Hi I have been diagnosed for nearly two years and often had back ache but since March I`ve had sciatica. The pain down my right leg is like an electric shock and I have awful back ache. I`ve been told my GP this is caused by the pressure on my right side due to the PD affecting my left side. The doctor prescribed pain killers/anti inflammatory (Naprosyn) but it affects my PD meds and stops them working also physio but its doing no good.
I just wondered if any one has experienced this or has a miracle cure as i`m at my whits end. I can cope with the tremor, anxiety, stiffness, slowness & tiredness and any other symptom PD can throw at me but sciatica is the limit!!
Sorry to sound so fed up but its great to have people who understand I just hope someone can give me some advice.
Big C (Chris)
Hi Big C,
I had had sciatic type pain, not the full blown electric shock, but unpleasant enough like toothache, which was worst at night and in fact just lately its niggling a bit but I can sleep. Have you tried lying on your side with a bolster or similar between your parallel legs (not necessarily straight). It works for me and has at least helped with others I suggested it to. The theory is it keeps your spine in the optimum position avoiding undue pressure. Someone else on this forum who took up this suggestion was ecstatic at getting the first night's real sleep for weeks. Worth a go.
I had had sciatic type pain, not the full blown electric shock, but unpleasant enough like toothache, which was worst at night and in fact just lately its niggling a bit but I can sleep. Have you tried lying on your side with a bolster or similar between your parallel legs (not necessarily straight). It works for me and has at least helped with others I suggested it to. The theory is it keeps your spine in the optimum position avoiding undue pressure. Someone else on this forum who took up this suggestion was ecstatic at getting the first night's real sleep for weeks. Worth a go.
I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that. Sciatica pain can be unbearable, and I can totally understand how it feels like the last straw on top of everything else. I had a similar issue where the pain shot down my leg and it was miserable. Heat packs, light stretches, and short walks gave me some temporary relief, but what really made a difference was talking to a specialist instead of just relying on painkillers.
Since Naprosyn is interfering with your Parkinson’s meds, it might be worth asking about other options. Some people I know have had good experiences with places like OC Wellness Physicians, since they focus more on pain and nerve issues. It might not be a miracle cure, but sometimes a new approach can at least make the pain more manageable.
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Hi Big C. I know it’s a long time ago you posted about your sciatica but as I now have it i’m trying to find out as much as possible about it. Did it just go on its own? My GP said eventually it will but is reultant to give me anything for the pain.
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Hi SC,
I’m new here but well versed in PD and sciatica. There could be many different reasons for sciatic pain and mine comes from scoliosis. Rest will not help most of the time, gentle exercises and movement will and a lot will depend on the root cause of the pain. I have been living with it for 5-6 years and in my experience a competent physio is your best bet. It would be useful to find out what is pressing on the nerve in your case perhaps just an X-ray might help shed light on the issue. Meanwhile I always go with one or more of these exercises
All the best and take care
Alex
Hi Alex. Thanks for replying and your help. I understand according to my GP and physios that my sciatic nerve is being aggrevated by the piriformis muscle and not being pinched in the spine. Yes, I am doing the exercises my physios have asked me to do daily and I have noticed that I’m far worse after sitting or when I get up in the morning. I shall take a look at the stretches you’ve suggested - looks like some of the ones I’ve been doing already. Any help is useful and talking to a fellow sufferer as I don’t know anyone who has had sciatica and no one seems to realise how painful it can be! Thanks again.
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Hi SC,
Indeed, prolonged sitting is terrible and the piriformis muscle has a lot to answer for 
After trying many different treatments and therapies my current solution is daily exercises - as boring as that!
All the best!
Alex
Hi i found pilates helped - basically strengthening my core 
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Thanks Dookie. Any help and advice much appreciated.
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Thanks Johnmichael. It’s very reassuring to talk to other people who’ve been through this.