Emerging From a Nasty Case of a Herniated Disk and Sciatica - and Feeling Good

Healing from back pain is a long process but when it finally passes, it will give you a new lease on life. After an excruciatingly painful case of a herniated disk and sciatica in my lowest lumbar vertabrae, my pain has finally subsided. After adapting to being nearly unable to walk or sit up for ten weeks, my hard work finally paid off and it went away. There is still a little stiffness and sensitivity, but the back-stabbing lightening bolts of agony are gone. Having spent most of my time lying down, it gave me the opportunity to think long and hard about the situation and fight it all the way. These are a few things that may help you to heal. Always check with a doctor before trying anything, to see if it will be allright for your condition.

Sleeping on a slab of memory foam

Memory foam is a soft, dense foam made for mattress toppers. Many different sizes and thicknesses are available online, such as on Ebay or Bed, Bath and Beyond. A thicker piece of foam works well for anyone who needs extra support, as it contours to your body. This takes the pressure off your spine, and feels amazing. If it is hurts to lie in your bed, then put a slab of memory foam on the floor and try sleeping there. It was much more comfortable for me than my bed, for some reason. I supplemented the makeshift bed with good, supportive pillows.

Wedge pillows

Along with quality sleeping pillows, wedge pillows work well for back support while lying in bed. The one that worked for me is shaped like a cheese wedge (triangular) and has a roll of memory foam along the bottom. This allows it to be used at different angles, like sitting up, or reclining. Also, put a pillow under your legs, to take the pressure off of your spine, as you recline.

TENS machine

A TENS machine is used by physical therapists for their patients' pain relief. This machine stimulates muscles and distracts the body from pain. It involves giving off mild electrical currents that feel like a massage, by way of small electrodes placed on the skin. It is helpful for the pain, and is easy to use. You can adjust the levels of current to what feels right for you. The little machine hooks on your belt. According to the directions on my unit, TENS machines can even help your body produce endorphins (natural "feel good" chemicals). Whatever it does, it has helped me tremendously.

Lying flat, and being careful of movement while in bed

Since being stricken with the pain of sciatica, I have learned to move differently, in a more spine-friendly way. Instead of just getting up out of bed, try keeping your body straight, rolling to the side, then using your arms to brace your body, roll up out of bed. It takes the pressure off your lower back and builds strength in the arms. Twisting is a no-no, and while in bed, lie flat with a pillow under your knees. My doctor told me to listen to my body and let it tell me what feels good. I no longer sleep configured into a pretzel form, since that is what probably messed up my back in the first place.

Doing everyday activities more mindfully

Sitting up and standing has been very hard for me, let alone walking. Still, it was important to use my muscles daily, so they wouldn't become weak during the healing period. Walking was hard to do but bit, by bit, I did a little more as the weeks went by. It is a slow and steady progress, guided by how the body feels. If it hurts, it's time to stop. When standing, stand with one foot forward, one foot behind. This helps to take the pressure off of the spine. Lifting anything heavy is best left for others to do, but light lifting done carefully is helpful. Consult your doctor for the proper techniques in lifting for your condition. It has taken me awhile to get to the point to be able to do much of any lifting, taking it slow has helped me heal. Now, lifting is possible, and my strength grows daily. It is such a relief to see the body slowly coming back to its former, pain-free state. The key is not to overdo anything when you feel better. Slow and steady progress is what worked for me.

The pain of a herniated disk and sciatica is truly horrifying, but in time, the pain should lessen. Make sure to not go through the experience alone; find a spine doctor (called a physiatrist) or at least see your general doctor for a recommendation. For more detailed information on spine health and finding a doctor, try this helpful site: http://www.spine-health.com/index.html . Toughing it out alone is not an option, because the pain is immense and needs professional help. They will take x-rays, probably do an MRI or CT scan, to see where the pain originates from. My doctor gave me pain pills, muscle relaxants and had me visit the physical therapist. No more handling back pain alone for me, my body has made it clear that it was time to pay attention to the spine. Step-by-step, healing happens. Good luck and stay positive.