During pregnancy, a women’s body changes so much. Almost every pregnant women faces swollen feet, change in food preferences and problem sleeping. There are other various changes women face during pregnancy. Back pain during pregnancy is common. Sciatica is caused due to an irritation or pressure on sciatic nerve. It is a shooting pain that radiates from your lower back, buttocks down to the affected leg. Sciatica can arise due to expanding uterus putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. During pregnancy, it can range from mild to severe.
What causes Sciatica during Pregnancy?
Although, usually sciatica is caused due to bulging, herniated disc or bone spurs in the lower back. During pregnancy, weight of the fetus can also put extra pressure on the sciatic nerve. At the same time, the position of the fetus can also add pressure. Sciatic pain increases as the pregnancy progresses due to an increase in weight. But not to worry, it goes away after pregnancy!
Sciatica during pregnancy: Symptoms
Symptoms of sciatica during pregnancy may include: –
- Numbness and weakness in legs
- Sharp and shooting pain on affected side
- Difficulty sitting, walking or standing
- Pain in lower back radiating down affected leg
Ways to relieve sciatic pain: –
How to relieve sciatica during pregnancy? Light stretches are the best way to relieve sciatica pain. There are various other treatment options for instance:
- Massage
- Short Walks
- Yoga and physical exercise
Heat therapy can also help relieve the sciatic pain. Placing a warm heating pad on the point of pain helps. Some people find swimming very helpful as it’s a non-weight bearing exercise. As the water helps bear the weight of the baby.
Massage: –
Massages for sciatica during pregnancy need to be gentle. These massages are very helpful for pain relief. Be sure to find a masseuse specialized in massages for pregnant women. Massage on the lower back can reduce the pain and inflammation in the sciatic nerve.
However, you can also use tennis ball, place it in between your back and wall. Roll against the ball. This massages your back muscles.
Stretches for Pain relief during Pregnancy: –
Following stretches can be very helpful and safe to relieve sciatica pain during pregnancy.
- Child Pose:
Follow the following steps,
- Firstly, Kneel on a yoga mat or floor
- Join your big toes together
- Spread your knees (making room for the baby belly)
- Sit straight, inhale and start leaning forward
- Place your palm straight flat on the ground
- Keep stretching until you are fully stretched comfortably on the floor.
- Take deep breaths, stretching your spine
- Slowly, lean back to a sitting position.
- Kneeling Lungs:
Follow the following steps,
- Kneel on the ground or yoga mat
- Step your one foot forward so that the thigh is parallel to floor
- Gently move forward stretching your thigh and hip
- Hold the same position for 30 seconds and repeat the same on the other leg
- Standing Hamstring Stretch:
Follow the following steps,
- Stand straight on the floor
- Slightly lift your one leg and place it on a stable surface like a chair
- Stretch your leg straight in a way that your fingers are pointed towards the ceiling
- Gently, lean/bend forward, stretching the hamstring
- Hold this pose for about 30 seconds
- Put the foot back on the ground, gently
- Repeat the same stretch on the other leg
When to seek medical attention?
Usually, pregnancy sciatica pain goes away soon after pregnancy. But in case if you feel no improvement in the pain after these home remedies, consult a doctor.
Here at KKT Pakistan we treat sciatica and every other spine related disorder via sound waves treatment. KKT Spine Centre has 8 operational centers across Pakistan in various cities like Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan and Hyderabad. In case of any inconvenience, visit your nearest center.