Sciatic pain during pregnancy: what it is and how to treat it

It’s no secret that pregnancy can be hard on a woman’s back. Indeed, between 50 and 80 percent of women experience lower back pain during pregnancy. Oftentimes it’s a particular kind of pain called sciatic pain, or sciatica, for which there are treatment options such as physiotherapy.

What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body, beginning at the lower back, extending down to the buttocks then branching out down the legs and to the feet. Sciatic pain usually begins in the lower back and spreads downward. It manifests itself in different ways: numbness and tingling or else a sharp, shooting pain.

Why does sciatica occur during pregnancy?
Sciatica typically is experienced in the third trimester; at this stage, the weight of the growing baby and uterus can put direct pressure on the sciatic nerve.

How is sciatica during pregnancy treated?
A physical therapist can help alleviate sciatic pain without recourse to medication. The treatment typically involves a combination of some or all of the following elements:

• Specific stretches and exercises focused on decreasing pain, managing inflammation and restoring mobility and strength
• Bracing or taping
• Massages

Along with developing an exercise routine to do at home, physical therapists provide tips for dealing with sciatic pain from day to day.

If you wish to pursue this form of treatment, obtain a referral for physiotherapy from your doctor or obstetrician.