The Best Ways to Deal With Sciatica During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with an assortment of aches and pains, but a number of women are plagued by an even more excruciating condition during pregnancy: sciatica. When the baby’s head presses against the sciatic nerve, which is a nerve that travels down the spine, into the pelvis, and down the upper leg, this extremely painful condition is produced. The result is usually numbness or pain in the woman’s back, many times going down into their buttocks and thighs.
Most of the time, women have to deal with sciatica when they are in their second or third trimester because that is when the head of the baby is the biggest and is able to press down more. This condition is something that the woman will generally have to deal with until the birth of the baby, as its position, which is causing the pain, will likely not change until birth. The hormonal changes of pregnancy, that allow the ligaments and tendons to loosen in preparation for the birth of the baby, will actually exaggerate the condition. There is a higher probability that pressure will be exerted on the sciatic nerve, thanks to the instability in the pelvic and back area, that is produced by the loosening of the body’s tendons and ligaments.
Sadly, there isn’t a method that will keep a woman from getting sciatica while she is pregnant. It is thought, though, that those who are more healthy and are in better physical condition are at less risk for sciatica. The reason for this is that healthier women have better muscle tone, making it easier for them to support the pregnancy weight and give them better range of motion if they do damage the sciatic nerve.
If an expectant mother has sciatica bad enough, her doctor might give her a prescription, but a lot of physicians try to treat sciatica without medication. If it is severe, the doctor will usually put the mother on bed rest, have her get a deep tissue massage, and put heat and ice on the area alternatively.
Making some lifestyle modifications can help as well. You will experience greater pressure on the nerve if you tend to slouch, so be sure to stand up straight. To ensure even weight distribution, low heeled or flat heeled shoes are recommended. Sleep with a pillow between your knees, on a flat surface, such as the floor or a very firm mattress. To ease your discomfort when arising from bed, you should first roll yourself over onto your side, and then swing your legs over the side of the bed before you get up. Many times the sciatic nerve is hurt when people get out of bed the wrong way, so be sure to take care. It is also helpful to walk, swim, stretch, and have a prenatal massage to relieve the pain of sciatica.
Exercise is an excellent approach to sciatica home treatment. Learn more about the causes and cures for this condition at the Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment site.