Dealing With Sciatica in Pregnancy
Sciatica can be an incredibly frustrating and painful condition. Although not overly common, it still affects millions of people worldwide and therefore even if you are not a sufferer yourself, it would be wise for you to be a bit more informed on it.
What it is
Sciatica is not actually a disorder in itself, but rather is a symptom of another problem that involves the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the entire body and runs all the way from the pelvis through the buttocks and hip area and then down the back of each leg. It is the sciatic nerve which controls many of the muscles in your lowers legs. It also provides the feelings to your thighs, legs, and feet, and therefore is obviously one of the most vital and important nerves in the human body.
Sciatica in Pregnancy
The problem with sciatica in pregnancy is that many women assume that what they are dealing with is sciatica when it is really something else, often even something more dangerous. Sciatica in pregnancy is very common however, as the woman has the weight of the baby in her abdomen and which is creating a lot of extra pressure on the sciatic nerve.
There are times when this nerve may become inflamed and most women describe this feeling as being one of pins and needles, similar to when your leg falls asleep, for instance. A lot of women develop sciatica in pregnancy but it is important to realize that sciatica is not a result necessarily of being pregnant.
A few of the most commonly complained of symptoms include pins and needles in the lower back or leg, shooting or burning in the legs or buttocks, pain in the lower back or pelvis, and numbness or tingling in the leg or feet.
Treatment
Treatment for sciatica in pregnancy is very different than treatment for sciatica in other cases. Many times sciatica pain will disappear on its own but in other situations there are a few treatment methods that may be used. There are certain exercises that can be performed which will help relieve the pain caused by sciatica, and which will not only help improve comfort but also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, back muscles, and abdominal muscles.
Make sure that you speak to your doctor about your condition and ensure that they do a proper assessment and diagnosis before deciding on a method of treatment.
