Sciatica Doc in West Orange Answers 6 Questions About Sciatica During Pregnancy

The pain might trigger slowly or out of a sudden, it can be mild or severe, and it can also be accompanied by other symptoms. This all depends on what causes the pain and the region where the irritation occurs.

Question #2: What are the most common symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica pain is quite easy to recognize due to the particular symptoms it triggers. These symptoms include:

• Sharp, shooting, or searing pain on one side of your buttocks or leg
• Pain that runs down the sciatic nerve, from the buttocks through the back of your thigh and your foot
• Difficulties walking, standing, or sitting
• Numbness, pins & needles, or weakness in the afflicted leg or foot

Question #3: What causes sciatica during pregnancy?

Problems with the lumbar spine, such as a bulging or herniated disc, are the most common causes of sciatic pain in general. This affliction can also be caused by bone abnormalities, such as spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease, or a disorder called spondylolisthesis, which affects the spine. These conditions can exert pressure on the sciatic nerve, resulting in discomfort.

During pregnancy, sciatica caused by a herniated disc is uncommon. However, sciatica-like sensations are prevalent in pregnant women, accompanying low back discomfort.

Sciatic discomfort during pregnancy can be caused by muscle strains and unstable joints by pelvic bone pain, sacroiliac joint difficulties, and piriformis syndrome. This is due to an increase in pregnancy hormones like relaxin, which can loosen and stretch your ligaments, which are the structures that connect bones to joints, especially in the pelvic area.

Because the baby’s weight exerts additional strain on your pelvic and hip joints, it might trigger SI joint pain or piriformis syndrome. Your baby’s position might sometimes put a strain on your sciatic nerve.

Question #4: How can I relieve sciatica pain?

Massage, chiropractic treatment, and physical therapy are all options for treating sciatic discomfort during pregnancy. Exercises to stretch the muscles of the leg, buttocks, and hip and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve are part of the recommended at-home treatment for sciatic discomfort during pregnancy. Non-weight-bearing routines, such as swimming, are also beneficial to certain women. This is because the water helps to support the baby’s weight.

The following are the most commonly recommended methods to relieve pain:

• Stretching your back on a regular basis
• Sleeping on your side, with one cushion between your knees and the other beneath your belly
• Alternate sitting and standing to keep your posture in check and avoid stiffness.
• Get additional lumbar support by using a maternity belt.
• Epidural steroid injections
• While seated, place a lumbar cushion behind your lower back.
• Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night and relaxing throughout the day.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, the pain doctor will not prescribe medication.

Question #5: How do I avoid sciatica pain?

Unfortunately, only about a third of pregnant women manage to avoid suffering from low back pain during pregnancy, and if you want to reduce your chances of experiencing this discomfort, you must maintain good health and be extra careful with your spine.

The following may help avoid or at least lessen the severity of low back discomfort during pregnancy:

• Maintaining an active lifestyle and exercising lightly even when pregnant
• Prior to and throughout pregnancy, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight to avoid extra pressure on the spine.
• During the second and third trimesters, it’s extremely important to wear comfy shoes and avoid sudden twists and turns.
• Heavy lifting and rapid movements should be avoided in general.
• Maintaining a healthy posture

Question #6: What should I do if the pain persists?

Sciatica may be excruciatingly painful and irritating during pregnancy. Stretching can help with sciatic pain by reducing muscular tension and promoting hip, lower back, and leg mobility. If you sit or stand for lengthy periods of time, your sciatic pain may worsen. As a result, make sure to swap positions during the day.

Pay attention to your body and avoid activities that aggravate sciatica. Always consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Stop exercising and get medical attention if you have any symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or bleeding.

Visit a sciatica doc in West Orange as soon as possible if the pain becomes too difficult to handle. If you are looking for the best minimally invasive back pain treatment in Jersey and New York, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dr. Michael Nguyen and Dr. George Hanna. You can find our dedicated team of back specialists in West Orange, NJ Pain Center near the Essex Country Club.