Back pain advice please

I know there's a lot of people here (Bear eg) who manage their back
pain well. I have sciatica at the moment and can't get a doctor's
appointment this week (though doc is going to phone me). I am on the

Acupuncture worked for me.

max dose of paracetamol plus diclofenac but could do with advice on
best over the counter meds - anyone?

A codeine and paracetamol combo is (apparently) the most efficient non scrip
treatment.

Doctor has now phoned and will leave a prescription for uber-strength
codeine/paracetamol combo at the desk for me. Hopefully, that will be
fine. Thanks for all advice everyone.

Cool; paracetamol/codeine combo is what I use most, when I'm not on
dihydrocdeine or tramadol.

So if there's any left over, feel free to get I touch :)

Get some laxative with that too, as it tends to stop you up.

Apparently acupuncture is good for back pain. I had it for my arm pain,

If the script is for 10/500, you can save a few quid by getting some
Paramol from a chemist instead, depending on how many tabs the script
is for. 32 Paramol cost around 4.80, & contain 8/500
dihydrocodeine/paracetamol.

Cocodamol worked well for me, as did/does hot baths. Being careful how
you get in and out of bed also helps.

Also, if it's likely to be an ongoing thing, there's a a back pain expo
thing at Olympia weekend after next.

After my interaction with the car, several years ago I found the way I
slept had most influence on aches the following day. The firmer the
bed, the less I ached next day.

but it made me feel knackered too.

Do you drink cafeinated drinks at all?

I drink one cup of strong coffee per day. Why, does that make a
difference?

Caffeine tightens the muscles of the back and can cause sciatica and
back pain to become worse. The fact it's a *strong* cup may not help,
so try cutting it out for a day or 2 and see if it helps.