Sciatica and traction

[singlecoil]

My wife and I both suffer a varying amount of sciatic pain. in my case right hip and down the right leg, certain amount of sort of numbness in my right foot.

A few years ago when we lived in another area my wife went to a physiotherapist that had a proper traction bed and that helped for a while. We've tried replicating the effect, she lies on the bed and I pull on her foot for a while and that helps a bit too. She isn't strong or heavy enough to do it to me though.

AFAIK none of the physiotherapists in my area (Aylesbury) has such a device. Is it worth seeking one out? Is there a method I could try at home? Other suggestions?

TIA

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

singlecoil said:

My wife and I both suffer a varying amount of sciatic pain. in my case right hip and down the right leg, certain amount of sort of numbness in my right foot.

A few years ago when we lived in another area my wife went to a physiotherapist that had a proper traction bed and that helped for a while. We've tried replicating the effect, she lies on the bed and I pull on her foot for a while and that helps a bit too. She isn't strong or heavy enough to do it to me though.

AFAIK none of the physiotherapists in my area (Aylesbury) has such a device. Is it worth seeking one out? Is there a method I could try at home? Other suggestions?

TIA

Inversion table.

[FazerBoy]

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

[jules_s]

I'd look into Ankylosing Spondylitis stretches first

I'm not a physio though - just a suggestion for good balanced stretches - there was another thread recently

[singlecoil]

FazerBoy said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

Unfortunately I have a tendency towards BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), that looks like the kind of motion that would set it off, your suggestion would be ideal otherwise.

[singlecoil]

jules_s said:

I'd look into Ankylosing Spondylitis stretches first

I'm not a physio though - just a suggestion for good balanced stretches - there was another thread recently

I've Googled that thanks, but it doesn't seem to be my issue.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

You tried swimming - specifically breaststroke?

Stopped me having to have a discectomy. Best advice ever from a physio.

[smifffymoto]

My chiropractor told me one of the better things you can do to help was simply stay hydrated and walk alot.

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

jules_s said:

I'd look into Ankylosing Spondylitis stretches first

I'm not a physio though - just a suggestion for good balanced stretches - there was another thread recently

This is a potentially bad suggestion. AS stretches can most definitely help some issues, but likewise can make other issues far worse.

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

singlecoil said:

FazerBoy said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

Unfortunately I have a tendency towards BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), that looks like the kind of motion that would set it off, your suggestion would be ideal otherwise.

Assume you've had Epley's manoeuvre done a few times?

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

smifffymoto said:

My chiropractor told me one of the better things you can do to help was simply stay hydrated and walk alot.

Sounds like yours is a disc issue? I've often got good results with giving out McKenzie protocol (usually prone extension is the only one needed in most disc cases in early days) coupled with treatment. But yes, stay off the alcohol.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a good diet can help no end, and there's some significant evidence that high dose magnesium citrate can help, as well as methylcobalamin (liposomal) can really help too.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pA2d-7aQjwSVAuuQ0...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oU3c3sWShxdZGxmKT...

There's a very good reason I specify liposomal for B12. Of interested and want recommendations let me know. Not all supplements are equal

[singlecoil]

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

singlecoil said:

FazerBoy said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

Unfortunately I have a tendency towards BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), that looks like the kind of motion that would set it off, your suggestion would be ideal otherwise.

Assume you've had Epley's manoeuvre done a few times?

I've tried that in the past when I've had an attack, but I have found that prevention is way better than cure.

[FazerBoy]

singlecoil said:

FazerBoy said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

Unfortunately I have a tendency towards BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), that looks like the kind of motion that would set it off, your suggestion would be ideal otherwise.

Ah. Would that still be triggered if the movement to turn upside-down and thus stretch out your spine was carried out very slowly and gradually, a few degrees at a time with pauses in between? It doesn’t have to be accomplished in one sweeping motion…

[singlecoil]

FazerBoy said:

singlecoil said:

FazerBoy said:

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

Inversion table.

Yes, this is what you want to look at…

Unfortunately I have a tendency towards BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), that looks like the kind of motion that would set it off, your suggestion would be ideal otherwise.

Ah. Would that still be triggered if the movement to turn upside-down and thus stretch out your spine was carried out very slowly and gradually, a few degrees at a time with pauses in between? It doesn’t have to be accomplished in one sweeping motion…

I don't know, it's only a chance that it might set it off. When I do have an attack it leaves me effectively unable to stand up for about 6-8 hours, usually spent sitting in front of a toilet spewing occasionally until I'm completely empty. So even a chance is enough to make me very wary.

[Slagathore]

Can you use straps/bands to create the same effect?

Anchor it on to something and wrap it around your ankle and pull yourself back.

Might find some similar techniques on Youtube under banded distraction.