Sciatic pain

[vanillabean]

I have been having really bad sciatic pain over the last few nights, almost not being able to walk. I am not pregnant, but it seems that it has not gone away since my two pregnancies (I had it really bad during those). I won't go into the long story, but I am having a pelvic ultrasound on Friday due to a few other issues. Just wondering if anyone has had anything similar and what can I do about it?

[SweetSerenity]

Hi Mummyjo!:wave:

You poor thing, i feel your pain:hugs:

I had bad sciatica when i was pregnant!

I used to have to take days off work because the pain that came with walking was too unbearable.

When i was pregnant, my midwife said you can get massages/physio that can help with it....

Have you looked into that at all??

Unfortunately i have no other suggestions other then the normal heat rubs, heat packs etc as thats all i ever could do.

Again i really understand what your going through, its not much fun at all.

Hope it all gets better soon:hugs:

Luv Nat xx

[LMenz]

I feel your pain too. I've had bad sciatica on and off since injuring my back in 2003. One night I was begging my DH to cut my leg off :laughing:

I've found wheat bags, stretching and massage to be the best things. Also don't lift anything heavy!!!!

I used to see a chiro when it was really bad and he helped me sooo much. He used to press a spot on my butt cheek with his elbow and the relief was amazing - almost instant :yes:

I've heard massaging you bum and lower back with tennis balls can help. Sounds weird but might be worth a try.

Hope you find some relief soon

[TeamAwesome]

hi I had this issue with my last pregnancy and I agree with PP that heat packs and massages are great... I've had issues with my lumbar area with swelling etc and sometimes find it quite bad I use Arnica cream which is a natural way to reduce swelling.. I also was told by my masseuse (sp?) that I was getting a shortening in my muscles in that region (from the hip to the leg dont know the technical name sorry) due to carry bub on my hip and was suggested to do stretches where you have say your left leg straight out in front of you and put your right foot on the other side of left leg (near the knee) and twist and hold and was also reccomended to do swimming as its an exercise which doesnt have the "impact" from movement like walking which can be painful.. hope that helps!! would def suggest going for a massage or a good physio!!
NAtalie

[Lin]

Hi Mummyjo!
I feel for you!! I had it during my pregnancy along with "restless leg syndrome". I had all sorts of problems with my back and I went to a sports Dr who gave me 3 local anesthetics into my spine which releaved it no end! Only temperary unfortunately! That was just before I found out I was pregnant! During my pregnancy I had regular physio and that helped me out alot!!
After I gave birth I unfortunately got stuck with the restless legs but the back pain went away for me! Restless legs is bad enough! :thumbsdown: Although I do get strong twinges though especially when carrying bub! I would suggest to have physio! They'll at least massage out the tense muscle areas to releave a bit of pressure and give you some exercises which may help! They'll let you know how often you might need to go! I found myself that a chiropractor didn't help me, but some people swear by them. Maybe you could see what they can do for you also?

The only other thing I can suggest is warm baths and gentle stretching. Be extremely careful how you get in and out of bed. Always sit with a pillow behind you for support and of course care when lifting! Not easy when you've got a bub to carry I know!
Hope this helps a little! Anti inflamitories help ease it also but you might not agree to taking pills for it...
If you need, I can post a few back stretches and exercises if you'd like! Just let me know!
Good luck! :)

[Squiggles]

[quote=LMenz;861874
I've heard massaging you bum and lower back with tennis balls can help. Sounds weird but might be worth a try.

Hope you find some relief soon[/quote]

Yup , thats what my physio told me too - good old tennis balls

[Moorish]

Oh I feel for you!
I also had terrible sciatica in all my pregnancies and have already had twinges in this one.
I got a lot of treatment in my last pregnancy because it was so bad that I couldn't lift my leg to walk without a nerve in my lower back catching. I had my back taped a few times (where they apply sports tape from the top of your bum on the left & right, up to your lower back & even had to wear a brace for a while but I felt that didn't do enough to warrant the discomfort and impracticality of wearing it (I couldn't bend properly).I know exactly what pain you're in.

A few things I tried, they didn't make it go away but it helped to relieve it, even if only for a couple of days:

1. Lay on your back on the floor and place a couple of folded towels under your bum/lower back. Grab 2 tennis balls and place them in the spots of the pain. If it's too uncomfortable, add another towel or put a down on top of the balls. Close your eyes and try to relax. Breathe deeply and with each out breath try to relax into the tennis balls until you get some relief.

2. Fit ball. Sit on a fit ball, have your legs evenly spaced and firmly planted on the floor. From the hips move from side to side and front to back and in circles, your feet never move though. Focus on only moving the pelvic area.

3. You may need to seek some advice from a massage therapist or physio first with this one. I have a friend who showed us some stretches that DH did on me. Lay on the ground on your back and with DH holding your ankle for support, lift leg as high as you can. Let DH hold it there and relax. When you're ready get him to push it up a little further and hold, breathe, then relax. Push up a little further, hold, breathe and relax. Repeat until you can't go any further. Get your hubby to lower your leg (don't do it yourself as it places too much strain into your bum/lower back. Repeat on the other leg.

Another way is to bend the knee and get DH to push your knee into your tummy while you're in the same position, your other leg stretch out if possible. This stretches through the bum into the lower back.

I hope these help -I've already gotten my DH to do a few stretches - again I know exactly how much pain you're in and I'm already had a few tears over my sciatic pain so far, and I'm only 9 weeks in.