What did you doo to treat a Sciatic Nerve issue?

[tankgirl136]

So I am about 5 days PP and my Sciatic nerve is officially worse then ever. It is literally bringing me to tears. I want to try to do something ASAP to try and eleveate some of this pain. I am thinking of doing massage, chiropractic or acupucture, which would you do? Or do you have any other helpful ideas. This really is so awful. Thanks!

[Michigan Mama]

I would try to find someone who can work on your alignment, and give you exercises to work on at home. I see a D.O. or a physical therapist, but a chiro could help, too.

You can also try this exercise, sometimes it helps (just depends on what exactly is going on in your back): Lay on your tummy and prop up on your elbows. Moniter if the numbness/tingling in your leg feels worse or better. If it stays the same or gets better after 1-2 minutes, then try press ups. Place your hands as if to do a push-up, except your tummy/hips stay on the floor. Sometimes this motion of arching your back can help relieve sciatica pain. If it makes the numbess/tingling worse, then stop. Always try to avoid positions or activities that make the leg symptoms worse. Your goal is to "centralize" the pain, so if you back hurts a bit more but you have less symptoms in your legs, then that is still good. Hope that makes sense.

It's always best to see someone, though, because it can help to reduce the possibility of future problems. Sciatica can be serious if left untreated.

hth!

[vermontmom]

I saw a chiropractor for sciatic nerve pain while pregnant. Within 1-2 sessions, it went away completely and hasn't returned. For what it's worth, she's a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal and family issues. I didn't think I got a whole lot out of going to a chiropractor until I hit on this specialization.

[wombatclay]

Tor's birth really mashed my sciatic nerve... the midwife suggested today that I try chiro. I know one chiro in my town who specializes in Webster technique and in adjusting pregnant/postpartum women and their babes so I'll see about making an appointment (she offers one free session ). Actually, the midwife also suggested getting Tor adjusted since he was a bit sticky at birth and his shoulders may have gotten out of alignment as a result.

I'm also considering seeing a massage therapist. Not just a "happy feel good massage" but an actual "theraputic massage" practice. But that will totally depend on the budget.

Until then, I've found that homeopathic arnica seems to help, as does a hot pack on my lower back/hip/buttock, and doing hip circles and pelvic rocks while in the shower.