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sciatica

joel baldwinsonjoel baldwinson Posts: 4
in Problem solving

hi spring seems to have arrived in leeds but i have been told by my doctor that shouldn't garden at the moment because I'm still having trouble with my back

i slipped a disc in my lower back eight weeks ago now and although there has been improvement i am still in pain image

anyway am not going to moan just wondered if anyone could relate to my problem and if so are you still able to garden because am beginning to lose hope and my mind

all the best joel

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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Central Norfolk UKPosts: 82,102

    Joel, I'm so sorry to hear of your problems - speaking as someone from a family of 'back problems' I'll say please do as your doctor tells you, keep your back warm and also keep it flexible, and lobby your GP for some physio as soon as he thinks you're ready.  

    Gardening in the garden really is not a good idea for you at the moment, but what about some windowsill gardening?  You could  buy a pelargonium and take some  cuttings, or cultivate an enthusiasm for cacti, or sow some coleus seeds and pot them on and grow loads and loads of them as houseplants and bedding plants and sell them to your friends to raise funds for all the gardening you're going to do when you're better. 

    Good luck and keep us up to date with how you're getting on image

    Oh, and don't lift anything heavier than a kettle!!!

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Caz WCaz W Posts: 1,353

    Hi Joel.  I had the same problem a few years ago and it did take a while for the pain to go.  I had physio which helped a little and later acupuncture which helped a lot (I know it doesn't work for everyone but when you're in pain you'll try anything).  I also bought a TENS machine from the chemist, after checking with my doctor is was OK, and that provided relief too.  Keep warm and don't sit still for too long.  I also found a hot water bottle on my back for no more than 20 mins at a time eased the pain too.  Now I can garden but know my limits and don't try to keep going once my back starts twinging.  It can take a while but be patient and as Dove says try and do some gardening jobs that don't need lifting or bending.

  • Alan4711Alan4711 LincolnshirePosts: 1,657
    Hi Joel, most of the people on our allotment are not youngsters anymore and they all agree little by little gets the job done, plenty of tea or coffee, lots of chat, loads of moans about the weather ,slugs, and snails and a good laugh and there you go, iv had a problem lower back for years so steady as you go matey

    good luck Alan4711
  • Bunny ...Bunny ... Posts: 3,471
    I have it , walking actually helps mine .
  • nutcutletnutcutlet PeterboroughPosts: 26,848

    Walking in as near normal position as you can manage is very good.

    I try and do a bit of weeding on my hands and knees, not that successful and getting up can be difficult but it's less frustrating than doing nothing. Frustration is usually worse than the pain after the first few days for me.

    bad time of year for a bad back, sorry Joel. Hope it improves soon

  • clogherheadclogherhead Posts: 506

    Hi , I suffer also from sciatica and i am on a tablet called "Difane" it helps mask the pain which is like a burning sensation down my r/leg it also comes as a Gel and spray ask your GP

    regards Derek

  • joel baldwinsonjoel baldwinson Posts: 4

    Thanks for your comments and helpful tips i will let you know how i get on . I have started sowing my salads and half hardy annuals a few weeks ago in my old trusty plastic green house and there has been good germination so far that cheered me up it amazing what a few seeds can do. i will just have to leave to heavier jobs until next year

    thanks again joel

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  • Maud is in the gardenMaud is in the garden Posts: 581

    i slipped 2 discs whilst in labour, didnt know this until after my daughtrt was born. Thought it hurt a lot. My back has certainly got worse over the years. Have had countless xrays, epidurals and 2 lots of major surgery. The last being a lumber fusion. Think im headed for treatment again as it has gotten bad again. I do most of my gardening on my hands and knees get absolutely filthy. Do you have a pain clinic where you are? i found them so helpful and taught me to pace myself and i now manage to do more than before. I also swim twice a week in a hot hydrotherapy pool. Keeps the muscles stong and the water supports you as you exercise. Good luck

  • BrunneriaBrunneria Posts: 6
    My father in law had some amazing results from visiting a chiropractor. He'd had months of pain and inconvenience, and after 1 treatment he had lost that hollow eyed pinched look. Two weeks later he was pain free and active again.



    Of course, every person's back is unique, but worth a try.
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