Is Your Pregnancy Backache Sciatica?
Ouch! Your aching back! During pregnancy, there's nothing too unusual about that, but there's pregnancy backache, and then there's sciatica and you'll no doubt be able to tell the difference. With sciatica, the baby is pressing on your sciatic nerve that runs down your spine to your legs—and it sure can hurt.
Pregnancy-related sciatica generally happens during the second and third trimesters as the baby gets bigger and sits lower in your pelvis. You may experience sharp, shooting pains down your sciatic nerve or numbness, both which can prevent you from functioning normally.
Here are some ways to relieve pregnancy backache caused by sciatica:
Here are some ways to relieve pregnancy backache caused by sciatica:
- Heat or cold. Some doctors recommend alternating applying hot and cold packs to your sciatica for up to 20 minutes each. Heat loosens the muscles; cold alleviates inflammation.
- Chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment may also alleviate your pregnancy-related sciatica. Through gentle manipulation, a good chiropractor can help relieve your sciatic pain and improve your mobility. Ask your doctor if this might be a solution to your pregnancy backache.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture works on trigger points to help alleviate pain. Just be sure to check with your doctor to see whether acupuncture is right for you, as it's not appropriate for some high-risk pregnancies. Also, make sure your acupuncturist is appropriately certified.
- Myofascial release. Myofascial release is the gentle pulling and manipulation of your connective tissue to loosen your body and relieve pain. Make sure you find a specialist who has dealt with pregnant women before.
- Pain relievers. Though most pain medications are not recommended for use even for pregnancy backache, your doctor may allow you to take acetaminophen. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, though an effective anti-inflammatory, is generally considered unsafe during the third trimester. Chat with your doc before taking anything during your pregnancy—even over-the-counter medications.
If your pregnancy backache becomes pregnancy-related sciatica, try to lie on the opposite side to relieve the pressure. Also, avoid gaining excess weight, and exercise, however lightly, if possible. Ask your doctor for advice that's specific to your particular pregnancy.
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