The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that runs from your lower back till the feet. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation and movement in your legs. Sometimes when this nerve gets compressed, you will experience severe pain in the back of your leg and buttocks.
Sciatica is a term that is used to describe the shooting pain or numbness in the lower back, back of your leg, hips and feet that is caused to the inflammation or compression or the sciatic nerve. Usually sciatica is caused due to a slip disc problem, but other back problems can also cause sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica
Usually sciatica causes pain or discomfort in one leg as well as pain in the lower back. Symptoms of sciatica include:
- Shooting pains in the back of the leg and in the buttocks
- Ache in the lower back
- You may have a sensation of pins and needles in your leg and foot
- Numbness or discomfort in the leg and foot
While some women who suffer with sciatica find themselves in severe pain, others experience slight discomfort.
Sciatica during pregnancy
Most people believe that a woman is most likely to develop sciatica during her pregnancy than any other time in her life. But this isn’t true; your baby’s weight will seldom compress the sciatic nerve. Most women may experience pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy which is misdiagnosed as sciatica. This pain will gradually ease once the baby is born.
Sciatica usually lasts not more than six weeks. Symptoms usually fade within 6 weeks time. If symptoms of sciatica last for more than six weeks then you will need to consult a doctor for further advice.
Treating Sciatica during pregnancy
- It is important to stay active during pregnancy, especially if you are suffering from sciatica nerve. Some gentle exercises such as swimming, walking or yoga will help strengthen your core muscles and your lower back. You can also try Pilates; it is also very good to strengthen your core.
- You can also wear a support belt for the back; this will give your back some extra support that it needs. While sleeping, place a pillow under your bump and try sleeping sideways as this will reduce the pressure on your back.
- Ask your partner or a family member to massage your back and legs. You can use some aromatherapy oils or a balm for the massage.
- If you are suffering from acute pain then, apply a hot water bottle or a cool compress on the affected area. You can use combination of both and then decide which one works for you better.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and try to sit and stand using a good posture.
- If you are suffering from severe sciatica then consult your doctor. Your doctor may advice you to take some physiotherapy or will ask you to see a chiropractor who is trained in treating pregnant women.
