Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms associated with aggravation to the sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve originates in your lower spine and runs through the backs of your legs. While sciatica stems from a variety of causes, pregnancy makes you more susceptible because of the physical changes your body experiences during your baby's development. Work with your health care provider to treat, manage and prevent sciatica pain.
Causes
Because you carry extra weight in the front of your body during pregnancy, your lower back is susceptible to injury. Possible causes of sciatica during pregnancy are injuries to the discs of your lumbar spine. When your discs are herniated or bulging, they put pressure on your sciatic nerve and cause you to experience the pain and numbness associated with sciatica. During pregnancy you are susceptible to experiencing tightness and spasms in your lower back, and these also trigger sciatica.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sciatica include numbness, tingling and shooting pain in your lower back and down the backs of your legs. Because the sciatic nerve innervates your pelvic area, you may experience incontinence or difficulty urinating. Sciatica causes muscle weakness. Your symptoms may worsen from standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time.
Treatment
Your sciatica pain may go away on its own after a few weeks or your pain may persist for a longer period of time. Exercises and stretches to strengthen your lower back and alleviate tightness assist with eliminating sciatica. Chiropractors experienced in working with pregnant clients can provide manual adjustments to treat your symptoms. Massage therapy is another option if your sciatica is caused by spasms or tense muscles.
Prevention
Your best defense against sciatica is developing a strong core prior to your pregnancy. Strong lower back and abdominal muscles help you maintain correct posture and spinal alignment, thus decreasing your risk for lower back injuries. A strong core prior to pregnancy will help you better manage the changes in your center of gravity as your baby develops. Also, avoid heavy lifting and bending as those movements put added pressure on your back.
