Thanks Dallas, and I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

I've had two bouts of sciatica - the first one resolved after about a month, but it was awful. Felt like an icepick in my calf.

The second bout was many years later. The disc at S1/L5 had partially ruptured. A surgeon used a minimally-invasive surgery (is that an oxymoron?) to remove the disc fragment and create room for the sciatic nerve via lamintomy. Still haven't need fusion, and that's why I keep my core strong.

Is surgery an option for you, probably fusion, but maybe something less intense? What does your back surgeon think? I imagine having osteoporosis (brittle bones) also plays a factor.

I dread fusion surgery. I've had four joints replaced - both knees, one hip, one shoulder - and got almost immediate pain relief. But if sciatica came back and the pain was chronic, I guess I'd do the fusion.

In the meantime, I suggest icing your lower back to reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve. Never use heat as it results in inflammation and more pain.

All the best to you Dallas, and I sincerely hope you find some relief.

Joe