I’m updating this 2 months on (so now had sciatica 9 months) to report that I’ve actually had an improvement in symptoms. I’ve cut out the paracetamol, and now only taking Naproxen once daily on my working days, I have a physical job which may be related to the condition. Currently I’m tapering off amitriptyline (nerve damper) because although I tolerated it well I also put half a stone on! Down to half dose so far, looking to cut that soon.

I restarted running gradually about 7 weeks ago after the nhs physio said it was okay - I was surprised he said this but he said sometimes the body can be missing the motion. I’m really not sure of the science behind it but it’s coincided with a reduction in pain, still get flare ups but they’re less intense and fewer of them. No idea if it was the running or just luck but it certainly feels good to be out of the intense pain cycle even if it’s not gone entirely.

Just got that half stone to shift now!