Anyone used a Revitive machine?

onedayatatime

Just wanted to ask if anyone has tried using a Revitive product for sciatic type nerve pain? If so, did it help relive pain at all? Wandering if this foot machine would be suitable for radiculopathy caused by nerve compression in the spine or if it would cause further irritation to an already very angry nerve. 😡. I do use a tens machine with patches placed on my back that helps my back pain. The Revitive machine I've seen is one that you put your feet on. Wandering if working from feet upwards would make any difference?

chiarieds

Hi @onedayatatime - as far as I can see Revitive may help with lower limb circulation by stimulating muscles so I have difficulty in seeing how it would help with sciatica, for, as you identify, the problem stems from compression of the sciatic nerve in your lower back. So, even if the pain/tingling goes all the way down to your feet, I'm unsure it would help, tho I cannot see that it would cause any harm either.

I'm pleased your Tens machine is helping, & wonder if you've been offered any physiotherapy, as that may also help.

onedayatatime

@chiarieds I understand what you're saying. I am doing physio, after having a microdiscectomy, that is focusing more on core strength and balance issues. Unfortunately, the leg pain seems more intense 8 weeks after the operation.

chiarieds

I'm sorry you're in so much pain @onedayatatime - it's good you're having physio (I'm a retired physio!), so hoped you had access to this. You could discuss a Revitive product with them perhaps. Yes, core strength, etc. matters, but do these include trying exercises specifically for your sciatica, e.g:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercises-sciatica-problems/ I'd suggest trying (if possible) the positions shown, & a pillow between your legs can be helpful in bed anyway; the 'pelvic tilt' one, where you flatten your back against your hand underneath your lower back, & the 'buttock squeezing' one. Please do listen to any increased pain you may experience, as more pain just makes matters worse. Start ever so slowly, & only increase when, & if, you can.

It is important to build on your core strength & balance, as, if you can progress to doing any walking (or swimming, if at all possible) then rhythmical exercise is really the best thing to help increase your mobility. Of course you see this physio, so you must be guided by them first & foremost.

Some thoughts about coping with pain here:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/102784/resources-and-tips-for-those-living-with-chronic-pain

Please look at the 'Deep breathing' one as a starting place. I have daily chronic pain, & without this diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing exercise I would be lost; it helps me throughout the day, & I use it every night to help me relax…..it really does help reduce pain so it's at least 'manageable.'

kc1978

Definitely would not suggest these machines where there are complex issues and recent surgery anyway.

You may find that it could do more harm than good. Create complications or worse.

I would as a Ex nurse also suggest speaking to those who did the surgery and managed your treatment physics GP etc.

Getting peoples experiences or personal improvements on groups is fantastic, but I have also seen advice that was taken, products which worked for 1 have catastrophic implications.

Always great to share and ask. However always discuss with health professionals too.

Just should always be checked with someone who id things were to go wrong, well they have professional indemnity insurance, years of experience and maybe aware of details most of the public would never need to know.

onedayatatime

@chiarieds thank you for that. I already do some of the exercises shown but there are several I will ask my physio about on my next visit.

@kc1978 I totally take your advice and will talk to the surgeon on my next visit. I saw him at week 3 after surgery but have to wait a further 6 weeks for my next appointment. I have been seeing my physio and doing my exercises regularly. I keep telling myself I have to be more patient to see progress. But admittedly, in the back of my head I was hoping surgery would be an instant 'cure'. Thank you all for your input.