Suggestions for Sciatica Pain Relief

Try to get referred to a physical therapist. When I was a month from delivery, my daughter dropped and was pressing on the sciatic nerve such that my leg would become paralyzed at times and it was extremely painful. One session w/ a P.T. who adjusted my lets (they were apparently not the same length) and I had immediate relief. I think what he did was similar to what a chiropractor can do too. He also had me wear a supporting band to keep things aligned.

My suggestion is go see a physical therapist. Not only can the physical therapist give you the adjustment and massage but they can provide you with exercises for you to do to help control the symptoms. I can give you a recommendation depending on where you live. Good luck!

C. B Palmer
www.linabean.myarbonne.com
____@____.com

Hi,
Hope you are feeling better. I am a massage therapist, and have had great results with biofreeze, a topical pain reliever. Let me know if you would like me to send you some free samples.
Cynthia

Hi C.,

As a former gymnast, I am all too familiar with back problems, etc. As I'm sure you know, pain pills don't fix whatever is causing your pain. Your best bet (in my non-medical bit oft-injured body opinion) is a combo of different types of body work. You likely have part of your SI joint out of place, and usually there is more than one thing out in our body. Sometimes the problem originates in an ankle or knee, and we make slight changes to the way we walk, and then the pelvis is out, etc. Often soft tissue (muscles, tendons, etc.) is involved, too, because muscles don't appreciate bones and disks shifting. Therefore, I highly suggest you see an osteopath who does body manipulations and couple that with massage, preferably from a place that does massage for injuries, not just relaxation -- we're not talking spa massage here. I know an amazing osteopath in San Jose by the name of Harry Friedman. Here is a link to info about him: http://www.painreliefhealthandwellness.com/
He is amazing. Osteopaths do not crack your joints like chiros do. They use more direction (put you in kind of odd positions) and far less force. That said, they tend to be quite expensive and not covered by insurance (because osteopathic manipulations cannot be done in a 15 minute appointment). For soft tissue, I highly recommend a massage therapist who does trigger point therapy and/or Active Release Techniques. Both hurt, but it's a good pain, if that makes any sense. Once your body is back in place, the muscles are worked on so that they don't pull your body back out, and inflamation subsides, there shouldn't be pressure on your sciatic nerve. Body work fixes the core issues causing your pain. It's not a quick or cheap fix, but it is well worth it so that you no longer live in pain. I would start w/ Dr. Friedman (osteopaths are real docs who go to four-year medical schools -- they can prescribe meds, etc.). Just know that, as much as our muscles get upset when our body moves out of alignement, they get used to the new position and get upset when you're put back in alignment. You may feel just as bad for a day or two after your first adjustment because your muscles may react. You will likely need multiple appointments that will be close together at first and then space farther and farther apart. I hope you feel better soon!

My husband had great relief with accupuncture for sciatica. I am sure it is better for you while pregnant than pain pills. Give it a try....no pain involved at all.
Just a thought. :)

Hello C.: I hope that you are able to get relief soon.
Do you have access to a swimming pool???
I have had my body become entirely numb at times from this( mine was from an injury and then became worse as I gained weight from medication I was on) and my doctor has me in an inner tube (to hold me up) and I have weights on my ankles. We start with 5 lb weights. I just float in the pool for an hour and by the time I am done then the relief is there. It stretches out the spine, joints, nerves nd gives so much relief. I don't believe this could hurt you being pregnant because you are wieghtless in water so freer. But you would want to check it out. When I started doing this I was going 3 times a week and now I just have to do it when the need is there.
My heart goes out to you. As a mother of 5 I know how hard it is to care for a toddler and be pregnant and have pain. I hope that you have a supportive group to help family, church members, friends. I am grateful that you have a husband that you can count on to help. please let us know how things are going you have people here at mama source that care. God Bless, Nana G

Hi There!
If you have never had sciatica, you may just have this issue now cause baby is sitting in a funny spot. Try getting into a pool to relive the presure. Ask your Dr if magnet theropy is okay while pregnant. I have a stretchy band that goes around my lower gut that has magnets in the back side and when I use that I don't need drugs. I had my first dealing with sciatica when I was 16 and still get it on and off. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. I just had a baby 4 weeks ago and while pregnant I had sciatica in my back and my pelvis. Talk about double trouble. Hang in there!
:-)W.

Here is what I did and this helped sooo much!:
- Slept with a pillow between my legs/knees
- The instructor at the gym showed me some stretches that really made a difference. Put your butt up against the wall and feet up in the air - it stretches out your lower back very well. Stay in that position as long as possible and spread your legs out into a "v" position. He also showed me a bunch more stretches that helped if I could only remember. Any yoga teacher or personal trainer would know.

Oh I feel for you, C.. I had terrible sciatica pain when I was pregnant. Then I had it again a couple times many years later.

Now I am delighted that I am a Certified Acupressurist and Jin Shin Jyutsu® practitioner. I have cleared sciatica for myself and for many of my clients. I would be happy to talk to you about it. I am in the Montclair area of the Oakland Hills. T. C. ###-###-####.

hi C.,

have you thought about trying acupuncture? it works wonders for sciatica.

i don't know where you live, but there are acupuncture schools in san jose, san francisco, etc where the treatments are less expensive.

i can also recommend a couple of acupuncturists...one in san jose and one in mt view if that is near you. if you go, do mention that you are pregnant.

good luck and hope you feel better fast!

all the best,

G.

Hi C.,

Yes, I had sciatica problems for years. I went to chiropractors, holistic and massage therapists. Everyone told me to stretch and relax my muscles.I got rid of it by sleeping on a magnetic sleep system. It helps to keep those muscles relaxed.

If you want more info let me know.

Have a great day.

N. Marie

Hi C.,

I know exactly how you feel. 8 years ago I suffered from the same thing. So bad that I walked humped over for almost 3 weeks. Then I finally went to a chiropractor. After all of the checking and what not was done, he told me that my right left was 2 inches shorter then my right. He did some heat therapy and after my first adjustment I could stand somewhat normal breath better and a good amount of pain was already gone. I started crying because for the first time in almost 2 months, I felt good.

By the way, I was also pregnant with my first child. He set me up to come in twice a week and by the first month, I was a brand new person and able to really enjoy my pregnancy.

God bless.

D.

I have had the same problem and sympathize. The only thing has worked for me has been my wonderful chiropractor and his suggestions on stretches. He hass truely been my angel for almost 13 years. His name is Dr McDuff in Walnut Creek. ####-###-#### or ____@____.com. I hope this helps. I didn't want to take the meds the Dr. kept pushing. Best of luck to you.

Hi C.

I had terrible Sciatic pain during pregnancy and I was told to try cupping - a technique that most Acupuncturists do. You leave the visit with funny round circles on your body, but after 2 treatments the pain was completely gone and has not come back.

Also, I have a firm rolling tube (from pilates class) and rollling on that seems to loosen up the muscles and stop the pinching pain.

Hi C., You didnt mention where you live but a great
Chiropractor in Pleasant Hill is Dr. Bruce Presnick. I tried two others in this area before finding him. His number is ###-###-####. I have had 3 ruptured disks - two so bad that I needed surgury so I have been down this road.
Not all cases of sciatia can be helped with Chiro care as it depends if you are just out of alignment and pressure is being put on the nerve or is it a blown disk. Regardless Dr. Bruce is great and I swear by him when by sciatic
acts up. Good luck to you as I know how painful this can be.
There are 3 stretches that I do every morning (before even getting out of bed) that I know help me.

Find a good chiropractor. Mine works wonders for my sciatica.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I have suffered with sciatica on an off for about the last ten years and it's no fun. I have, however, come across a few things that really do help.

1) Motrin. Sciatica happens because of inflammation around the sciatic nerve. An anti-inflammatory will work better than just a pain killer. Take it regularly for a few days and you should start to feel some relief (don't give up when it doesn't feel better after the first dose).

2) Ice. Ice the middle of your back, not the leg. Again, it's inflammation around the nerve where it passes through your spine, so icing there will actually get your some relief.

Hope this helps.

T.

C.
Go see a chiropractor. Mine is in Roseville if you want his #. They have done wonders for my sciatic pain. Given how far yours goes down, it will probably take more than one visit to make the pain totally stop. Also, I stretch.
Sit in a firm chair, wooden if you have one. Take your right ankle and put in on your left knee. Then with your back straight, lean forward as far as you can. Switch legs and do the same. I repeat this three times on each side.This stretches the muscles that grab the nerve and
make it tweak more. Pain killers have not ever phased my
sciatic nerve at all. Most regular doctors don't believe in chiropractic, so they won't send you there as a recomendation. Good luck
W. m

Yoga!! I had the same problem. You need to stretch your lower back. Downward dog and child's pose will help you. If you can't make time for a class, check out a dvd. You should practice those poses daily.

Thai massage helped as well, but yoga made the long term difference.

hi there
i may have some helpful recommendations...i can recommend a amazing chiropractor- Dr Jeffrey Johnson -in Danville. I know he is super wellknown and has treated many athletes and professionals. I think its a start to ask to see what he can do, at least try. I have seen many patients life long probs and issues turn around. He is not your average chiro...lots of specialties. I help the nutritionists there with her detox/cleanse program in the same wellness center so i see a ton of patients come in and out and hear all kinds of wonderful testimonials...plus what i would say is also speak to the massage therapist there too...they all work hand in hand to treat the issues together.

He also does free 15 min consultantations...so worth it. I will suggest to eliminate all sugar from your diet...along with dairy, corn, and wheat. Sounds funny but they are inflamation foods which only causes any inflamation to get worse and the pain to increase. Try it..it does work plus you will feel better too!

You can call me ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com and i will have them get you in sooner then later if needed.
At least to the free 15 consultation... or you can call them directly as well...###-###-#### tell them T. sent you and they will take care of you. k

Hi C.,

Getting on all fours.....yep, your hands and knees. A slight "rocking" motion could help "ease" you until the pressure comes completly off your back.

Sorry you're in pain, I hope this helps!

~N. :O)

weird that you would be given RX for pain meds, but not for PT - i always have sciatic pain, but comes and goes. during preganancy it's at it's worst & always there - PT helped HUGE!! they'll massage it out for you as well - Phys Therapists are soooo extremely knowledgeable and helpful!! ask for that

Have you seen a chiropractor? I think it could help tremendously. Maybe go for a consultation at a minimum to check it out if you aren't comfortable.

I suffered alot of sciatica with my first 12 years ago. The two things I did at the time to help me deal with it was bengay down the back of my legs, or the hot tub. The hot tub lifted the baby off the nerve, I suppose.

Some people say that sciatica can be a vitamin deficiency.
B1/B12. Calf liver has 600% ! spirulena, snapper, and salmon are high also. or you can take b complex.
I have seen 50 Mg vit E daily recommended for sciatica.
Right side leg cramps can signal magnesium deficiency, left side leg cramps, calcium.

happy labor day,
Gail

I had that when I was pregnant. only thing that seem to help was a heating pad. I couldn't take anything. it loosed up after a few mintues. OUCHY

Dear C.,

If you are anywhere near San Jose, there is a wonderfully gentle, caring chiropractor who comes to your house for treatments. She's a Mom , too, and she almost certainly can relieve your suffering !

Call Virgilia Tali: ###-###-####

Hope you feel better, D.

Hi C.,

I had terrible sciatica during my pregnancy. My doctor said there was nothing I could do (couldn't even take pain killers). But...I then went to a chiropractor. Even after the first visit my pain subsided a lot. Weekly visits kept the pain at bay and kept me mobile. I'd highly recommend seeing a chiropractor, and if you're in Oakland, I can recommend mine: Dr. Eva Whitmore, at Balance Chiropratic on Piedmont Avenue. Good luck!
-K.

When I was pregnant and had the same problem I went to a massage therapist who specialized in the Bowen Technique. She pushed on parts of my back and legs that relieved the pain. It was not painful and very relaxing. I loved it.

Oh, C......I feel your pain!! I had the same thing when I was 7+months pregnant with my daughter and chasing around my 15 month old son. The best thing I can suggest is to see a chiropractor and get a massage. The chiropractor can adjust your back to get the pressure off that nerve (your in pain because you're out of alignment and it's putting pressure on your sciatic nerve). It's actually best to get the massage first then the adjustment. Alot of chiropractice offices have a massage therapist. That's the best advice I can give you. Good luck!

My OB referred me to a physical therapist who worked with pregnant women. It was a life saver, and the pain went away after a couple of treatments.

Hi! I have had sciatica pain a few times and even one time while I was pregnant. M OBGNY suggested I see a chiropractor. It really helped. The pain was gone and didn't come back for a really long time. Good Luck.

My chiropractor has done wonders for keeping me moving and realatively pain free with my sciatica and i never take pain meds. I had a deep seated fear of chiropractors, but when my sciatica came to be I could barely walk and was the sole caretaker for me father who was bed ridden at the time. I HAD to do something and being doped up all the time wasn't going to work for my situation, so I called a friend and got the name of her chiropractor in Vacaville. He is great! I recently referred my grandmother there after she moved to the area. She has gone to chiropractors for years and said she feels much better after this one's treatment. He is John Knych of Vacaville Chiropractic. But even if you don't go to him I'd reccomend seeing a chiropractor, it has kept me moving for the last three years.

I can definitely relate and would highly recommend icing regularly (couple of times a day for approx 20 minutes) to keep the inflammation down and combining it with yoga/stretching to keep your back loose. My sciatica flares up when I am using one side of my body more than the other - like carrying a kid on the hip a alot - so yoga and chiropractic can help work both sides equally. Best of luck to you!

I am truly sorry for your sciatica pain, I lived four months with mine, it was worst at night laying down. My chiropracter gave me stretches, no meds. I lost 10lbs and felt the worst pain of my life! My leg has never felt quite the same and from walking funny, the my step changed on that foot. It is horrible, I am sad for all victims to it.Try laying on your back and lifting your pelvis, or on all fours, arching your back up then down. Also while on hands and knees wiggle hips side to side, or lunging your body forward to floor then backward. All this can stretch it and give temporary relief, even if seconds.

C.,

Sciatica can have many sources, and you often have to try many different things to find what provides relief (in the end, I had surgery, which relieved the problem completely--I had a crushed disc). Anyway, you can try all the solutions mentioned below, and see if any work for you. I spent six months with a physical therapist, and three months with an accupuncturist who specialized in (I can't remember the term) but it was accupuncture dealing with bones (not osteopathy, but a similar name), not to mention all the morphine and icing, and nothing worked. Using my amateur medical license, I think yours may have to do with the position of the baby. Anyway, just start with the first suggestion. I know what it's like not to be able to walk, and I feel for you.

E.

Hi C. - Uh, I remember that pain!

I had this kind of pain from 8 weeks on with my son's pregnancy (I first threw my back out lifting my two year old for a diaper change and I had that pain from there forward while pregnant.) I swear by my chiropractor. I went in as soon as I could after the first incident and he treated me my entire pregnancy. I made the mistake after the first time of thinking, oh, it's OK, I feel better now and waited four weeks and I paid for it. I suggest every two weeks minimum if it's that bad. I remember asking "well what happens when I get big and can't lay on my stomach." My chiropractor proceeded to show me how the center of the table dropped out from under the stomach area and told me he had a few 300 lb. patients so that a normal pregnant woman would be easy - I remember his relaxed, calm style (with humor) helped me relax. I was a little nervous to be going when I got bigger - once I couldn't lay on my stomach anymore, but he put me totally at ease. If you don't already have a chiropractor, I would suggest you that you find someone who has experience with pregnant women, just so you feel comfortable. I happened to already have a chiropractor at the time because of a prior work injury, so I was already pretty comfortable. Good luck.

I am a Bowen therapist. It's similar to Chiropractic, but it realigns the muscles. It's incredibly gentle. If you live close I'm happy to help you, no charge. I know how painful it is, and the pressure of the baby just makes it worse. I work in Watsonville, CA. Some clients find relief if they lay on their backs with a tennis ball underneath the area of the sciatic pain. They try to get the tennis ball to roll around underneath their bodies. It may help. Good luck :)

Yoga...a good yoga teacher will work with you using props to get you into a comfortable position. It's the only thing that has ever helped my sciatic pain.

I sometimes experience it too, and was recently chatting with a woman who swears that Pilates has cured her of it. I know that yoga helps me with mine too. Hope that helps!

Dear C.,

I suggest that you try a good chiropractor. When my sciatica flares up my chiropractor can fix it in one visit. It makes such a difference! If you need a referral, I know several good ones on the SF Peninsula.

Best wishes,
L.