ASK DR ZOE ... My sciatica is stopping me driving even with morphine – what’s next?

From thesun.co.uk/health

Q: FOR seven weeks, I have been suffering with sciatica. I have excruciating pain in my left hip and pain down my leg.

My doctor gave me naproxen, co-codamol and morphine as the pain was so bad. Some days, it can be debilitating. I am currently waiting for an MRI. 

I’m unable to drive due to it being impossible to sit because the pain in my hip is so bad. Do you have any advice that could help me?

A: I’m very sorry you’re dealing with all of this!

Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, most commonly from a disc bulge in the lower spine, though arthritis or spinal narrowing can also be responsible.

The pain often starts in the lower back or hip and then radiates down the leg.

It can be sharp, burning or electric in nature.

Sitting is frequently the worst ­position, which fits exactly with what you’re experiencing.

One important but often frustrating point is that the majority of sciatica cases improve on their own.

Up to 80 per cent of people see ­significant improvement within six to eight weeks, even when the pain is initially severe.

This is why MRI scans are not usually arranged immediately.

However, since you have reached the seven-week mark and your pain requires morphine, it is reasonable to ask your GP to chase the referral.

If you get progressive leg weakness, numbness around the groin or your back passage, or problems with bladder or bowel control or rapidly worsening symptoms, you must seek urgent medical attention.

While you’re waiting, gentle to moderate movement, such as short walks, is better than complete rest.

Frequent position changes and avoiding prolonged sitting can also help.

You could discuss nerve-targeted medications like gabapentin or amitriptyline with your GP, as these can sometimes be more effective than the standard painkillers.

Although it might not feel like it right now, most people recover from sciatica without the need for surgery.

Make sure you keep your GP updated and remember that once the underlying cause is identified, effective next steps will be available.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/38027986/sciatica-stopping-driving-morphine-whats-next/