Sciatica: Don’t Let It Get On Your Nerves

This condition is so named as it is caused by your sciatic nerve. The course the nerve takes runs from your lower back travelling down the back of your legs and branching out into your feet. This is also where the pain is felt, following the course of this nerve. The job of this nerve is to help you feel sensation and move the muscles in your legs. 

Although seemingly quite common during pregnancy – especially in the third trimester – it is not necessarily directly caused by anything to do with pregnancy, although it can be aggravated by your posture during pregnancy. You can also suffer from sciatica without being pregnant. 

Sciatica happens when there is inflammation or pressure from your back on the nerve, often caused by a slipped or injured disc. It can also be caused by the growing uterus putting pressure onto the nerve. When suffering from sciatica you will feel a burning shooting pain, quite often in just one of the legs. It can be constant or it can come and go. Although coupled with inflammation, it is important to remember that while pregnant you cannot take Ibuprofen, even at over-the-counter strength.    

Treatment can include exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach and back muscles.  You may also be advised to wear a support belt. Flat shoes are also an essential. In bed it is important to support your bump using pillows. Keeping mobile is also very important as well as a sufficient amount of rest and getting off your feet.  One can also use heat and ice on the painful area for 10 minutes at a time.  

It is also important to discuss with your physiotherapist different birthing positions for labour as you may be more limited due to your sciatica. Labouring in water is often preferred in this case as moving in water can feel easier. 

If you suffer from any type of back pain or leg pain during pregnancy and would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to tamaramay.physio@gmail.com.  I can arrange to see you in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.