Eamonn Holmes discusses viewer complaints of eating on air
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Nearing a full month into his new role at GB News, Eamonn has been seen on social media agreeing that his newest show is having one “hell of an impact” on ITV viewing figures. In addition, the star’s new co-host Isabel Webster tweeted on January 20 that the breakfast show was the “fastest growing,” urging viewers to stay with them and keep tuning in. Despite his seemingly successful new job, one thing that is a recurring problem for the star is his trapped sciatic nerve.
In a tell-all interview with The Sun late in December the 62-year-old confessed that at home he is “increasingly grumpy” due to the “agonising back problem” that has left him struggling to walk.
“I don’t walk — it’s more of a wobble. It has been very difficult this year.
“My problem is a trapped sciatic nerve, but I don’t even know quite how it initially happened.
“For months now I haven’t been able to walk, sometimes at all, and it has really taken its toll on everyone around me too.”
The star went on to explain that despite some intensive treatments like physiotherapy and painkillers, he still faces daily challenges, challenges that are having a negative impact on wife Ruth Langsford.
“I can’t bend down to pick things up so Ruth ends up having to wait on me, and I know my sons particularly are a bit embarrassed by the way I move around.
“I had to stop driving and sold my car back to the dealer too, which felt quite emasculating, and I have to use a hook to pull my trousers up when I’m getting dressed in the morning and something else to get my shoes and socks on.
“It just makes everything so much harder. I’ve just finished filming a food programme for the BBC called Farm To Feast, and the director had to do all sorts of clever tricks just to hide how much I’m struggling.”
After being given a walking stick by actress and close friend Sue Johnston, Eamonn still fears that his children are “embarrassed” at his attempts to remain physically active.
“Even my own family are bored of my moaning. It has caused some strain and Ruth is fed up of hearing about it and of me saying I can’t walk the dog or tidy up, but I can’t help it. It’s agony,” he added.
The NHS explains that a trapped sciatic nerve is also referred to as sciatica. The major nerve runs from your lower back to your feet, and when irritated or compressed can cause a variety of painful symptoms, which sometimes worsen when moving, sneezing or coughing.
The medical body explains that sciatica in your bottom, back of the legs, feet and toes can make them feel:
- Painful
- Tingling – likes pins and needles
- Numb
- Weak.
Luckily for Eamonn, he is receiving treatment from an “amazing trainer” who comes round and puts the Northern Irish star through all sorts of “weird and wonderful procedures” in a bid to help his mobility.
“He’s got me having ice baths, exercises, and for a short while after he’s finished I feel like I can walk again — but then unfortunately it seizes up again,” Eamonn explained.
“It’s slow progress, and part of the problem is you feel like you have to hide it all the time because as soon as people think you’ve got an issue like this they write you off.”
The NHS goes on to explain that sciatica should normally get better in about four to six weeks, but similar to Eamonn’s case, it can last for even longer. In order to help the condition, the website recommends a few key do’s and don’ts:
- Do carry on with your normal activities as much as possible
- Do regular exercises for sciatica
- Do start gentle exercise as soon as you can – anything that gets you moving can help
- Do hold heat packs to the painful areas – you can buy these from pharmacies
- Do ask your pharmacist about painkillers (paracetamol is unlikely to help and it’s not clear how much NSAIDs help with sciatica)
- Do put a small, firm cushion between your knees when sleeping on your side, or several firm pillows underneath your knees when lying on your back.
- Do not sit or lie down for long periods – even if moving hurts, it’s not harmful and can help you get better faster
- Do not use hot water bottles to ease the pain – you could scald yourself if your skin is numb.
Alternative medicines such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy may also help individuals with long-lasting sciatica explains The Mayo Clinic.
In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into your skin at specific points on your body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture can help back pain, while others have found no benefit, but it is crucial to choose a licensed practitioner if you do try the procedure.
A chiropractor aims to treat restricted spinal mobility through manipulation. Spinal manipulation appears to be as effective and safe as standard treatments for low back pain, but might not be appropriate for radiating pain.
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