sciatic pain during pregnancy
The sciatic nerve runs through the spine and connects the spinal cord to your legs. When this nerve becomes pinched or compressed in the lower back or buttocks region, it causes pain to radiate down one leg. The primary cause of sciatica in pregnancy is the enlarged uterus which puts pressure on surrounding muscles and bones. In addition, the hormones of pregnancy often loosened joints and ligaments, adding to the load. This is why it is important to get a thorough examination and treatment plan from your women’s health or physical therapy practitioner to alleviate the pain.
A pregancy Pilates East Sheen can design an exercise program that strengthens the core, glutes and pelvic girdle while providing relief from sciatica. These exercises may include seated piriformis stretching (shown in the video), lying on the back with legs outstretched, or standing on hands and knees, depending on what feels best for you. The goal of these exercises is to provide immediate and lasting sciatic nerve pain relief by strengthening the muscles that support the joints and ligaments that have been loosened due to pregnancy hormones.
In addition, light stretches of the low back and hip muscles can help reduce pain from sciatica during pregnancy. These can be done by a trained physical therapist or at home.
Are there specific exercises to alleviate sciatic pain during pregnancy?
Massage is another option for sciatic pain relief. However, if the sciatic pain is severe and is accompanied by numbness or weakness in the lower extremity, you should seek medical care immediately. Massage can be effective in reducing sciatica in pregnancy if the massage is gentle and only includes the back of the body.
Another form of non-invasive treatment for sciatic pain during pregnancy is chiropractic care, which helps realign the pelvis and reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve. It is recommended that you find a chiropractor who is certified in Webster’s technique, which aligns the pelvis and relaxes the supporting muscles of the lower back, which is especially beneficial for pregnant women.
In addition to these at-home treatments, your physical therapist can also guide you through water exercises that are safe for you and your baby. These exercises are gentle and provide relief of back pain while the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on the lower back and joints. These exercises are great for all trimesters and are an excellent alternative to a brisk walk or stationary cycling, both of which are not recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.
