When MS Isn’t Enough on Its Own

Living with MS and Sciatica

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is already a full-time job — managing fatigue, nerve pain, and the unpredictable “what-ifs” that come with chronic illness. But when sciatica pain suddenly joined the mix, my world tilted again. I’ll never forget that first night — the sharp, stabbing pain shooting from my lower back down my leg. It felt like my nervous system was saying, “Let’s see how much more you can handle.”

Dealing with MS is one thing. Adding sciatica — that relentless pinched nerve that makes sitting, standing, walking, or even sleeping nearly impossible — feels like a cruel joke.

The Sleep Struggle Is Real

MS fatigue already makes me feel like my body battery drains twice as fast as everyone else’s. I have trouble sleeping at the best of times — spasticity, vertigo, and (let’s be honest) hormones don’t help. But throw in sciatica, and sleep becomes even more elusive.  I toss and turn, try different positions, stack pillows, unstack pillows… nothing seems to take the edge off. And when sleep is scarce, both MS symptoms and sciatica pain feel magnified.

💡 What (sometimes) helps: Sleeping on my side with a pillow between my knees can ease the pressure. Other nights, I shuffle out to the couch, turn on the heating pad, and pray for a few hours of rest. It’s never perfect — but small adjustments can mean the difference between two hours of rest and five.

My doctor suggested something called the Zed pose — at first, I thought she said Zen pose and told her there was nothing Zen about this! Turns out, the Zed pose (as in the letter Z) is actually a game-changer for alignment and comfort.

Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Managing both MS and sciatica has taught me that it’s all about layering small strategies together:

• Gentle stretches: Even simple ones like bringing my knees into my chest or doing child’s pose can release tension before bed. Two YouTube channels I swear by:

  • 
    

    Jared Beckstrand, PT, DPT

    
    

    Shrey Vasir, Physiotherapist

    
    

• Heat and ice rotation: Heat relaxes tight muscles, while ice dulls that stabbing nerve pain.

  
  

• Medication management: Sometimes my doctor increases my nerve pain meds (like gabapentin). They don’t work instantly, but consistency helps ease both MS nerve pain and sciatica flares.

  
  

• Physical therapy: Working with a PT who understands MS has been invaluable. I’ve recently started IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) — a specialized dry-needling technique that targets tight or shortened muscles compressing nerves. The goal is to release muscle tension, reduce irritation, and improve mobility. The jury’s still out on whether it’ll reset my imbalance, but keep your fingers crossed!

And lastly, Rest without guilt: MS already teaches us that pushing too hard backfires. With sciatica added in, I’ve learned that listening to my body isn’t weakness — it’s survival.

The Emotional Side No One Talks About

The hardest part of managing two conditions isn’t always the pain — it’s the frustration. The “Why me?” moments. The guilt of canceling plans. The quiet resentment when even lying down hurts.

On those days, I remind myself that resilience isn’t pretending things are fine. It’s finding a way to keep moving, even if that movement is slower, smaller, or gentler than yesterday.

Finding Balance in the Chaos

Living with both Multiple Sclerosis and sciatica isn’t easy. It’s trial and error, some tears, and a lot of patience. But it’s also about celebrating small wins — the morning I woke up after five straight hours of sleep, the day I walked a little farther than usual, or the night I found a stretch that actually worked.

If you’re managing both conditions, know this: you’re not alone. There’s no perfect roadmap, but there are ways to soften the edges of the pain and reclaim moments of comfort. And sometimes, that’s enough.

My Happy Place: The Kitchen

After weeks of juggling MS fatigue and the curveball of sciatica, I’ve learned how much the small joys matter. For me, one of those joys is cooking.

The kitchen has always been my therapy — a place where I can create, experiment, and regain a little control when my body feels unpredictable. On especially rough days, I crave recipes that are bright, fresh, and come together quickly.

That’s where this Tomatillo Salsa comes in. Its vibrant green color and zesty flavor wake up my taste buds, and the chopping, roasting, and blending give me a calm rhythm to focus on. It’s healthy, versatile, and adds a burst of happiness to even the simplest meal.

So whether you’re navigating your own health challenges or just want to jazz up your tacos, chips, or grilled meats — this recipe is for you.

Let’s make my favourite quick, fresh, and tangy Tomatillo Salsa! 🌿

Join the Conversation

If you’re living with MS, sciatica, or any chronic condition, I’d love to hear how you find comfort and joy in the middle of the chaos. Share your thoughts in the comments — we’re all figuring this out together.

Cooking this tomatillo salsa reminds me that even on the toughest days, small acts of creativity and nourishment can be powerful. Living with MS and sciatica has taught me to celebrate tiny victories — and sometimes that’s as simple as making something fresh, healthy, and delicious. If you’re navigating your own challenges, know that you’re not alone. Give yourself permission to slow down, savor the moment, and find joy in the little things — whether that’s a quiet stretch, a good night’s sleep, or a bowl of zesty green salsa waiting on the counter. 💚

If you’ve made this recipe, tag me on Instagram @cookingincowboyboots or share your version in the comments below.  And Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favourite board so you can find it later!