Sciatic Pain in Pregnancy: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it sometimes comes with a variety of physical challenges. One of the most common and debilitating issues that many women face during pregnancy is sciatic pain —a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down to one or both legs. Along with pubic bone pain and round ligament pain, it’s one of the most common challenges I see in my office. Chiropractic care can offer significant relief from this type of pain, helping pregnant women improve their quality of life during this important time.
What is Sciatica and How Does it Affect Pregnant Women?
Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. The condition is typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which may be due to a herniated disk, muscle tension/spasm, or spinal/pelvic restrictions. In pregnancy, sciatica is often triggered by the following physical changes:
- Weight Gain: As the baby grows, so does the weight of the uterus, which places extra pressure on the lower back and pelvis.
- Postural Changes: The shift in the body’s center of gravity as the belly expands can alter posture, including an increase in pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, which increasing strain on the spine, glute muscles, and therefore the sciatic nerve.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, especially relaxin, increase flexibility in the ligaments and joints, which can lead to a relative instability in the pelvis and lower back, exacerbating sciatic pain.
Sciatica can manifest as a dull ache, a burning sensation, or sharp, shooting pain that radiates down one leg. It can make it difficult to walk, stand, or sleep, which can cause significant discomfort and distress during pregnancy.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Sciatica During Pregnancy
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive option that can provide relief from sciatic pain during pregnancy. As a Perinatal and Webster Certified Chiropractor, I am trained to assess the bones, muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis during pregnancy, and provide the specific hands on care required to help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve the body’s overall function.
1. Spinal Adjustments
The most important thing I do to improve spinal and pelvic function is the adjustment. Adjustments involve carefully applying pressure to the spine and pelvis (either by hand or with specific chiropractic instruments) to reduce restrictions, restore normal range of motion and therefore enhance brain-body communication.
2. Muscle Tension
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased weight can put different pressures on the muscles and joints. Chiropractic care can help by relieving muscle tightness and reducing spinal stress.
3. Education
I provide personalized care that is tailored to the unique needs of each pregnant woman that I see. I assess factors such as posture, gait, movement patterns, range of motion, balance, heart rate variability and spinal alignment to create an individualized plan. In addition to hands-on adjustments and soft tissue work, I also provide education on posture, ergonomics, exercises, and nutritional recommendations as well as make any referrals to other health care professionals that you might need on your team.
Safety of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Chiropractic care is absolutely considered safe during pregnancy. Chiropractors use gentle, controlled adjustments that avoid putting excessive pressure on the abdomen, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. Supportive pregnancy pillows are used to allow you to lay safely on your belly. I do not use techniques which produce any twisting through the spine/abdomen. I have spent hundreds of additional continuing education hours on perinatal care.
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, early on in your pregnancy, or nearing the end of your pregnancy journey, chiropractic care is one of the best things you can do to support your body!
