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Where is the sciatic nerve exactly? This is a nerve that is located in the lower back, along the back of the legs, and goes all the way to the feet. If the sciatic nerve is functioning properly, a person perceives all stimuli correctly and can move the muscles of the legs. It happens that the work of the nerve is disturbed and then a condition called sciatica appears.
Sciatic nerve dysfunction is a common ailment that occurs in pregnant women, especially in the second trimester. What can be caused by sciatica in pregnancy? The sciatic nerve does not function properly when it becomes irritated or compressed. During pregnancy, a woman’s body is exposed to a greater number of injuries and ailments that may be the result of too much strain.
Sciatica in pregnancy – symptoms
It happens that pregnant women often complain of back pain, which occurs most often in the second trimester. Women gain weight during pregnancy and the baby grows, which can put additional pressure on the nerves. However, sciatica in pregnancy can be confused with pelvic pain. It rarely happens that sciatica in pregnancy is caused by pressure on the nerve, the most common cause is the prolapse of the disc or its protrusion, the nerve dysfunction may also be the result of bone compression, compression of ligaments. Therefore, specialists believe that if sciatica occurs during pregnancy, it could also be activated in a different situation.
How is sciatica manifested in pregnancy? It is a burning pain that may come to pass after a while, very often it is pain and discomfort that activates on one side of the back. It is an ailment that is most often located in the lower back, on the back of the legs, and the pain can spread all the way to the feet. There may be a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, which is also a common symptom of sciatica. In acute inflammation, the pain may spread.
Sciatica in pregnancy – treatment
Unfortunately, sciatica in pregnancy cannot be treated with the same methods as in other cases. Backache in most cases is treated pharmacologically, because these ailments are the result of inflammation, so the neurologist prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers are also used. Medicines may be in the form of tablets, but for greater effectiveness, the agents may be administered by injection. What solutions are offered to pregnant women? First of all, the gynecologist may suggest a session with a physiotherapist. In medical stores and pharmacies, specialized compression belts are available, which are put under the abdomen, their task is to support the pelvic muscles, but also reduce the risk of pressure on the vertebrae. In critical situations, an MRI scan can be performed on a pregnant woman, but in most cases it is not necessary. Sciatica in pregnancy is a condition that may last for about 6 weeks.
If sciatica becomes active during pregnancy, you should reach for home remedies. A good effective solution can be compresses, which should be systematically applied to the place where the pain has been activated. It is also worth giving up higher heels and greater physical exertion. Proper posture is also very important, not only when walking, but also when sitting down and bending down. A pregnant woman should put a pillow, a rolled up towel or a blanket while she is sitting, this is a good way to relieve the back.
The Natural Cotton and Cherry Seed Yokompres compress for women, which can also be safely used during pregnancy, has a very beneficial effect on the ailments associated with sciatica. Also try the VITAMMY Heat Electric Heating Cushion.