I am not expecting but I am suffering from Sciatica. I know a lot of pregnant woman suffer from this. What can I do to ease the pain that is shooting from my butt to the end of my toes.
JustJodi
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Re: SCIATICA
I would Speak with a doctor.. I beleive Vitamin b-6 is soposed to help with that. Hope you feel better soon
kptoys
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Re: SCIATICA
Prenatal Health Backache and sciatica Approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What's below: • I've been having terrible backaches. What's causing them?
• How can I treat my back pain?
• What can I do to avoid back pain?
• See also --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been having terrible backaches. What's causing them? You can blame your hormones — and your shifting center of gravity — for that aching back. As pregnancy hormones prepare you for childbirth by loosening up the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine, it's not unusual to feel some pain when walking, standing or bending. Also, your expanding uterus will start to weaken your abdominal muscles and alter your posture, putting a strain on your back. In late pregnancy, many women feel a sharp pain up and down their back, legs, and buttocks. This is caused by the baby's head pressing on pelvic bones that in turn press on sciatic nerves. Your legs may feel weak and numb whenever this happens. And if you've ever injured your tailbone, you may find sitting extremely painful now that you are pregnant.
How can I treat my back pain? Rest and a soak in warm water are often the best remedies for an aching back. Although a dip in a hot tub may sound inviting now, resist the temptation. Immersing yourself in water hotter than 102 degrees F can be dangerous for the baby. A hot or cold pack on the affected area can work wonders, too. And if those do-it-yourself tactics don't work, a massage by a trained therapist can relax strained muscles. To get a good night's rest, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs, or use an adjustable pregnancy wedge to make your nights more comfortable. Some women find that the wedge (an adjustable foam pillow that supports your back and abdomen) is the way to go. During the day, a back support belt (a wide Velcro-adjustable truss) can relieve sciatic pain by lifting the abdomen, minimizing the weight your belly is putting on your pelvis and sciatic nerves.
Look for the items mentioned above in the BabyCenter Store.
If you're in excruciating pain, talk to your doctor or midwife about pain relief — you may be put on bedrest or given prescription drugs.
What can I do to avoid back pain?
• Start an exercise program early in pregnancy, one that includes stretches that strengthen and stretch muscles that support the back and legs. Don't worry if you're well past your first trimester; you can start a simple stretching routine at any time.
Swimming is a great choice for pregnant women, because it strengthens your lower back muscles, and the buoyancy of the water takes the strain off your joints and ligaments.
• Stand up straight. This gets harder to do as your body changes, but try to keep your pelvis tucked in and your shoulders back. Pregnant women tend to lean back as their bellies grow, which puts more strain on the spine.
• If you sit in front of a computer screen all day, make sure to sit up straight and keep your feet slightly raised off the floor on a footstool or other low object. Don't sit for long periods; get up and walk around the office or step outside for a break at least every half hour.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes. As your belly grows and your balance shifts, a pair of high heels will only throw your posture even more out of whack than it already is.
• Always bend from your knees and lift objects and children from a crouching position to minimize the stress on your back. Let someone else lift heavy objects; this is not the time to risk throwing your back out completely.