Sciatica Pain in Pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain (sciatica) can be a big pain in the butt during pregnancy! This pain is caused by compression of the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, which works its way down through the hip joint, into the buttocks and down your leg. That means it goes right underneath the uterus. No wonder it can be a problem!

It can cause periodic or constant pain in your back and legs, and many say it is the worst type of lower back pain. Yuck! So what can you do to help relieve some of that pain so you can actually manage to function while waiting for that precious babe to arrive?

Here are some things that have worked for others. Mix and match to find the relief that is best for your own personal situation. (And always check with your medical provider, we are not here to provide medical advice, just help you access all the information possible.)

·         Because sitting can stress the lower back (and you probably have to sit at SOME point, if not often!), pay attention to where you are doing your sitting. Try swapping out that soft chair for a firmer one.

·         If you are able to spend time in bed, lie on the side opposite the pain with your knees bent.

·         Visiting the chiropractor may help. (We hear recommendations of chiropractic treatment for lots of issues during pregnancy – maybe you will have some other unintended benefits!)

·         Acupuncture – many local chiropractors provide this service

·         Heat or cold – try alternating them and see what seems to help

·         Get moving. This is the last thing you want to hear when your back hurts, but inactivity accentuates pain and causes weakening and shortening of connective tissues. Getting moving really can provide some relief! (Don’t take up running in your third trimester, though. How about a nice, gentle walk?)

·         Swimming! Speaking of exercise, swimming can be a great low-impact exercise during pregnancy. The weightlessness of being in water is said to provide spinal relief.

·         Try amber! Karli has some wonderful back strands that can really help when dealing with pain. If you aren’t familiar with amber for pain relief, check this out.

·         Talk to your prenatal care provider about using acetaminophen for pain.

 Does anyone have other methods that have worked for you? We’d love to hear them!