Sciatica In Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Management in Vacaville CA

What Is The Sciatic Nerve?

It is a major nerve that deviates from the lower part of the spinal cord and goes through the legs.

In pregnancy, irritation of the sciatic nerve can occur when the baby and the uterus increase in size and place pressure on the nerve. This is due to the production of the relaxing hormone, which is responsible for relaxing the body's ligaments and preparing the woman's pelvis for birthing. However, this hormone may also cause the uterus to shift and place pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is typically experienced by women in their third trimester or late pregnancy stages. Contact our Vacaville CA chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

Other causes include a herniated disc or a bone spur on the vertebrae of the spine.

Sciatica can cause a person to experience radiating pains in their lower back and legs.

What Are The Symptoms In Vacaville CA?

Pregnant women that have sciatica may experience:

• Leg Pain
• Numbness or tingling in legs
• Burning pain from lower back to legs
• Poor bladder control
• Increased pain when sitting for an extended period

Pains caused by sciatica can range from mild to excruciating. However, there are ways to remedy this.

How Can You Manage Sciatica?

1. Stretching
Stretching exercises have proven to relieve pain from sciatica, such as the pigeon pose, bound angle pose, and child's pose. These are all versatile exercises that can be done within one's home and without any equipment.

NOTE: It is important to remember that pregnant women should refrain from doing stretches that involve lying on their backs since this position causes the uterus to place pressure on the inferior vena cava, the vein responsible for bringing blood back to your heart. Pressure on this vein can cause pregnant women to feel dizzy and lightheaded.

2. See a Professional Massage or Physical Therapist
Sciatica massages and prenatal massages show evidence of relieving pain caused by pregnancy, improving blood circulation, and perhaps even regulating pregnancy hormones. Physical therapy can help with stretches and strength-building to help with sciatic nerve pain.

One should always consult with their doctors before booking a massage appointment, and effectively communicate the pain they experience to a trusted massage therapist.

3. Home Remedies
Sleeping on your side has been said to help relieve the pain that accompanies sciatica, making use of a pillow to support the hips and legs. Additionally, placing a hot compress on the affected area can also help with soreness. It is important to note that one should not apply a hot compress directly on a pregnant woman's belly for an extended period.

References

• Grow By WebMD
• RMC Health System
• Walnut Hill: Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates