Acupuncture... anyone tried it?

[Master Ray]

So... I have bad sciatic-nerve back problems to the extent that I struggle to walk sometimes, I was supposed to be having physiotherapy but my recent heart problem put paid to that (not allowed to do strenuous exercises, right now)... anyone ever have needles stuck in their 'here there and everywhere' and did it work?  For muscle pain or anything else?

Be interested to know... 

[witch]

Get well soon all the best to you

[Pol]

Never tried it, heard it makes you feel a bit of a prick

[MARKXE]

Had it years ago for a knee pain worked a treat. Highly recommend it.

[Johnz]

I had the same problem a few years ago. It's not much fun at all. I remember getting up from a low seat was a nightmare which involved me hopping on one leg until the pain subsided somewhat. I tried everything including massage, physio, acupuncture and the osteopath. In the end, it was a chiropractor that fixed it pretty much instantly. I now go for a session every two months and haven't had any major problems since. I didn't like the idea of a chiropractor as it seems quite brutal but it's very quick and really worked for me. You will probably have to make some lifestyle changes though to avoid repeat problems. Things like laptops, bad chairs, bad beds etc all take their toll on your back.

I hated the idea of acupuncture but it's not painful and you feel a bit spaced out afterwards. Didn't do anything for my back pain though.

I hope you can get it sorted soon mate!

Hope you

[Wessexy Witch]

Years ago a friend of mine had acupuncture to help her stop smoking. She had some sort of spinning wheel put in her ear !
Don't know if that was all that was involved ,but she gave up smoking.

[Amandistan]

No but just tried Turkish bath. I imagine it's more pleasant then being beating with hands and having water poured over your head.

[andydrbeard]

Ray,

I have sciatica problems from time to time, can really empathise with you it truly is horrible and makes you feel weak as a kitten. I find that it's usually a combination of things that sets it off. So if I have to sit in an uncomfortable chair for a long time, then pick something up awkwardly  it can trigger it. As Johnz says you do have to start trying to really learn what sets it off it and modifying what you do.  Exercise sounds a no no for you but once you're able to some gentle stretching will probably help. The times when I stop exercising are usually when I suffer so I try to keep active if this is at all possible, which dependant on how bad you feel might not be.

As regards acupuncture, never tried it but a friend at work goes once a month and he says it makes him feel better overall. He first went years ago for eczema and it helped him greatly.

[Master Ray]

Thanks, andy.  Had an MRI scan a while back, it's deffo a disc problem, although my sofa and bed mattress aren't in the best of shape so that might be a factor...

Got my first instalment of 'cardio rehab' on Thursday (which I hope will confirm I can make it to NMA in Nottingham) and I'm hoping I can start physio again...

[witch]

Im feeling sorry for you Master Ray
get well very soon 
I know its not easy coz Im feeling ill with my back since the last 10 years now 
All the best take good care
witch

[Master Ray]

Im feeling sorry for you Master Ray
get well very soon 
I know its not easy coz Im feeling ill with my back since the last 10 years now 
All the best take good care
witch

Thanks, luv.   

[claireinblack]

I had it very recently for my knackered knee. It made it a lot worse and actually stopped me walking for about a week so I'm not a fan! That said, it seems to work very well on some people. If you've got nothing to loose maybe try it and see. How you go?

[Sheena]

I've had it for back pain and it was v successful.  Mine was soft tissue damage though, rather than disc - don't know if this makes a difference