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Pinched sciatic nerve, Pinched sciatic nerve symptoms, Pinched sciatic nerve treatments, Pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy
No one who has ever had symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve wants to repeat this experience. How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve and what to do with a pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy is useful for any woman to know.
The main symptom of a pinched sciatic nerve is pain, which usually begins in the lower back and spreads along the entire length of the nerve: through the buttocks, to the thighs and calves. Often this ailment occurs during pregnancy. Let’s look at the symptoms and try to cope with this problem.
Symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks and thighs, down the back of the leg.
Although this nerve is found in both legs, symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve usually occur in only one leg. This ailment has one important feature that must always be remembered: the symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve are actually indicative of some other problem in the body.
The very first symptom of a pinched sciatic nerve is pain, which usually starts in the lower back and spreads along the entire length of the nerve: through the buttocks, to the thighs and calves. The intensity of pain can vary from mild to very severe. Sometimes the pain manifests itself in the form of a burning sensation, in other cases it can be similar to electric shocks.
Another common symptom of a pinched sciatic nerve is numbness that affects part or all of the leg. Numbness in one area may be accompanied by pain in another. In addition, usually a person also experiences a characteristic tingling sensation in the toes.
One of the most unpleasant symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve is loss of bladder or bowel control.
This condition is rare and requires urgent medical attention. Sometimes this symptom of pinched sciatic nerve is accompanied by lumbosacral radiculitis.
Sciatic nerve entrapment: treatment methods
Treating a pinched sciatic nerve usually begins with stretching exercises, hot or cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen). In addition, taking muscle relaxants can help. To strengthen the muscles in your back, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy sessions, which will also help correct your posture. If the pain persists for several months, the doctor may inject an epidural steroid into the affected area to help reduce inflammation around the nerve. In severe cases of pinching of the sciatic nerve, especially if you lose control of the bladder or bowel, when other methods of treatment have not worked, surgery is prescribed.
When a herniated disc presses on the root of the sciatic nerve, it can only be corrected with an operation called “laminotomy with discectomy.” This operation can be performed with general or local anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon removes the part of the herniated disc that causes pinching of the sciatic nerve. This surgery is especially effective if leg pain is the main symptom of a pinched sciatic nerve.
For cases of a pinched sciatic nerve that are not associated with a herniated disc, physiotherapy may be an option. Under the supervision of medical professionals, the patient performs various exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back. Physiotherapy alone does not treat nerve damage, but it can prevent further exacerbation of the injury and relieve pain.
In some cases, pinching of the sciatic nerve can occur due to stenosis of the spinal canal or narrowing of the spinal column. For treatment, then special braces are used. Sometimes, when the cause of the pinching of the sciatic nerve cannot be determined, treatment is carried out with the help of physical exercises.
Pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the fetus can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve. If a nerve is pinched, leg pain can be very severe (usually painful sensations begin in the lower back or buttocks). Treating a pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy is usually done with specific exercises. In addition, there are a number of simple rules, following which a pregnant woman can relieve herself of most of the symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve. Most often, these symptoms appear on one side of the body, which means you can at least lie on the healthy side. In addition, if symptoms occur while standing, rest your legs as often as possible.
One of the simplest exercises for treating a pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy is pelvic tilt. To complete it, you need to squat down on your hands and knees. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees directly under your hips. Do not arch your back and keep your neck and head in line. Arch your lower back (like a hissing cat) and hold this position for a few seconds. Relax, return back to the starting position. Repeat this exercise five times. This exercise can be performed while standing. Spread your legs slightly apart, bend your knees, and push your hips slightly forward. Stretch your arms out in front of you for balance. Arch your back, as in the previous option, then return to the starting position.
Another exercise that helps fight pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy is stretching the muscles of the back of the thigh. This exercise also helps to strengthen the muscles in the lower back. In order to do this, you will need a sturdy chair that will need to be placed in front of you. Place one leg on the seat of the chair while keeping your back straight. Lean forward slowly so that the back of the thigh is tense and stretched. Hold in this position for five seconds, straighten again. Repeat the exercise ten times. Then change your leg. Remember to keep your breathing even.
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