5 Tips for Managing Pregnancy Sciatica
When you’re pregnant, you’re expecting a baby, but what you might not be expecting is sciatica. Of all the symptoms you hear about during the prenatal period, sciatica is less commonly discussed.
Sciatica is usually associated with herniations of the discs in your spine, but it can happen while you’re pregnant too. In fact, it can be so debilitating that walking is almost impossible. So is sleep. That’s because the sciatic nerve is being compressed by the weight of the baby growing inside you.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until your due date to get some relief from the burning, shooting, radiating pain that comes with sciatica. Here are some tips to help you function!
1. Try chiropractic care
A licensed chiropractor can help realign your spine and reduce compression on the sciatic nerve. This will reduce your pain. As your baby grows and your belly along with it, your posture keeps changing so schedule regular appointments to help relieve your pregnancy sciatica.
2. Get a prenatal massage
Once the baby comes, you’ll have little time to relax. And while massages certainly are relaxing, they serve a greater purpose. By having a deep tissue massage for your hips and lower back, this will help relieve much of your pain.
3. Use acupuncture
Contrary to how it appears, acupuncture doesn’t hurt at all. This treatment for pain comes from traditional Chinese medicine to target certain points that harmonize with your qi. When you treat these points, the energy is opened up and helps rebalance your body. Acupuncture can relieve pain without the use of medicine and is certainly worth a try if you’re willing!
4. Engage in physiotherapy
A physiotherapist can also help you by teaching you exercises that you can do to relieve pregnancy sciatica when it comes on. While you can find exercises online, nothing beats having a professional show you how to do it right. Proper form is critical, especially when you’re pregnant.
During pregnancy, your body releases relaxin, a hormone that keeps your ligaments and joints loose to aid you in childbirth. This is why working with a physiotherapist is best so you avoid any injury.
5. Relax with prenatal yoga
Prenatal yoga can help your mind and body work in harmony. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to relieve that sciatic nerve pain. It helps by quelling nerve compression and realigning your body. If you go to a class, make sure it is for prenatal yoga. The instructor will have you perform moves that are safe for you and baby to give you the best benefits.
Do you have pregnancy sciatica? Get some relief in the privacy of your home today. We offer in-home physiotherapy, chiropractic care, personal training, massage, and acupuncture services that can help you whenever you need them!
