Sciatica During Pregnancy
Sciatica is a painful, uncomfortable condition that can affect the back, buttocks and legs. It can appear in pregnant women, often during the third trimester of their pregnancy. While non-life threatening, the condition is nevertheless very uncomfortable and can affect your quality of life while pregnant. Find out more about sciatica during pregnancy and how to manage it effectively.
Causes
The pain associated with sciatica is caused by the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve found in the human body. It is responsible for sensation and motor functions of the feet, legs and thighs. The pain of sciatica during pregnancy is commonly thought to be caused by pressure due to the development of the uterus, under which the sciatic nerve runs. However, this may not be the case. Instead, pressure or inflammation found on the back may affect the nerve and cause pain.
Some women may experience backache while others may not, although pain can still be felt on the back of the legs. Contrary to what most people believe, sciatica is not caused by pregnancy. Instead, the factors that cause it may already be present on the individual and symptoms may occur whether you got pregnant or not.
Sciatica during pregnancy can be caused by other conditions, such as:
- spinal stenosis
- a slipped or herniated disc
- spondylolisthesis
- piriformis syndrome
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Sciatica during pregnancy usually manifests as intermittent burning, shooting pain that affects the lower back and the back of the thighs and legs. It may also travel down to the feet. Women who are affected by it may also feel numbness or a tingling, 'needles and pins' sensation in the feet or legs. The pain may be focused on certain areas or affect a wider area all at once.
To diagnose sciatica during pregnancy, your doctor may assess your medical history and perform physical and neurological tests.
Treatment
Sciatica during pregnancy can be treated through exercises that target the back, stomach muscles and pelvic floor. These exercises will help strengthen these areas and build muscle tone for improved support and better posture. As a result, you will be better at controlling your body movements and change positions easily to feel more comfortable.
Massages can also aid in helping alleviate pain when having sciatica during pregnancy, along with hot compresses alternated with icepack applications. Pregnant women may also benefit from bed rest to calm nerve and muscle spasms. Working women may want to take frequent breaks to prevent cramps and to relieve back pressure. As the tummy grows, the weight may also cause back pain, so ask your doctor about wearing a support belt to help you carry the extra pounds as this can help you when suffering from sciatica during pregnancy.
Exercises and non-medicated pain management methods are an excellent alternative for pregnant women who only have mild to moderate symptoms but for those who suffer from more severe pain, medication may be the best option. Your doctor can provide you with a prescription to help you go through your pregnancy without pain and discomfort.