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Pregnancy Sciatica - Causes & Treatment


50-80% of women around the world experience back pain while in various stages of pregnancy. There are many causes of back pain during pregnancy including sciatica pain which affects the lower back through the hips and all the way to the woman’s thighs. This pain can be extremely debilitating and can greatly affect the expectant mother. This article will discuss some of the causes and natural remedies of sciatica during pregnancy.

Expectant mothers should not sit or stand for long periods of time if they are experiencing back pain or believe they have sciatica pain. It is best to switch positions between standing and sitting or laying down several times a day. This moving helps adjust your weight and alleviate stress on various joints. It may help lessen or relieve sciatica during your pregnancy.

Some causes of sciatica during pregnancy are from issues that occur before the beginning of the pregnancy such as herniated or bulged disks in the back, spinal narrowing or degenerative disk disease. Sciatica can also be caused from symptoms of pregnancy such as hormonal changes causing relaxation of ligaments especially in the pelvic region. These changes in combination with the growing baby’s weight can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve path in your legs, hips and back.

If a pregnant woman experiences any of the following symptoms along with her back pain it may be caused by sciatica:

  • Difficulty with walking, sitting or standing due to pain in her lower back, buttocks, or legs
  • The feeling of pins and needles, numbness or weakness on one side of her legs or buttocks
  • Pain along the sciatic nerve path in her back or buttocks.
  • Any shooting or burning pain in her back or buttocks.

If women are concerned about any pain they are experiencing during pregnancy they should see their doctor right away.

A holistic and natural way to treat sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy is by stretching. Stretching exercises or massages that target specific groups of muscles to help loosen them to try and relieve stress upon the sciatic nerve may provide relief. Patients often identify pain-relieving positions for themselves.

  • Some find semi-reclining or certain positions laying in bed are helpful
  • But some find laying in bed increases the pain
  • Yoga poses such as pigeon pose, hip flexor
  • Stretching your back using a table as support
  • Getting prenatal massages from a massage therapist

Remember some back pain is normal during any stage of pregnancy but if you have any concerns or think you might have sciatic nerve pain speak to your doctor.

This article is meant for general informative purposes only and is not meant to replace or offer medical advice.

The above information does not take the place of a medical consultation and is intended for informational purposes only. Please seek further advice if your symptoms continue or worsen.