SomeWhere over the rainbow 2

[cw68]

husband, I have problems off and on with sciatica. From what I understand about it, bed rest is not good at all even though I think it sounds like it should be.

I recommend going to a chiropractor. My insurance even covers it with just a $15 copay and I think I know why: it takes care of the problem! You do have to find a good chiropractor though, one that doesn't automatically want you to sign up for three months of weekly visits, one that really wants to get rid of your pain and NOT see you all the time. My chiropractor is health nut, a personal trainer and a Mormon so he's all about the body being able to heal itself if you pay attention to it, treat it right and the like. I go just once a month and haven't had any problems since August of last year when it kept feeling like someone was pouring hot water down the back of my hamstring. Weirdest feeling ever.

My sister has gone the traditional doctor route and hasn't found much relief at all. Just drugs for the pain when it happens.

Stretching helps me a ton. When you can do this without passing out, this helps decompress the area: get on your hands and knees. While arching your back tuck your chin down into your chest, lengthening your spin. Then do the reverse and pull your chin towards the sky while doing a reverse arch.

Also, take care in the future to strengthen your back muscles and make sure you have good posture. My chiropractor kept telling me how important it was to get 20 minutes of exercise three times a week, even walking, not overly stressful. I said, yeah yeah yeah. But it does make a huge difference.

Bottom line, once you know you have back problems, work to prevent them because treating them is a b*tch.