“During an extremely stressful year of my life I developed chronic Sciatica. I had already been caring for my partner through cancer for 2.5 years, our beloved dog had just passed away, my partner needed brain surgery (+ chemo + radiation for the third time) and our rented house was going on the market. All at once. It was unbelievable, and I froze on the inside.

The pain started when I had to prepare “my home” for the photo shoot. I initially thought it was just a back strain from moving some heavy boxes, but after 6 weeks the pain persisted.

After moving house, and by the 5th month of pain, I could barely stand up straight after getting out of bed in the morning, but just pushed through somehow as I had essential responsibilities. For months I knelt or sat on the floor rather than sit on a chair. And just bore the pain. I tried Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Cupping, Massage and even Counselling and Psychotherapy. Nothing worked. The pain kept getting worse. I gave in and started taking pain medication. Voltaren, Ostemol, Panadol, Nurofen and sometimes Endone.

In the 7th month of this pain story, my partner passed away. I had been caring for him around the clock at home during the final 2 weeks, and only sleeping 4-5 hours each night. I was completely exhausted but believed that without the strenuous burden of caring, both physically and emotionally … I thought that the back and sciatic pain would improve. It did not. It got much much worse.

2 years on though, although I’m not yet back to my full strength or flexibility, I’m not in pain. And I believe I can reach my fitness goals.

The experience has taught me things I never could have imagined and has healed many wounds. As others have said before me, I really am grateful. If I can get through all of that, I can do anything.”

Emma talks about her recovery below however, if you prefer to read Emma’s story, you can do so by clicking this link.

Amid an overwhelming period of caregiving, grief, and major life upheaval, Emma developed severe chronic sciatica that persisted for months despite trying multiple treatments and pushing through intense daily pain. Two years on, she’s largely pain‑free, rebuilding her strength, and deeply grateful for the resilience and insight the experience ultimately gave her.

Join people who have found relief through the SIRPA approach to chronic pain.