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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Sciatica

10 replies

Rinnyx · 28/08/2010 16:34

I have been suffering from the lovely pain that is from my sciatic nerve for afew months now on and off but the past week it has been kicking in every night soon as I get on the sofa or bed and to get up again takes at least a minimum 10-15 minutes but with me yelling out in pain and leading to crying alot more.

I'm 30 weeks on Monday and was wondering if any of you lovely ladies have any tips that may help or should I just give in and go to the doctors (not due to see the midwife again til I'm 34 weeks)

OP posts:
japhrimel · 28/08/2010 16:35

Definitely see the doctor. I find specialist massage I get regularly helps, but if baby sits on a nerve, only moving it will help!

Alicious · 28/08/2010 16:42

See the doctor! I have the same problem (25 weeks) and my leg keeps giving way under me-v painful and quite dangerous-last time around I had a series of massages prescribed (I live in France) it really helped. I'll be asking for the same thing at my next appointment.

Using pillows to get into a comfy position also helped, as did sitting upright on a hard chair to watch TV-not much fun I know!

vmcd28 · 28/08/2010 17:08

I had this with my last pg, and have it on and off with this one. One thing that helps a little is to roll up a blanket and put it behind the small of your back while you're sitting or lying down on the settee/bed. It's better than a cushion, as it stays in the round shape that your back needs to be in.
Where is the pain - in your lower back or down your leg or both?
Apparently acupuncture and/or specialist pregnancy chiropractors can be good too

Original poster
Rinnyx · 28/08/2010 23:13

It's my lower back on the right side only

OP posts:
vmcd28 · 29/08/2010 10:01

Yep, try the rolled up blanket, and try to sit straight, ie don't cross yr legs, try to keep your feet flat on the floor, don't sit with your legs and feet pulled up beside you etc. It's all about trying to keep your pelvis straight and supported, and your back supported.
also, have you got a gym ball? Sitting on one for a while each day has helped me a bit. It only cost 7 quid from Argos

ThatDamnDog · 29/08/2010 10:08

If it doesn't shoot down your leg then it's likely to be a problem with piriformis, a muscle in your bum.

Acupuncture can be really helpful for this, although should be used with caution in pregnancy. Some form of manual therapy like chiropractic may also be helpful - but your first stop might be best to be a physiotherapist :)

Samraves · 29/08/2010 10:43

I get this all the time. The main thing is to try to relax your muscles. It is weird how unless you think about it, you can often be tensing the muscles in your bum! So massage helps, just checking you are relaxing the muscles helps. And keep moving. keeping still does not help - nor lying on your back (which we can really do anyway). Take gentle walks.

I find sleeping with a pillow between my legs makes a big difference.

Also, I do gentle stretches because the sciatica has indirect effects on other muscles, so stand up and gently move your head from side to side, stretch up with one arm and the other. All small, gentle movements. I also find it helps to reach down and touch my toes, very slowly - but this is becoming harder to do! But basically any exercises that stretch the back of your thighs and calves will help. Also try laying on your back for a few minutes gently moving your pelvis in a kind of figure or eight or if you can't manage that just from side to side...

Sciatica is miserable... but hope you feel better soon

podmumlet · 29/08/2010 12:28

What a great thread! Thanks for starting it Rinnyx.

ThatDamnDog - is it possible to get a referral to a physio from either a GP or midwife..?

At best, I have been describing my aches as pain in my bum bones - very accurate!! Confused And as a result, have been too embarrassed to ask from help when I haven't been able to figure out what it is.....

rinnyx - here is wishing you some speedy relief and comfort.

ThatDamnDog · 29/08/2010 12:47

Either GP or MW may be able to refer you - here all pregnant women get a physio referral as standard just for postural/pelvic floor advice etc, or you can self-refer by filling in a form at the health centre. Phone your GP's surgery or MW tomorrow and ask :)

salizchap · 30/08/2010 13:57

Also, put an ice pack on the area where the pain comes from for about 20 minutes. It really reduces the inflamation and helps you to relax.

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