If you have ever had sciatica, you know exactly the pain and frustration that goes with it.

I am writing this at 2 am because one cannot sleep while a dull knife is twisting around deep inside one’s right hip and leg.

I have been plagued by about 6 or 7 rounds of sciatica over the past 10 years.

Each usually lasts about 2-3 months.

Like a mountain lion, it creeps up quietly and then pounces on you mercilessly.

And like a mountain lion, it occasionally takes a break from mauling you to death.

During those sporadic moments of respite, you are tricked into thinking, “Maybe it won’t come back.”

Then wham!

It pounces on you once again.

After a visit to the chiropractor, I found out what I have is piriformis syndrome.

It is similar to sciatica in that it involves pressure on the sciatic nerve that comes from the lower back and splits down both legs.

The most painful thing to do with this malady is sitting or driving a car.

It can take several months for this condition to go away on its own.

There are a number of things you can do to help you recover:

• Stretching exercises 3–4 times a day

• Bio-Freeze or Sambra pain relief cream

• Pulsating vibrator

• Ice packs and heat pads

• Massage chair

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

• Sauna + cold shower

• Ozone therapy

• Chiropractic intervention • Ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen

Pain management is something that some people deal with constantly.

What I am suffering from will most likely become only a memory before long.

If we could all get a taste of each other’s pain wouldn’t we be much more caring and patient with one another?

Whatever pain you are facing now, don’t let it be in vain.

There is always something to learn and grow in character from every life circumstance.

Next Week: Fun Facts About Every US State