Sciatica – Ice or Heat?

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals whether ice or heat is best for treating sciatica.

[gubbins]

Cheers and thank you. I used to have severe pain down the back of my leg and lower back, attributed to sciatica. I noticed that it became chronic when I was over a certain weight. I was able to drop below that certain number on the scale and and no more pain. I still pay attention to tips for managing sciatica even though I haven't been troubled by it for a decade or so.

[MyLifeAsAMum]

Love this, I got Sciatica from a 90 day job trial period as housekeeping in a hotel from July-October 2023, i was bed bound for 2weeks in December, and then i was slowly able to get back to my life, going to the shops, going out in the car with a pillow, taking my daughter to the park etc.. I was no longer getting sciatic pain, (which originally went down my shin) but came back up to my butt and partially the back of my leg.
I've had sciatica for pretty much 12 months now and just this last week and a half, i haven't been able to shower, do dishes, make tea or do daily tasks without having to sit down and rest, i cant walk past my garden gate. i haven't been able to leave my house.
person by person basis, i believe Heat will help, im over being vulnerable (as when i was getting out of the house i could run or job in any way. I want my mobility and my life back (i know your not saying this will fix me) but this has given me a boost of positivity, hope)
I got sciatica from a back ache problem, i dont have back pain anymore its all in my butt (this last 2 weeks its been a bit of both but) Im optimistic, so thank you.

[FoundLamb]

I have to sit or sleep with a heating pad on my lower back nearly 24/7.
Ice would sent me to the moon with pain. Its the only thing helping atm. I ordered a red light map. Dunno on that tho. Praying for relief.

[WallMan]

The only person I’ve found that says Heat and Ice!

I was injured at work 6 months ago and have been in pain ever since. Two bulging discs and torn hamstring.. the combo of ice and heat has saved me! Thanks Brotha!

[panavisionnot]

Ice around the lumbar ( works wonders on all other parts of the body when injured ! ) during a sciatica episode knocked me out for 3 weeks, nerve pathways seem to hate it....
Gran used to tell me when I was a little boy, , : "Don't sit on concrete or your back will catch a cold.. " How true!

[phil]

A slim plastic freezer block works very well for me combatting sciatic pain.

[clodiamk]

Thank you Will . Your videos are very helpful. I have been trying to find some help for my sciatica and back pain. I will try your advice .

[lucasabebe]

If you check comments, I am over 70 years old and have two problems. Please point me to your videos that will help me strengthen my muscles. And a second video that will help me maintain better balance when walking or jogging. Very grateful for your video that helped me reduce the swelling around my lower legs and ankles.

[donpardo]

Thanks for your explanation which makes much more sense to me than other advice from bloggers, medical professionals about the hot versus cold remedies. It’s not all set in stone, though.
Cheers mate
From Oz.

[ekefullcoaching]

Wow! as if you have heard me :) I was trying to find a proper explanation about it. Very helpful! Thanks!

[mswondr]

Thank you Will. This information is so helpful. 😊

[sharmilasaha]

Thank you for your advice and amazing precise information regarding application of ice or heat for sciatica treatment

[galerussell]

I really do enjoy these videos, very well presented and explained methods.

[paulhobday]

Another superb well presented informative video, iv learned so much from all your videos, i only wished i could shake your hand and buy you a couple of drinks Will, because of your seniors sciatica video exercises I’m enjoying a pain free life, all my relatives and friends can’t believe I’m cured after 9 agonising weeks, I tell them all it’s down to one guy, always in your debt Will! Best wishes from the West Midlands!

[Don-exih]

When it’s sunny and hot ☀️ my sciatica goes away right away.

[daughterofgod]

If you just exercised and need to reduce inflammation, can we do ice and then alternate with hot?

[KarenBeckerPhoto]

recent injury with pain in back and foot/ankle numbness (no pain going down legs but some weakness) . would I ice feet or heat?

[kjay]

Hello Will,

My back is sore after long duration exercise. I believe it to be inflammation from exercise. In my case, is ice best for my situation? I do feel better after doing that.

[michelefinizio]

Thank you very much for this video I am dealing with two herniated discs that's radiating down my buttocks it seems like heat relaxes my back but I don't know if it's good for the inflammation so I do ice also ice seems to numb the pain

[gvonwuh]

Hi ive been suffering from sciatica leg pain for 13 months. I attend pilates and visit a physiotherapist, recently tried acupuncture which showed some benefit. Thanks for your great videos, ive been applying ice to my leg but will also start using heat on my lower back as you suggested in this video.