sciatica

ugh! Just wondering if anyone has any tips for battling sciatica? I am already seeing a chiropractor that I love. She told me that my pelvis is widening but the relaxin hasn't kicked in 100% yet. So as a result I have a constant lower back ache and lately it i****ting the sciatic nerve on the right side - a few times I have taken a step and though I was going to fall because of the pain and the leg giving out. I have a history of lower back problems (3 decompressed disks and 3 herniated disks) and have been through 3 rounds of epidurals / cortisone shots to help out. I was wondering if anyone maybe had some stretches or yoga etc that helped through this?

I am dealing with it the best I can, believe me - I'm not complaining! I'll go through whatever I have to for this baby to be healthy and thank God every day for the blessing. I use ice packs for short spurts, same with heat (OK'd by my OB). Just thought that before I call the OB office I would see if you ladies had anything that worked from experience.

Thanks!

Liz

Ugh.  I'm sorry you're going through this - and so early too!

I had sciatica at around month 4/5 for about 3 weeks. 

My OB gave me a referel to a special physical therapy group that deals with pregnancy back issues.... but Cooper decided at that time to change position (he went from head up to head-down) and when he made that shift he moved off whatever was pushing on my sciatic nerve.....  thank goodness!

I could NOT have dealt with that for months.

That was the worst part of pregnancy!

I hope it gets better for you.... 

Someone at work suggested that I get on all fours (like a dog) and stretch that way....supposedly that will move the baby.  (It didn't work, but gave my husband some lewd thoughts!)

Cindy

Thanks Cindy! I do stretches on all 4 - they call them a cat or camel stretch - get on hands and knees and arch your back (think Black halloween cat) then let it sink down. I almost spi****er across my desk with the comment about your hubby though! lol.

Thanks again :)

Yes!  Those stretches are what I was attempting to get Cooper to move when my husband walked in and decided my back must not be hurting *too* bad if I was beckoning him like that.... LOL.

Men !

I hope you are just feeling some growing pains and as things shift/stretch inside it will go away!

Cindy

I remember when I had sciatica I had to wear a maternity belt to balance out the extra strain the baby was putting on my back. Have you tried one?

not yet - I am only almost 14 weeks and not showing yet - I'll check it out though - thanks!

Oh my gosh, me! me!  I'll take a step and my whole left or right backside and leg will go numb and then start freakin' hurting like no body's business.  Its not cool!  The exercise where you get on all fours helps sometimes...but sometimes there is no relief.  I've been feeling it since about 12 or 13wks.

well while I am sorry you are suffering too I am glad that I am not the only one. I was starting to worry that if my back was this bad already what was going to happen when I get a belly pulling on it!

If I find anything that helps I will let you know. Hope you find some relief!

Liz

Liz I am so sorry!! I had bad sciatica with my last pregnancy.  It started at 13 weeks.  I thought something really bad was going on, I couldnt walk for 2 days at one point.  I found sitting with my feet together and stretching in the "butterfly" was a little helpful.  I also have scoliosis so this last pregnancy was really tough on me depending on how the baby was positioned.  She was so mobile later on, I would be totally fine and then BAM! in total agony!! It was crazy.  (But OH SO WORTH it!) It is her birthday today and I am so blessed.  Hang in there.

aww Happy Birthday to your little Girl!!

I'll try that stretch! thanks. I know at some moments I am stuck, can't move then it'll pass. My baby is practicing to be an acrobat and is doing flips, turns and jumps! I can't feel it yet but maybe it is still putting pressure on a nerve or something.

Thanks for the advice :)