Question 1

should i use ice or heat for sciatica, after a week?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: Sciatica can be caused from a variety of conditions. Most commonly, a ruptured disc causes impingement of the nerve root. Patients with diabetes are susceptible to a stroke of the nerve and this can lead to sciatica. If the pain persists for more than a week then the patient should seek attention with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to determine the cause of the sciatica and formulate a treament.

Question 2

what are the best stretches for sciatica? pain goes from tailbone through left buttocks down leg into left ankle. is heat or ice better?

Accepted Answer

Hamstring stretches: Sounds like pressure on a nerve root in your back probably L5 or s1. Stretching the hamstrings may help but i recommend you see a physician and have imaging of the lumbar spine.

Question 3

sciatica x 1 week.  what can i do to help the pain?  is heat or cold better?  ouch!

Accepted Answer

May require NSAIDS : or prednisone ( a cortisone derivative ) , or use of high dose NSAIDS ( ibuprofen-600-800 mg) or  naproxen sodium ( Aleve)- 200- 500mg .
It is often necessary to provide low dose narcotic medication.

Question 4

can i use moist heating pad to manage sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The sciatic nerve can be irritated because of a herniated disc, arthritis that results in tightening of the spinal canal, falls, injuries, or other rare reasons (tumors, infections). Anti-inflammatory medications, alternating heat/cold therapy, physical therapy (especially with traction) can be helpful to relieve sciatic pain.

Question 5

i have sciatica and have been literally sitting on a heating pad for hours at a time.  could this be making the pain worse?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: You would want to make sure you are not using the heating pad to the extent it is causing a burn or other soft tissue injury to the area.  In general, topical heat or cold are ok to try, but usually don't have too much affect on patients with sciatica.  This is because the root of the problem is deep in the spine at the level of the nerve roots, and tooicL heat or cold does not change core temp

Question 6

i had sciatica 8 months ago on my left side. it got better. but right now it is like i am laying on a heating pad on that side above my hip. very warm. no pain just heat. what is causing this?

Accepted Answer

: I think your left sciatic nerve is still showing some irritation by a bulging disc or spur in your lumbosacral spine.  An MRI and/or an EMG would demonstrate such a condition. Your neurologist can advise you best, however.

Question 7

calf is achey. history of sciatica. the arch of foot seems to be collapsing with weigh. a little tender to touch. no swelling, heat, or redness. cause?

Accepted Answer

Calf pain: Consider posterior tibial is tendon dysfunction with your fallen arch. May be residua of pinched nerve. Consider DVT also as a more ominous condition.

Question 8

can ice help to reduce sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic pain: Yes. Ice is an excellent anti-inflammatory option. Try alternating moist heat to relax muscles and ice to reduce swelling. Physical therapy and stretching exercises are important additions to reduce the pain and prevent recurrence of the pain.

Question 9

is it normal to have an ice cold foot with low back pain and sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Cold feet: Can happen with sciatica but must also think about peripheral vascular disease  and disorders involving sympathetic nerves etc if it persists.

Question 10

i am experiencing  sciatica, back pain (severity: severe) (side: lower)  and hip pain. i have a movable hard lump the size of a baseball on the right lower side of my spine.  i just noticed this a day ago.  ice,  rest, antianflammatories are not work?

Accepted Answer

Exam: You must be examined and imaged,preferably with MRI, I suggest UC clinic or ER today.

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Doctor answers about:

Sciatica heat or ice

A member asked:

Should i use ice or heat for sciatica, after a week?

A member asked:

What are the best stretches for sciatica? pain goes from tailbone through left buttocks down leg into left ankle. is heat or ice better?

A member asked:

Sciatica x 1 week. what can i do to help the pain? is heat or cold better? ouch!

A member asked:

Can i use moist heating pad to manage sciatica?

A member asked:

I have sciatica and have been literally sitting on a heating pad for hours at a time. could this be making the pain worse?

A member asked:

I had sciatica 8 months ago on my left side. it got better. but right now it is like i am laying on a heating pad on that side above my hip. very warm. no pain just heat. what is causing this?

A member asked:

Calf is achey. history of sciatica. the arch of foot seems to be collapsing with weigh. a little tender to touch. no swelling, heat, or redness. cause?

A member asked:

Can ice help to reduce sciatica pain?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have an ice cold foot with low back pain and sciatica?

A member asked:

I am experiencing sciatica, back pain (severity: severe) (side: lower) and hip pain. i have a movable hard lump the size of a baseball on the right lower side of my spine. i just noticed this a day ago. ice, rest, antianflammatories are not work?

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