How can I get relief from Sciatica while pregnant?

Question

I was injured in September 2008 and have been suffering from sacroiliitis and sciatica.  I have recently started seeing a chiropractor and he has been able to get rid of most of the pain associated with it but my left leg still goes numb when I stand for more than 20 minutes.

I woke up this morning on my back.  My leg was completely numb and it scared the crap out of me.  I rolled over and went back to sleep and everything seemed back to normal when I got up for the day.

I had a massage this morning and laid on my back for that.  Again, my leg went numb.  I have read that the uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause this, but I didn't think that it happened this early on (13w2d).

Now I can't stand, lay on my back, or lay on my stomach.  Laying on my side is ok for a little while but eventually my back starts to hurt (even with the use of some pillows).  Any recommendations on how to cope with this?  Sitting up is my only viable option right now, but I really don't want to spend the next 6 months doing nothing but sitting!  I am really struggling with things both mentally and physically (my husband is deployed so I have no help with anything).  Any and all help is appreciated! 

Thanks!

Garry · Answer

1

Anonymous · Answer

Hello,
Though sciatica is a common problem, it is really surprising that often it is hard to tell why a person suffers from this ailment. This is why it is often referred to as a back pain complex. Even experienced doctors find it difficult to pinpoint a cause. Number of medical conditions lead to sciatica such as stress and trauma at any point on spinal cord or lower back. This is understandable but when a person feels this pain and the underlying causes are as general as obesity or pregnancy, it presents a vague picture to the doctor. There can be many more underlying causes that require supervision and treatment at the right time.

For more info and details about natural treatments visit: http://curesciatica.toptips.org

Anonymous · Answer

Both answers given are good advice. I too had sciatica for months - I finally got rid of it after 9 months. PT, pain meds (anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers) and stretching exercises all eventually helped. No lifting because sciatica often comes from a disc that is pushing on your spinal cord and irritating your sciatic nerve. What eventually helped the most was starting a walking program which help strengthen my back muscles, held my spine more erect and the pain started to go away. The others helped some but the walking seemed to help the most. Also, try to remember some of the exercises PT had you do last time and start doing them again. Good luck.

Jessie R · Answer

I was also injured prior to pregnancy and experience a lot of sciatica pain. The chiropractor has been key for me to keep it at bay, that and staying active. Which I am sure will be hard for you if your leg keeps going numb. Try swimming which may help relief the pain and take the pressure of your nerves.  Sleeping on my side as far has been the only comfy position and that with a lot of pillow. You can also try tucking a pillow under your back from your hip to your shoulder which elevates you a bit. this allows you to sleep on your back with out the added pressure

Regular John · Answer

YEAH IT WAS A TRAGEDY!.... im sorry, can you repeat the question?

How can I get relief from Sciatica while pregnant?

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