The journey of becoming a mother is always special and memorable. However, women might face a lot of challenges during this phase which might comprise the health and well-being of both the mother and child. One such common issue is Sciatica. Statistics show that around 50-80% of women face sciatica pain during the course of their pregnancy. In such conditions, it becomes very necessary to help women alleviate this pain. Here's everything you need to know about Sciatica pain and how to get relief from it.
What is Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica or lumbosacral radicular syndrome is a condition in which there is a sharp and unbearable sciatica pain during pregnancy in the lower back region which is also associated with numbness in this region. This is caused when the sciatic nerve of the lower spine gets disturbed or suppressed. This can happen in a lot of ways.
- Bulging of or herniated disc
- Spinal narrowing or Stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
The pain range from mild to severe as it gets spread across the hip, buttocks, and thighs. Although it can happen to people of any gender or age group, pregnant women are highly susceptible to this. This pain originates mostly during the third trimester of pregnancy. There can be many reasons for this
- The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and it runs down the entire lower half of the body. Thus, the extra weight of the baby can put a lot of pressure on this nerve which causes pain in this region.
- The increase in the body weight, the growing size of the belly and breasts, the increase in the water retention in the body, etc. can shift the body's center of gravity and exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- The head of the growing baby assumes a final position in the last trimester of pregnancy and can apply extra pressure on this nerve by resting on it directly.
Symptoms of Sciatica Pain during Pregnancy
Sciatica comes with unbearable pain during pregnancy. There are a lot of symptoms of this condition which helps in diagnosing the issue.
- As this nerve runs down the entire lower half, i.e. from the abdomen and buttocks to all the way down the thighs and legs. This might lead to unbearable sciatica pain in pregnancy which is associated with sudden flashes of pain and burning sensation.
- The pain is so sharp because of the sudden nerve impulse, that it can jam the leg muscles with severe numbness.
- This sensation and pain travel down the lower half which can be as small as a tickle to as significant as an electric shock.
- The woman suffering from this might find it difficult to walk, stand, or sit properly.
- Coughing or sneezing might induce similar pain momentarily and cause discomfort.
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Our Belly band’s Soft foam & breathable elastic materials make it comfortable every day, especially during the second & third trimesters. Joint, pelvic and back pain during pregnancy brings discomfort into the mom’s everyday life and makes it hard to participate in daily activities.
Although the statistics show the wide occurrence of this condition, this does not mean that women are out of options for getting relief from this pain. The following ways might help in reducing the unbearable sciatica pain during pregnancy.
- Although there might be occasional jolts of pain in the entire region, there would be one side of your body that would constantly be in pain. Thus, it is better to sit and sleep on your less-painful side to avoid excessive discomfort.
- Support braces that provide stability, comfort, and warmth could also be used in order to reduce excess stress and pressure on the region.
- The only way to relieve the pain is to not sit with it. One should try brisk walking at regular intervals and not sit for too long, as that might induce pain as well.
- A pregnant body can go through a lot of changes during the course and rapid weight gain is one of the prominent changes. Women should make sure that their average calorie intake should not excessively increase which might cause sciatica pain to occur more frequently.
- Physiotherapy can be really beneficial in this condition. A trained chiropractor or acupuncturist would be familiar with this condition and might help you relieve the unbearable sciatica pain during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women must use high-quality firm mattresses and pillows at night in order to support their backs. Keeping pillows between the legs might also help in keeping a firm posture.
- Swimming is yet another important way of managing sciatica pain during pregnancy. Water can help to reduce the pressure on the pregnant body and relieves the pain.
- Yoga and Pilates are other good options for getting comfort. There are a lot of poses one can hold, in order to get relief from this sciatica pain.
- Pigeon Pose
- Child's Pose
- Bound Angle Pose
- Table Stretch
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Glute and Hamstring Foam Rolling
- Apart from all this, women must be in contact with their gynecologists and must immediately inform them in case of serious pain. Certain medications and painkillers might also help in reducing the pain temporarily.
The Final Word
Pregnancy can be tough because of issues like these. However, the feeling of becoming a mother is second to none. In most cases, this pain leaves the body within weeks of the delivery of the baby. In some cases, the pain may sustain for a longer period of time. It is very important to do the needful and stay in touch with the doctor to become a more healthy version of yourself.
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