl may hv other underlying health or chronic issues so whatever options that works best for them may not work for others. In my case i now know how and why it happen to me only now. Tq anyway for the info

I've been in pain almost the entire month of July and 3 days ago I just stopped stretching and today was remarkably better. I may still see the orthopedic doctor referred by my chiropractor. Thank you for this awesome video.

Thank you! I was obsessed with stretching and using heating pad and pain chronically worse! Taking all your advice, here!

I highly recommend seeing a Physical Therapist and they will guide you on the proper exercises.It worked for me. My pain level was a10 after 2 months went from hardly walking to walking before Sciatica pain had set in🙏❤

I’m on day 3 with sciatica and it’s the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life! It hurts worse than labor contractions. I was watching videos by professionals just like everyone else looking for relief. I was heating and stretching with no relief. I will stop that now and try your suggestions. I need some relief from this pain, it is diminishing my quality of life.

Wow! I'm glad I found this. I recently had a flare up that crippled me for two weeks. Several weeks before the flare up I was seeing a PT to address tightness in my hamstrings. We started some stretching routines which helped my hamstrings, but the end result was the worst flare up I've ever had of sciatica. I was using heat to ease pain and just tried ice minimally. While ice seemed to help I wasn't sure which one to use. Now I know. I am seeking an expert in my area because I don't want to endure this pain ever again.

The stretching reminds me of the MRI where the tech locked my head then pulled hard on my feet, which was extreme pain. Having all 3 big nerves in each leg playing up at the same time is no fun. I have 2 discs bulging (L4 & L5) plus unstable S-I joints. I find that bringing my feet together while on my back and allow my legs to relax and fall open for as long as possible is very helpful.

You've explained why my sciatic flare-up was not responding to the stretches recommended by my physiotherapist. Instead I decided to rest more and take short walks which eased the symptoms after a few days.

I did all the exercises I could find on you tube yesterday then put a heat pack on and went to bed. Couldn't get out of bed this morning in so much pain. Wish I had seen this clip. Thank you.

Nothing works for me

Thank you so much for this. I just started getting the symptoms around a week ago. Of course, most of the advice on YT is against what you just said. Thank God I found you at my early stage. Earlier today, I just started doing extension exercise. I'll stop them now. Is there any way you provide online consulation?

Yes! Your bold honest approach is exactly what we need. 2 questions: Where do we apply the ice/cold pack? How do seniors or overweight people manage what is inflexible?

This is absolutely first class advice. I know this because I have had sciatic problems for many years and it flairs up from time to time and has done right now which is how I discovered your video! It is 3 days now since it started and I have been wearing heat pads over where the epicentre of the pain is which is around the piriformis, although it is going right down my left leg. Despite the temporary relief from the pads, I have been unable for 3 days to get out of bed in the morning. despite wearing the pads all night, without excruciating pain. (I have some mildish discomfort around the left hip all year round when getting out of bed.) Yesterday and today, however, by keeping moving gently, the pain has subsided as the day wore on and becomes manageable with a walking stick until of course the following morning. I also made the mistake of following NHS advice (here in the UK) to do the exercises which made things a whole lot worse. The problem I have is that at 75, I still run with my dog and cycle a lot up steep hills, neither of which are possible right now, nor is driving. Since what I have done previously has not worked, I shall follow your advice, which, in addition to the medical advice, makes sound common sense. Thank you.

After mentioning there is a 'root cause' I listened eagerly to the rest of the video in anticipation of finding an explanation only to find none.

I just watched a video of a Dr who recommends slight stretches for Sciatica and explained why light stretching is good for the sciatic nerve and it made sense. Now I watch this video that says not to do stretches and it makes sense. Now I don't know whether I should do stretches or not. This is my problem when watching video's on health issues, 500 video's will tell you why you should do something and 500 video's will tell why you shouldn't do them, very confusing.

Sciatica, either caused by lower back issues or piriformis weakness does not like high levels of sugar in your blood interfering with the healing process. I do a low carb diet reset and while on non prescribed pain killer try to do little of strength exercises, also supplements B complex in case of myelin wearing off.

You are exactly right. Sciatica appeared 4 days ago. Don’t know what I did or how, but it is very painful and limiting for an active person. I did some stretches last night before bed, thinking that would help, and woke up worse than ever. Sounds like more rest is in order for now. Very thankful that standing is not painful, so much activity is still possible, like canning the garden harvest that is coming in gangbusters! Thanks for all the tips! You are so appreciated! Will watch the next video also.

The symptoms I experience are right exactly what I feel sciatica pain mild exercises and acupressure points therapy help to lessen sciatica pain thank you so much God bless ✨

So what does it mean if you have front thigh pain too?

I have been diagnosed with sciatica at age 25. I'm a teacher and keep standing for more than 6 hrs to teach in classroom.....I don't know how can one get sciatica so early

My doctor said that be active plus for the legs would help sciatic if it gos from the back part of the hip to the knee. That it could ease the pain a little bit so I could walk a little bit better. What do you think about this 🤔

I totally agree to this, my husband has been suffering from this brutal pain of sciatica he did stretching, hot compress, exercises and lot that judt worsened the pain. Then he tried doing all the opposites like rest, ice cold compress, enough movement, takes vit b complex he’s gradually feeling better now.

Thanks much!! 🙏 for the wonderful advice!

Finally, someone who’s informative and knowledgeable and helpful on RU-vid, Thanks for this!

Thanks for a great video. What about going to a chiropractor or massage therapy? Good idea?

I’m really starting to believe, these videos are the worst thing you could be paying attention to, they can’t be tailored to YOU. What I wish we had was a list by city of the patient rated best DR to see about the condition you have. I woke one day with this condition, and could barely walk for over 3 months , for six weeks I went to a chiropractor, and finally I asked if I needed an MRI, after the MRI he sent be to an Orthopedic Doctor, I had a cyst that was touching the nerve, he also fused the L4, after surgery I could walk, but 8 months after surgery I still have back pain when bending to pick up something or standing after sitting--I have done PT, I stretch almost everyday, I wish I knew what else to do for help? But I think this is how it’s gonna be from now on…….but I can walk.

I’ve been in miserable pain for 2 weeks. I did do the Cobra & Wall Glide extensions right away and wished I hadn’t. I have been walking a little everyday but I’ll start icing instead of the heat. I have L4, L5 & S1 problems according to X-rays.

It’s a combination of heat & cold. Ice to reduce inflammation, but heat is important to get the blood flowing around. Heat allowed me to stop the numbness in my toe.

Every word she spoke is so true it depends on each body is difference try out what really works for you , don't go for surgery, i hav siactic nerve issue from past 3 months on my right side i took a week rest , took Homeopathy medicine, tool Alopathy pain killer later consulted Neurologist after 15days i saw some videos & did mild strech, kept doing whichever work i could do i didn't long rest, then i was advised MRI SCAN, the reports told L5-S1 Mild grade I spondylolisthesis, L4-L5 Mild diffuse disc Bulge. I was suggested to wear Lumbar belt given 1month medication. Now i am feeling much better i am to do all the work ride my bike with the belt support. Long way to go i keep hearing to my body signals we many times tend to neglect. Keep watch on your daily activities adjust accordingly all will go well.

I've been struggling with sciatica and piriformis issues for a couple of years now. It gets extremely bad and I struggle to find any kind of relief. I can't even lay down in bed without getting pain. I'm grateful to find any information that might help.

OMG I am glad I found you on u - tube,now I understand much better about Sciatica, I am having problem since couple years, it does not go away, from u-tube I learn some exercise and I try to do but it does not help. It is kind a no win situation. From now I am going to listen your video and learn more about it . Thank you very much. My name is Pratima

Hello. Where is the link for the best exercises to do with sciatica? Thank you!. 🙂

I've heard that standing on a vibration plate machine is good for sciatica, as well as many other health issues. However, when I use my machine for even a short time, I do not feel better afterwards! I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you for your helpful video! 😊

Good advice. I wasn't sure if I should be stretching. Right now I'm bedridden but it's only day 2 . I should just be resting right now and that is what feel best. I can barely get to the bathroom without extreme pain.

There is zero consistency among " experts." Based on this video, I can only walk.

Resting while taking over the counter anti inflammation pills-like advil- and most importantly letting it heal in TIME is the best way. You have to heal the inflammation first. DON'T IRRITATE IT MORE WITH STRETCHES BEFORE IT HEALS....

I tend to agree with the majority of comments. I had a procedure done in 2019 on my right hip to relieve the pressure off a pinched nerve. It resurfaced not too long ago and the exercises I've seen does not work. I shall follow your advise and thank you for this informative information.

I dealt with terrible sciatica pain a few years ago, lasted for over 6 months.Nothing helped including meds, and pt. I was just ready to get the shot to help, luckily the pain just went away prior to my appt, almost as quickly as it came on. Can you address your thoughts on the shot,which may help for 6months,I think.? Also, I find sitting on hard surfaces, such as a dining room chair, as opposed to the couch , for me that definitely has helped. If you can address that also.Thanks for your helpful videos.

Honestly I’m so confused. My osteopath said heat is good for blood supply Ice for only 5 mins.

I have 2 back operations remove L5.....ftom sense then the I kiting me beside back pain...when I do exercises is worst...what can do at 70byears old no money ....feel like I am over

I also have a horrible knot in my left butt cheek. I had caused myself a problem where my left hip was not in the right place it pushed my tailbone (that turns the opposite way normal tailbones turn) over the chiropractor fixed that part but now that knot in my butt cheek is killer.

Thank you for your tips. It really helps me to deal with it with less pain. I always thought that the hot cream or hot bubbles water help, but I was wrong. It made worse, but now I put ice it much better and help in long run.

Great video, but the subtitles with the "following the bouncing ball" is extremely distracting and detracts from the video.

So true. 1. Heat is only good as muscle relaxant, harmful as induces inflammation. 2. I stayed in bed for a few days, and it became an excruciating pain l was not able even to lie in bed, l was screaming. Only ‼️‼️‼️1 Nsaid anti- inflammatory Naproxen helped

Been suffering for year and finally gone. But last week it's came again. The pain is horrible

I have it my first time I’m going crazy.. day 7 i suffer from chronic pain for 12 years …. Crazy pain got me goid

I find the subtitles in this video distracting and nerve-wracking, and I can't turn them off. The way the words are highlighted is like when someone talks to you, he shouts out every word. I don't know why you came up with such an idea. I gave up after 26 seconds. Don't worry about me, though, as other viewers don't seem to have a problem with it.

I was going to a PT MILL for my knees and Piroformis. By week 5 I had sciatica. They had me sitting on hot packs .

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video. I've been dealing with back issue's for many year's had a wonderful chiropractor that kept me pain free when we lived in the US and didn't believe in surgery or medication. She was big in the body being able to heal itself. Now I'm removed from her and in constant daily pain in the lower back, hips, radiating pain and numbness in thigh and after a MRI the doctor wants to perform a Radiofrequency Ablation for pain management. What are your thoughts on this procedure. I'm hesitant. I also treated my issue wrong with heat. So thank you so much for your video!

I'm sorry but I just don't trust anyone anymore. Everyone says something different. How do you know that you can trust this person or that person. I don't know why there isn't a quide that everyone agrees upon . It's time that money was spent on things like this. Not research into finding out how poop fits through a rectum. I know that's gross but it's true . This gives people so much pain and it can go on a long time. If you've never had it then you don't really know.

funny been doing all the wrong things heat, stretching etc, Thanks so much Dr. Amy

Thanks for this information, I have been doing wrong things because I use heating most of the time thinking it will alleviate the pain. I would like to know is advisable to go for a massage when I have sciatic nerve pain or consult a chiropractor?

Out of desperation with sciatica ..l did a few stair step movements..l can walk..but is this a good movement to do..🇨🇦

I have pain in my left hip and someone the front of the leg. This started a month ago. Don't know if it's a pulled muscle or sciatica. What type of dr do I go too. No OTC meds work. Thanks.

I have sciatica nerve and lumber spondylosis for one year now and when I go for physio it becomes more worse what should I do now?

Ive had those nerves cut 3 times. Still cant do anything because of the pain. Nothing works 😢

So glad to have found your advice. I did all the things that you asked to avoid , it made the symptom getting worse. I ‘ll try out your advice. Thanks🙏🙏

I have sciatica I also have to titanium hips I walk with crutches no matter what I do the pain is the worst I ever had and it just wont go away my doctor just gave me pain relief but it dont work

Most say don't stretch. Strengthen the muscles in your hips seems to be the majority of the advice.

So i am stuck in bed for 2nd day....basically i got out of bed to go to the toilet, on getting up from the toilet i had the worst pain ive had in my life. Took me 45 minutes to manage to get back in bed...now im afraid to get up because so far everytime i try the severe pain comes back. What do i do?? Rest more?? Tia

if I put hot water in it, I feel comfortable and I do exercise at the same time. in that case, it will also come back when I work, especially when I stand up and sit down so that I feel ok, or I exercise, or so that I feel comfortable, or that I feel better.

Can you do video exercises showing DO'S & DON'TS !

Wow, thanks for your vdo. I am having sciatic nerve right now and been doing the stretches according to other vdos to no avail. I am going to rest and see if it's better.

I've been dealing with sciatica for over 3 months now and I can't stand or walk for more than a few minutes and I have to sit or lay down to relieve the pain. X rays showed no herniated disc so I'm trying to get a MRI. Not sure what is causing the pain but it starts on the left side of my lower back and travels down through my hamstring and to my upper calf. The weird thing is driving home from work the pain disappears until I step out of car then it feels like a lighting bolt down my leg. I really hope I don't have to go through this the rest of my life.

Hello, I just finished watching this video as i am home from work due to severe sciatica pain. I've actually been living with this current episode for the past six weeks which seems to be the longest I've ever experienced sciatica. I've been functioning with it only because I've been taking massive amounts of ibuprofen... Which i hate doing, but it's been helping me to bear through. Recent liver and kidney tests showed they were good atm so I'll quit as soon as the pain dissipates. Here's my issues and my questions for you. I do have two lower bulging discs, diagnosed ten yrs ago (I am about 100 lbs overweight, I'm 61 yo). I also have osteoarthritis on my low spine, hip and knee, all on right side. Mild neuropathy. I do not have diabetes nor pre. All my tests actually came out normal - i am dealing with EXTREME inflammation, which i attribute 100% of my problems to. Exercise and low inflammatory diet was helping me lose weight and feel great actually until the sciatica showed up. The thing that kept me home from work however was NOT all this pain, but the CALF pain that just came on the scene! It's killer pain, every step is a firey hot poker right in my calf muscle, similar to a Charley horse from hell that CANNOT be massaged away. Dr suggested cortisone shot to help me get relief so i can continue exercising (and working) and getting on with lowering my inflammation. What's your thoughts on cortisone shots? He suggested knee and hip, I'm thinking lower back but that makes me nervous- close to the spine. My other question is, is rebounding ok to do with bulging discs?? It's supposed to be good for the lymphatic system but some things I've read say not to do if you have a herniated disc. I'm interested only in the gentle bouncing. I also do walk in place for exercise (before sciatica hit), just as an FYI. I think that's everything! I look forward to binging your video playlist today when I'm home. Thank you for your time!

Now I know why after 2 weeks of dealing with sciatic pain it has only become worse. It's my first time dealing with this and it has been awful. While I did not stretch things in the beginning, thank God, other videos say to switch between ice and heat. I stopped using heat at all because it made my pain start throbbing, now I know why. Thank you for this informative video. I'm going to change things up and see if I can finally be rid of this awful pain.

Should you see a chiropractor for a couple of sessions to see if that helps.

I have severe sciatica pain in my hip and the back of mythigh down to my toes what can i do also numness i my feet

I purchased an inversion table

I am confuse to all the advice given to the sufferer. To whom do we believe and who is right.

I live on Long Island NY and this Winter ever time I got into the car to go to VA Hospital 45 minutes to hour or so I put the heated Seat ON !!! When I got to VA I had no Problems ! I question you Dr Status ??? 🤦🏼

It is much easier to understand where is what, if you show a picture!

My sciatica got worser doing squats now I can barely get up for a week now

I don’t believe you girl…hahaha

I have been in Sciatic nerve pain for weeks. I got my cortizone shot a week ago and the pain got worst, which is expected. I'm still recovering and praying that the pain goes down more as the days go by. I have people telling me to do this or do that or stretch this or stretch that. My gut always told me to not do it. Came across your video today and you confirmed it for me. Thank you. ❤

I had two Epidurals. The second one helped for about a month. But the pain in my right hip is horrible. I injured my back in the L4 & L5 I can't live like this. I've always been a very active person 🤔😫

The stretches made me worse Chiropractic treatment is way better mine is L4 L5

You mentioned that if the pain is from the side of the hip down the leg and foot that it may not be sciatica. If so then what would it be?

I got discal herniation for last 13years when I do physiotherapy pulling stretching in the office I am fine after I arrived home I couldn't get up keeps continued six months they forced me back to work L5 L4 S1 S2 problems shows in MRI CT Scan, Xray , doctor not was not accepted things got worsening I do epidural injection everyfour months for last four years my hip and left leg, Calf's hurt hard to walk...( TAQ is not Fair at all) The So called expertise was rude just says "bickering walk make things better" (I asked do the bike work with voice or wind?) Evenif the injection last three months Sciatica thing never go away need extra care no stretches pulling pushing I think your explanation I found it much experienced. Thanks, 🇨🇦

What an excellent video, so happy I found you, I'll be listening to your entire playlist on sciatica. I've had 2 bad attacks of sciatica last 2 weeks. My situation is quite complicated, ad I have 16 pins and screws in my lower lumbar and thorasic spine fused, and the sciatic nerve runs through an artificial hip done 6 years ago. Luckily both bouts of the attack subsided by the next day but it was so debilitating that my entire leg went numb and I couldn't bear any weight on the effected side. I'm getting xrays on my hip tomorrow and see the surgeon who did the artificial hip next week. In the meantime your video has been spot on and I just know the playlist will be of help. Thank you!

Male 18 yrs old here i think i got sciatica nerve thing is it common it hurts alot

She's right about heat. It made it worse for me

Currently suffering from so much pain right now, my butt right down my leg, hip

My experience using heat made my sciatica worst now I’m using iced pack getting better 👍

What is move correctly with sciatica? I have some limping but Dr said no surgery yet. I'm walking 30 to 70 min aday. Foot numb but walking helps my body and mind. What about bike or stairs? Nobody is tells us concrete exercises. My PT exercise did not help because I have l5s1 herniated disc. This is so hard

So don't move an inch

Wow, great information that I haven’t heard before! I will definitely take this into consideration. Thanks!!

Will adjustments at the chiropractor help?

Thank you for this advice ❤

I wish I found your video first. I seem to injure myself yearly. Every time I injure myself I try doing the stretching and they never help. The first time I tried heat and couldn't move the next day. This time I was still mobile and the pain was minimal until I sat on the couch. Now my back is pulled to one side and it hasn't released yet.