[QUOTE=MelodyL;642792]Ice??? I have never used ice in my life on my back. I hate the cold, I hate ice. You mean heat won't help? (maybe that's why I am still in pain).

Good Lord, the very thought of putting anything cold on my side is unthinkable. but I'll try.

Because I listen to everything you say.
Mrs. D. did you see my latest post on UTI's on the diabetes forum.

I'd love your input on that one.

Thanks much

Melody[/QUOTE

Hi Mel,
sorry to hear about your sciatica. I get it too. I had it very bad just a few months ago and had to hire crutches to walk. I did take the pain pills. Anyhow, here in Oz when the rugby players injure their backs or have scoatica the physios ice them. Never heat. Ice packs every hour for 20 minutes at a time. I decided that ice was probably the answer since the top sports doctors and physios are doing it. Heat packs make us feel better but heat causes inflammation. As far as muscle relaxers, if you are having back spasms, that's your back trying to create a brace for stability. You may indeed need them if the muscle is contorting your posture. When my back goes out I swear I walk like a duck from muscle tightness/spasms.

Good luck Mel.