How long does sciatica in pregnancy last?
I’m wondering how long my sciatica in pregnancy will last?
I have had it for about a week now. And nothing helps. I have done:
ice, heat, tylenol, chiroprator, rest, stretching, etc….
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Unfortunately, it can last right up until you deliver
Its how your baby is positioned..if the baby moves off of the sciatic nerve then the pain will disappear.
This happened with me, my daughter moved off of the nerve for about 2 months, and then i suppose she or her brother moved again and ended up on the nerve again right until I delivered. It isnt pleasant.
Good luck
try a maternity belt that is what my doc suggested i never tried it but just try it they are like 10 bucks at walmart in the bra section
I know the feeling. My son sat on my nerve for 6 of the 9 months. There were times I would stand up to walk and could not budge an inch for a few minutes. I was told the same thing other mothers were told, it’s all about how the baby is positioned. If I knew of a cure, I’d tell you, but I don’t. I just remember being ecstatic when I realized I had gone a few days without stopping in my tracks.
It just depends — it’s based on the position of the baby….if the baby shifts, you might get some relief, but he/she may be happy right where they are and you’ll stay that way up until the little one is born. I got lucky in that mine was only from time to time… good luck to you and just remember — it’s all worth it in the end!!
The first problem is that because you are pregnant your low back is hyperextended backward (arched) so the disks have been "squished" forward. Standing toe touch (hamstring) stretches would reverse this if done repeatedly. Tight overactive muscles can be released by a good massage therapist or physical therapist who knows trigger point therapy and stretching. A pregnancy support belt might help your low back as well. Physical therapy modalities like electrical stimulation can safely help your back relax.
Most chiropractors would probably manipulate your back with you lying on your side and give you the electrical stimulation. This is safe as long as they don’t try to manipulate your neck if it is asymptomatic(there is a risk of stroke). The better ones would also give you some exercises. While the manipulation might make you feel a little better, without the stretching it would only be addressing the symptoms. I think there are some good books out there written by physical therapists on exercise for preganancy for this type of problem.
So in short, yes a good chiropractor can offer you a little relief but it would be limited. There are guidelines for picking a safe chiropractor on http://www.chirobase.org
I had mine on and off for 4 months. The first time it hit, I had to go to the ER, I didn’t know what happened to me, it hurt to even breath! Number one thing is stay hydrated! I know if I slacked one day on water and stuff it would hit me like a wrecking ball! My doctor explained how the muscles contract and compress nerves when dehydrated and ya know how docs are, but it worked! The other thing was a well trained husband! He massaged and massaged, sometimes for hours and it helped. Otherwise they say relaxation exercises and deep breathing. I hope something helps! Good Luck, I know it is horrible!
I wouldn’t suggest seeing a chiropractor. The baby is pressing on your nerve in your spine, and there’s nothing a chiro can do about that but put money into their bank account.
Tylenol won’t help either. Ice & heat are for injuries, not sciatica. Stretching will help, if you keep it up. Make sure you discuss with your doctor which stretching exercises are more beneficial. You can also asked to be referred to a physical therapist.
However, there’s not much you can do, until you’ve given birth. I’ve had it since my 20 week of pregnancy with my twins, and I’m only at 31 weeks now. These guys do get kinda heavy most days. I bought one of those belly bands from Motherhood/Mimi Maternity (our store is called Destination Maternity, it’s both stores in one), and it helped alot. Took a lot of pressure off my spine, and gave me better support.