[nikkival]

I've suffered from it for about 4 years now - the cause of mine is the slipped discs in my spine pressing against the nerve.

The thermacare heat wraps are fantastic for the pain - if the sciatica is caused by back problems - or a hot water bottle. You can also buy a product called Biofreeze (I buy it from the Osteopath at the bottom of Avenue Parade), which is very effective at numbing the area causing the pain.

I've been given strong painkillers too and hate taking them because of the drowsy effect and to be honest I find that they don't really take the pain away completely they just take the edge off or send you to sleep.

The exercises given to me by the physio help - the best one I've found is to get one of those gym ball things or put a pillow under stomach and raise your opposite arm & leg gently a few times each side.

Hope you are feeling better soon - and don't let the pain get you down!