re: Sciatica issues - help OT Med types

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First, I'm not a "Med type" but have has some experience in this. Just some random thoughts for the OP to consider:

- There are three broad approaches:
1) Conservative - stretching and spinal decompression.
2) Shots
3) Surgery

- A good chiropractor or the like can usually tell where the problem is without an MRI. There are some self-tests such as the straight leg raise or laying flat on your back, having someone support your leg under the ham string, and then trying to press out with that leg. If these or it is aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or defecating, then it is likely a disk pinching a nerve.

- Alleve (take with food) will help with inflammation which will in turn allow you to stretch and move more improving circulation which promotes healing.

- As others have mentioned, there are stretches that can be helpful. Also, spinal decompression (I can offer some alternatives to the machines).

- Some people have very tight nerve clearances and even a small disk problem creates lots of pain. Others have more forgiving clearances. Their disks can be a mess and still be essentially pain free.

Hope some of this helps.