Sciatic nerve pain is common during pregnancy because the weight of the belly increases the load on the spine and the intervertebral disc, which may compress the nerve and cause pain in the back or buttocks, and may worsen when moving or radiating to the thigh, knee or feet.
The treatment for sciatic pain in pregnancy is guided by the orthopedist and physiotherapist, and consists of performing techniques to lengthen and relax the muscles of the back and glutes.
Use of analgesics such as paracetamol should be used only when pain is very strong, but potent anti-inflammatories and analgesics such as tramadol, codeine and morphine should not be used except under medical supervision due to the risk of malformation for the baby.
Thus, to relieve sciatica pain in pregnancy is recommended:
- Physiotherapy : Physiotherapy sessions with the use of devices, manual techniques and application of heat help reduce pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, as they improve blood circulation in the area and the stretching of the muscle. In addition, in periods outside the crisis, exercises can be done to strengthen and relax muscles. Specific tapes may also be applied to better hold the belly, reducing back pain;
- Massaging the back and legs : A relaxing massage with the help of essential oils or almonds helps to decrease the strain on the back and buttock muscles, which may be worsening sciatic nerve compression;
- Apply warm compress : this technique in the affected region helps to relieve pain as it relaxes the muscles of the place and can increase circulation;
- Alternative Treatments : Acupuncture and reflexology treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica, especially when in conjunction with other types of treatment, relax the muscles and may decrease the discomfort caused by pain.
- Do stretching : should be done, preferably 2 times a day, and help stretch the muscles of the back, buttocks and legs, and may decrease nerve compression. See stretching exercises that can also be done during pregnancy in 2:16 minutes of this video:
These guidelines can be done even when the pain is controlled to prevent further seizures.
In spite of this, it is necessary to follow up with the orthopedist, so that guidelines are made according to the degree of inflammation of the nerve of each person. Care should be taken in case of pain that only worsens, is very intense or accompanied by tingling, weakness or loss of sensation in the legs.
How to prevent sciatica in pregnancy
To avoid inflammation and pain of the sciatic nerve in this period, it is important to practice physical activity, under the medical guidance of a physical education professional, to strengthen the muscles of the back and decrease the compression of the spine.
Avoiding not gaining too much weight is also important because the more weight you gain, the greater the chance of compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. In addition, there are support straps for pregnant women, which can also help improve posture and avoid overloading the spine.
Keeping the spine erect when sitting, walking, standing, and especially lifting weights, is important to avoid worsening the overload in the spine. During sleep, it is recommended to use a cushion between your legs, when lying on your side, or below your knees when lying on your stomach. Learn the best position to sleep during pregnancy.
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