Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

I had it with my first pregnancy...but much worse this time around likely because I am lugging around a 30 pound toddler. But either way I want to die. I do not want to take medication at all...so please offer other suggestions. I had to take off yesterday b/c I could not walk!!!

Message edited 8/13/2010 9:16:54 AM.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

What about physical therapy? I know they can work on pregnant women and it could very well relieve some of the discomfort you're feeling. I have several herniated and bulging discs in my lower back as the result of an accident I had when I was younger. I swear by physical therapy....I, like you, had days where I couldn't walk (and I wasn't even pregnant) and they "fixed" me! I'm only 4w pregnant and am already feeling the pressure in my back...I may go back to PT right after we tell our parents (can't have PT knowing I'm pregnant before them! lol) Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

i had terrible siatic nerve pain for weeks and weeks.

@ my lamaze class the nurse taught me an exercise that got him right off the nerve and has helped me sooo much.

its kinda like the "cat pose" in yoga. you get on all fours ~ keep your arms about shoulder width apart - and than bring your back up in an arch shape - (kinda like how a cat looks when it gets scared) and than bring your back down. than repeat about 5 or 6 times. it really helped and moved the baby off the nerve. i rarely have siatic episodes now nearing the end and when i do i make sure to do this and it helps so much.
good luck!

also - @ work i began sitting on a hard chair instead of a soft desk one. the harder the surface i sat on the better it felt.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

I recently got in contact with a wonderful prenatal physical therapist.

She was on maternity leave herself so she couldn't see me but she spoke with me on the phone and gave me some great tips.

The best one was a sacroiliac belt. Specifically there is one on amazon. The brand is serola. It is extremely helpful to me in stabilizing the pelvic floor because that was where my pain was come from. You wear it low around your hips and very tight.

Also, ice really helped me. And sleeping with a pillow between my thighs and hugging another one helped with sleeping. And when you get up from bed or out of a car keeps your knees together and pivot yourself with your arms so you're not using hips.

Hope you feel better soon.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

I wish I could help. This is exactly why I am working from home right now and on bed rest as much as possible. My herniated disk only got worse as the pregnancy has progressed. I am sorry. I know it is agony.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

I have tried going on all fours (as mentioned above) and that really helped. You can try a warm water bottle on your lower back, elevating your feet as much as possible, alternating your sides when you go to sleep, or using a body pillow. I had it pretty bad the first trimester, and I feel like it's coming back in the third. For me, walking or heavy housekeeping can trigger it, so I would say to ease up on those also. Good luck!!

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

I had this in the 2nd trimester. An aunt of mine suggested sleeping with a pillow between my legs while laying on my side and this actually did help me. I don't remember having it again in my 3rd trimester.

Re: Severe Sciatic Nerve Pain in Back... Please help!!!

Chiropractor! I have one in KP I can recommend:

McNally Family Chiropractic

And he aint bad to look at either Friend of mine from school