Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica Caused by Pregnancy
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life, but it also puts a lot of abnormal strains on your body. As your body grows, the weight puts additional pressure on unstable joints and muscles.
One of the more common complaints is sciatica. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs. Some common symptoms include a burning sensation in the lower back and buttocks, pain traveling down the back of the leg, and numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot. The pain typically worsens when you cough, sneeze, or sit for long periods of time. It can sometimes feel like a sudden jolt of pain like an electrical shock and can cause difficulty with walking, sitting, or standing.
Sciatica can occur at any point in the pregnancy, but it is more common in the third trimester. This is typically due to the extra weight that you are carrying changing your center of gravity and an increase in your body of the hormone relaxin.
Typically, patients have tried using ice, for the acute flare-ups, and heat, for the chronic or reoccurring pain. Other beneficial treatments include sleeping on your side, gentle movements such as walking or yoga, and getting a massage.
One of the best treatments is chiropractic. Chiropractors treat without medication, so that is a great benefit during your pregnancy for the safety of your infant. Chiropractic care is a safe way to help alleviate the additional pressure on the joints and nerves. In addition, chiropractic doctors can provide stretches and exercises to help minimize or prevent any reoccurrences.
In my 35 years of practice in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX, we have developed great working relationships with several of the OB/Gyns in the area to help expectant moms have an enjoyable, pain free pregnancy. We look forward to helping you do the same.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
