Sciatica in Pregnancy
Unfortunately sciatica in pregnancy is a very common condition. It is very painful and in some cases can last throughout the pregnancy and beyond, without the proper treatment. But as is the case with sciatica created through any other cause you need to take control, seek the right advice and take the appropriate action to beat it.
As you may know sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs down the spine and braches off into both legs, becomes inflamed. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is usually the result of pressure being applied to it. The pain is felt in the lower back, the buttocks and usually in one leg or the other, depending on where the pressure is being applied to the sciatic nerve. Numbness in the lower back, legs and even the feet are also symptoms of sciatica that pregnant women also experience.
Unfortunately in pregnancy a number of changes contribute to women being more likely to suffer with sciatica than at any other time during their life.
• First and most obviously is the additional weight of the foetus and the amniotic fluid. Carrying that additional weight can unbalance the spine resulting in disks and vertebrae starting to put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• During pregnancy women’s ligaments and tendons become loose in order to prepare for the birth. This means that those ligaments and tendons are not fulfilling their normal function of holding the abdomen erect and this can result in pressure being applied to the sciatic nerve.
• The baby itself can put pressure on the spine by pressing against it which also causes pressure on the sciatic nerve resulting in pain and the symptoms we have described.
So what can you do a about sciatica in pregnancy?
Fortunately you have a number of options for relieving the pain and preventing the occurrence of sciatic nerve pain in pregnancy. Even without resorting to pharmaceuticals, which should always be avoided during pregnancy if possible.
• First of all applying ice and heat packs to the lower back will provide some relief from the pain and help with healing. Ice packs will reduce the swelling of the sciatic nerve and surrounding tissues. Heat will increase the blood flow in the area and speed recovery. Heat can be applied via a hot water bottle, warm bath or wheat bag.
• Wear flat shoes or very low heels as any shoes that throw out your balance can contribute to back pain.
• Watch your posture; slouching over a computer screen can cause sciatica at any time. Make sure you sit and stand upright. When sitting make sure your lower back is supported and your head is not dropping forward.
• Exercise will help build the core muscles to support the spine so that it does not put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Our Sciatica Treatment Store has several books which detail safe exercises and Yoga for pregnant women, which will not only help to relieve sciatica but also help with pregnancy and childbirth itself.
• Our Sciatica Treatment Store also has products that provide support for pregnant women while standing and walking as well as when lying in bed or resting.
• Of course our own Treat Sciatica Now guide will provide a solution for your pain that many sufferers have found can result in a cure in a few days and do not forget you can sign up for our free mini-course on sciatica treatment.
If you follow these tips you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy without the additional burden of sciatica pain.
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