What to do about sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain is more commonly called sciatica, and it’s a common issue that occurs during pregnancy. 

Medical researchers estimate that nearly 50% of women experience some back pain during their pregnancy. Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy falls into the back pain category because the sciatic nerves start in the lower back. It’s usually here that people begin to feel the pain of sciatica. However, the pain often feels like it’s running through the buttocks or into the legs. Physical therapists can help pregnant women learn what’s causing their sciatica, and these specialists also offer effective treatment options for sciatica. 

What can cause sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy?

Determining the cause of your sciatica during pregnancy is the first step toward treating it. There are many pregnancy-related factors that can cause this condition, but some of the most common causes are: 

• Poor posture.
• Irritation of a sciatic nerve by the expanding uterus. 
• Tight piriformis muscles.
• Lower back misalignment.
• Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles.

How physical therapists can help treat sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy

Physical therapists can take steps to help treat pregnancy-related sciatica. First, they can help you learn what’s causing it. Second, they can build you a therapy plan that’s personalized to your condition and needs. 

Often, such physical therapy plans will include a variety of therapy methods. Some of the methods your physical therapist could include in your treatment plan are: 

• Therapeutic exercises to stretch your lower back and buttocks. 

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that can reduce muscle tension caused by poor posture. 

• Posture training to improve core muscle strength and postural stability. 

• Pelvic floor rehab that can help reduce strain on your lower back. 

Find effective treatment for sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy at Advent PT

Are you dealing with sciatica during your pregnancy? Our Advent Physical Therapy specialists are ready and willing to help you treat the pain and other symptoms of this condition. We offer free screenings intended to reveal the source of your pain. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at creating individualized therapy plans specifically for pregnant women. 

Finding it harder to get around due to your pregnancy and sciatica? We can help you get care for your sciatica right from home, and this is possible thanks to our at-home care and virtual therapy services. Furthermore, we don’t require that you have a doctor’s referral before you start therapy with us. 

Contact our team today for more information about all the therapy services we offer or to schedule your initial appointment.