Managing Sciatica During Pregnancy: Advice From A Back Pain Specialist

The sciatica is the primary nerve of the legs and is the longest nerve in the body. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through tons of modifications in terms of mental and physical fitness. These guide to some common problems as well, like sciatica nerve pain.

Research reveals that 17% of women experience this discomfort during their pregnancy. This blog will assist in determining the signs of sciatica pain along with some typical causes. Furthermore, it also demonstrates some tips and tricks from a back pain specialist’s point of view for sciatica pain management in pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Sciatica Nerve Pain In Pregnancy

It is quite common during pregnancy and is termed as a radiating pain that starts from the nerve located in the lower spine and travels down to the back of the thigh. Some common symptoms are mentioned below:

• A sharp and shooting pain is one of the noticeable symptoms. Once it triggers, it gives a sudden jolt that feels like an electric shock.
• This pain keeps on traveling in the lower part of the body and, at times, reaches the foot or toes as well.
• It causes numbness, which makes it difficult for a pregnant woman to stand for a longer time.
• Bending forward, coughing, or twisting are those specific movements that often aggravate this pain.

Causes Of Sciatica Nerve Pain Pregnancy

Numerous factors contribute to the development of sciatica pain, and these are described below:

• It is common amongst pregnant ladies, especially in the last trimester, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatica nerve, leading to sciatica pain.
• Another common reason is hormonal change, as during pregnancy the body releases a hormone called relaxin to prepare the pelvis for childbirth. As the ligaments loosen up, it affects the stability of the spine.
• It is often triggered due to excessive weight gain and that is the reason it is often recommended to have a balanced diet rather than eating all the time.
• During pregnancy, the center of gravity is disturbed, which leads to postural changes. It adds pressure on the spine, contributing to sciatica nerve pain.
• During the phase of pregnancy, the body starts retaining lots of fluids that cause swelling on all the nerves, including sciatica.
• Sciatica pain can be triggered due to other reasons like herniated discs, pelvic disorders, etc., so any such prevailing issues increase the chances of sciatica pain during pregnancy.
• Inflammation in the surrounding areas of the sciatic nerve can also trigger this pain.
• Although it is healthy to be engaged in exercises throughout the pregnancy timeline, it is suggested to do light stretches or exercises as excessive physical strain can also lead to increased sciatic nerve pain.
• Age also plays an important role, so for older women, the chances of sciatica pain increase during pregnancy.

Tips For Relieving Sciatica Pain In Pregnancy

Once sciatica pain triggers, it can only be managed by practicing certain exercises. Back pain specialists recommend incorporating the following tips and tricks into the daily life routine of a pregnant woman:

Early Diagnosis:

The earlier, the better is the key. Although a pregnant woman goes through ups and downs for nine months, she gets used to feeling such discomfort almost all the time.

But it is wise to take every symptom seriously and consult with your doctor immediately to take precautionary measures. It will help reduce the intensity of pain.

Prenatal Yoga:

Prenatal exercises are the best source to stay active through this tenure. Due to bodily changes every other day, women tend to find it difficult to move around. Such a situation triggers sciatic nerve pain rather than settling. The best way for pain management is to indulge in low-impact exercises and yoga.

Regular Interval Breaks:

Patients with sciatica pain are recommended to take interval breaks while doing any sort of work. It is never preferred for them to stay in the same position for a longer time, whether they are sitting, walking, or standing.

Continuous movement can put more stress on the sciatic nerve leading to trigger the pain.

Pregnancy Safe Massage:

Massage discharges tension and comforts all the muscles. All kinds of massages are not appropriate for pregnant ladies, so it is recommended to opt for a specialized therapist who understands the procedures and technicalities to massage a pregnant woman for releasing sciatic pain.

Safe Stretches:

During pregnancy, it is not preferred to take any sort of medication like pain relievers, so the best way for pain management is to indulge in a healthy lifestyle.

Along with massage, some safe stretches serve to be the cherry on top of the cake. These include sitting glute stretch, basic seated stretch, knee to the opposite shoulder, forward pigeon pose, standing piriformis stretch, etc.

Heat And Cold Therapy:

Cold therapy should be used in the form of ice packs within 24 to 48 hours of initial pain. It causes a numbing effect that decreases fluid collection over that area. Once initial pain is catered then warm baths are best suited for relaxing tensed muscles and healing them.

Proper Posture:

The posture of the body contributes a lot towards effective pain management. Whether you are sitting or standing, never slouch; rather, maintain a straight posture to reduce strain from the sciatic nerve. It is often recommended to use full-body pillows to rest the body on them and sleep on the side to align the spine.

Hydration:

Enough intake of water is also essential for pregnant ladies. Dehydration often leads to muscle stiffness, which worsens the sciatic nerve pain. The best way to carry a bottle everywhere is to drink sips every other 5 minutes.

Acupuncture:

Last but not least, acupuncture serves to be a savior for those individuals who are facing intense pain, which is not manageable through exercises or any other thing. Depending on the severity of symptoms, it is often due once or twice a week by an experienced and trained professional. Techniques like moxibustion or cupping or, at times, a combination of both can be used to do it.

Conclusion

Sciatic nerve pain is believed to be quite normal, as most pregnant women tend to experience it during the last trimester of their journey. But the good news is that it is not dangerous to the baby and does not affect the baby’s development.

It can be efficiently managed using some techniques. Back pain experts often recommend such ladies indulge in a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the pain. This pain mostly subsides with delivery, but if it still prevails, work on your back and abdominal muscles after giving due rest to the body.

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