still no real improvement on my sciatica problem - thought it was getting better recently so foolishly did a bit of hedgetrimmimg and set it back again - problem is I can rest or exercise and its makes no difference. Still got my zed after a halfhearted attempt to sell it - today I gave it a autoglym polish - won't bore you with photos but it looks virtually like new - went out for a drive in the sun and had one of those moments when you look back after getting out of the car and it looked stunning so , despite how difficult it is getting in and out I would be pig sick if I did sell it so for the time being I'll leave things as they are. Our daily drive is a Fiesta but would like to change this to something easier to get in and out. While we were up north recently our friends ferried us around in a Rav4 - found it really comfortable . This might be a possibilty - I also like the Freelander2. Wouldn't want to buy a new one but would settle around £12 to £14k - what do you think re comfort/reliability?
What should I choose ?
- Thread starter gov
- Start date
Work on your core strength and stability with targeted physio exercises, swim regularly, keep your weight down, and don't smoke. If after three to six months of this you are not seeing significant benefits discectomy should be considered if an MRI shows pathology at the appropriate level. If you develop a progressive motor deficit, bowel or bladder disturbance, or severe intractable pain urgent surgery may be necessary. The good news is that the majority of people get better without surgery within six months... You should consider seeing a specialist physiotherapist +/- a spinal surgeon if this has been going on for a while without improvements.
I know that doesn't answer your car-related question!
I know that doesn't answer your car-related question!
Gov - my Dad is getting on a wee bit, and whilst he's not got your level of pain his back does give him some grief. He's got a 3 year old Freelander, in fact has had Freelanders for years, and he'd never have anything else. They are really comfy, and now he's got an auto he says he feels like he's driving an armchair that can climb hills 
I would recommend you drive one
I would recommend you drive one
Its been about 12 weeks now - have been referred to Spinal Clinic but still waiting for appointment to come through - when it does I shall be pushing for an MRI scan. We're off to Greece on 17th June so don't won't anything to interfere with that - if I've not heard anything by the time we get back I'll start really pressuring my doc.BMWZ4MC said:
I'm also a bit old but not quite ready yet for a Stenna lift ! /the new Freelander does look good - a lot better than the previous model . My son is into Landrovers too.Bing said:Gov - my Dad is getting on a wee bit, and whilst he's not got your level of pain his back does give him some grief. He's got a 3 year old Freelander, in fact has had Freelanders for years, and he'd never have anything else. They are really comfy, and now he's got an auto he says he feels like he's driving an armchair that can climb hills
I would recommend you drive one
gov said:I'm also a bit old but not quite ready yet for a Stenna lift ! /the new Freelander does look good - a lot better than the previous model . My son is into Landrovers too.Bing said:Gov - my Dad is getting on a wee bit, and whilst he's not got your level of pain his back does give him some grief. He's got a 3 year old Freelander, in fact has had Freelanders for years, and he'd never have anything else. They are really comfy, and now he's got an auto he says he feels like he's driving an armchair that can climb hills
I would recommend you drive one
He's only 65, but he drives a lot to go fishing, so comfort is important. He let my wife drive a while back, she now wants one
Tried a chiropractor and acupuncture - neither helped - As regards swimming I swim like a brick ! Its the most painful lying flat either on my back or face down - the only way I can sleep is lying on my right side with knees bent and its worse in the morning until I've moved around a bit - I can sit normally with no pain but when I stand up or walk the pain goes right down my right leg. I refuse to let it beat me though so am carrying on and trying to ignore it. Most people who suffer from sciatica say there's not a lot you can do but wait and it will finally go on its own although sciatica is not a condition on its own but the sympton of prolapsed disc type thing - perhaps the Med Sea will help when we're in Greece ( or may be the Mythos ! )BMWZ4MC said:
Thought I'd phone the spinal clinic direct and spoke to a very helpful nurse who spent some time explaining what the process is when you are referred - I'll get an xray immediately followed almost certainly with an appointment for an MRI scan - depending on what they find it could mean surgery but this doesn't always work so would be a last resort. She knew I had been referred and managed to bring me forward to June 13th for my appoinment - this is the first time someone has taken the time to explain the procedures and help - my faith in the NHS is restored thanks to this Florence Nightingale !!!!
Im a massive fan of the NHS but in my experience you almost have to lie to get anywhere. Well, i say lie i mean exagerate massively and then push for appointments. Its a shame but its just the only way things actually get moving. 
Best of luck, and try a wafty Merc of sorts for comfort
Best of luck, and try a wafty Merc of sorts for comfort
lacroupade
Veteran
BMWZ4MC said:
The man is spot-on, with insider knowledge by the sound of it. That or watching too much House.
I had unbearable back problems a few years ago which nearly killed me when a spasm cause me to run my car off the road. I used private medical to see a senior consultant at the JR who diagnosed three buggered vertebrae. Despite six months of gym, hydrotherapy and other stuff it didn't improve one iota....until one day I had to fill two skips with concrete (12 tons in all), at the end of which I was as fit as a fiddle and despite the odd twinge, its never returned.
The consultant told me the back is the second least understood part of the body after the brain....and that complex muscle groups can compensate for poor performance elsewhere, but some people need a lot more exercise than others to achieve that, so don't give up....just do more!
Don't know about a Freelander but Mrs CJ slipped a disk a decade ago and had surgery. All has perfect until 6 months back and the sudden onset of sciatica and serious 24x7 pain. NHS said they see her in 2014 (Ish), so stumped up for private, despite my preference to be an NHS patient.
Consultant visits, MRI scan, Micro disectomy arranged and done in 2 weeks.
6 weeks ago was op. time and now she's up to walking 2 sessions of 90 minutes twice a day, not a twinge in sight and should be back in the gym in 6 more weeks. She's a fanatic on health, core stability, healthy eating, good weight and at this rate will readily see me off...and btw she's closing in on mid 50's, so no spring chicken (if she reads this I'm dead)..
Bottom line for me is to suggest fix the problem not the car.
Consultant visits, MRI scan, Micro disectomy arranged and done in 2 weeks.
6 weeks ago was op. time and now she's up to walking 2 sessions of 90 minutes twice a day, not a twinge in sight and should be back in the gym in 6 more weeks. She's a fanatic on health, core stability, healthy eating, good weight and at this rate will readily see me off...and btw she's closing in on mid 50's, so no spring chicken (if she reads this I'm dead)..
Bottom line for me is to suggest fix the problem not the car.
CJ, glad she's doing well and had a good result from surgery (likely because she is so fit), but not everyone needs an op and surgery isn't without risks... The OP may well come to surgery, but I'd strongly recommend trying conservative measures first... I do agree though - fix the problem not the car!
1066 Country
RAV4... good choice. Had one of the first 3 door versions 2 years after they first came out in the 90's.... miles better than any freelander unless u r a farmer.
Bomb proof, well the one I had was plus felt small & nimble to drive. Bought it without the wife's (at the time) consent & got a mouthful of complaints before she drove it round the block... changed her tune after first drive...
Bomb proof, well the one I had was plus felt small & nimble to drive. Bought it without the wife's (at the time) consent & got a mouthful of complaints before she drove it round the block... changed her tune after first drive...
BMWZ4MC said:
Totally agree with you that surgery is not always the route and there are risks to weigh up. Im certainly not one to give advice , just report an experience. In fairness she pretty well knew the issue, had done 6 months of various other treatments, rest physio, etc. to no avail. interesting to hear your comment related to the inherent fitness being so advantageous to recovery.
My real point was that I feel it's best to fix the problem (if possible) not the car.
Still struggling after 6 months but can see a light at the end of the tunnel ! Really stirred things up with GP and phoning hospital direct and got an appointment with the spinal clinic - saw a really nice physiotherapist who worked on me for over an hour. Told me to tell her if what she was doing hurt too much and she would stop - being a macho man I kept quiet but believe me it hurt - after 10 minutes or so of pushing me hip in to try and straighten the spine I came over all woozy and felt sick - she bollocked me and said this was a reaction tp pain and I should have said something ! Anyway the good news is . subject to the mri scan ( I'm having next week ) she is optimistic she can get me back to normal again albeit it will take a while.
And I'm keeping the car !
And I'm keeping the car !