Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy

Sciatica pain is a shooting, searing pain that travels down the buttock into the thigh and leg, sometimes even down to the foot. The symptoms almost always occur on one side at a time.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing sciatica symptoms, you may suffer from posterior pelvic pain. Posterior pelvic pain is a stabbing, dull, shooting and/or burning pain in the posterior pelvic region. Like sciatica, the pain can extend from the buttock to the groin and back of the thigh.

Posterior pelvic pain’s exact cause is not well understood. The pain may be a result of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

Sometimes, when a pregnant woman experiences sciatica pain, it can be due to a herniated disc in her lower spine. The disc may not be herniated because of the pregnancy but because this condition is common in pregnant women over 30 who are at an age where herniated disc problems are common.

How to relieve sciatica and posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy

Naturally, we would recommend a visit with your chiropractor to help alleviate the pain. Chiropractic care is helpful in so many ways during pregnancy (e.g. easier birth).

We advise doing stretching and strengthening exercises. Talk to your chiropractor to learn which exercises are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. Doing exercises while pregnant helps promote proper posture which will help you avoid lower back pain.

We also suggest alternating ice and heat therapy which, in combination, can reduce the pain.

If you experience sciatica or back pain while pregnant, let your healthcare team know. While sciatica is not common in pregnant women, it is possible, and knowing the cause can help you manage the symptoms and prevent its return.