Sciatica - Help!

[tessofthedurbervilles]

I have constant sciatica and am limping around like an oldie...it hurts whatever I do...has anyone got any tips on coping, does it get worse (am 36 weeks) or is anyone in same boat and fancies a winge?!

A few things to try:

• have partner apply counter pressure....while you sit in front or lean against a wall, steady pressure is applied on your lower back/upper hip area with the heels of his hands. It is off your back bone and just let him know if he needs to move his hands higher or lower. I often have my fists in mothers' lower back when they have back pain in labour. Can also sometimes be helpful with the heels of his hands closer to your hips and gentle pressure is applied like he it trying to press your hips inward and forward. This allows for some spread in your pelvis.

• sit in a chair or on the settee...have partner sit in front of you and gently apply pressure against your knees as he pushes them back towards the chair

• straddle a birth ball and rock side to side, moving around...hold onto something for support

• turn a straight back chair, that doesn't have any arms, around and straddle that facing the back of the chair. Put a pillow in front to lean against....this allows for a gentle stretch of your back and counter pressure can be applied as well

• a heat pack (you can use an old sock and put uncooked rice in it, then heat it in the microwave for a short time) or ice pack might help...can alternate between heat and cold

• pelvic rocks....forward and back motion with your lower pelvis like you are trying to flatten the small of your back

• when lying on your side, put a pillow between your legs and a small one under you belly....this can help better align your spine and take some of the pressure off your lower back

• at night, have partner lie on his side with knees up so that you can move closer with your lower back pressed against his knees

Hi Tess,

Not suffered anything yet this time around (18 wks) but had Pelvic Girdle Pain with DS1 from fairly early on so I do sympathise!

Can't really suggest any tips for coping (other that copious amounts of paracetamol) and perhaps a visit to a chiropractor?

Hope things improve soon

I've been seeing a chiropractor privately and have been referred to obstetric physio at hospital.

You have my sympathy it is a weird horrible pain!