I don't know if it is a curse, but it is no fun. My sciatica flared up in about October of last year. It really had me tied down and is a big pain in the butt literally. It is a pain starting in the butt area and then going down the back of the leg. It was mostly in my right side but now effects both sides. It was so bad I just wanted to lie around all day. Even sitting made it hurt. I had difficulty with small tasks like loading or unloading the dish washer.
Urgent care took x-rays and diagnosed the problem. Initially I took some pills for pain--some for the day and some at night, but the majority of the treatment was physical therapy. The doctor suggested no longer have my wallet in my back pocket, so I don't. It is always in front now. I guess sitting on a wallet can flare things up.
Physical therapy focused on stretches, and strengthening the core. I am very good at using the stretches for any little tightness, or sometimes just to prevent the tightness. Squats are the most important core strengthening exercise. i could do better with this. I have changed from bending to do the dish washer to using squats. It helps. Also for the core is the gorilla walk, and what I call they round dance. This is a side to side step, while gorilla walk is a frontward step while squatting a bit. Both steps can be done with bands.
Just tightening or engaging the core is helpful. The stretches I do I stand against something firm, and then lean back. This really helps. Also while sitting or lying down, putting the foot on the knee, and then pulling the knee towards the other side for about 20 seconds, and then pushing it down for ten seconds. This also really helps. I also like to walk and this helps, but I must be careful not to overdo.
