Sciatic pain

[ashleyp728]

Every time I run, I feel sciatic pain flare up afterwards. Other than more stretching, is there anything that really relieves this? A heating pad? It's not super bad, but it's uncomfortable, and I am worried it will get worse as the baby gets bigger. I meant to ask my doctor at my appointment on Wednesday but I forgot like I usually do.
I've also been thinking about going to the chiropractor. I have never been, but one next to my work is offering a free massage to new customers with an exam. Think that's worth a shot?

[cdmay]

I bet it will help! Also be sure to check your insurance, which may cover chiropractic care (may even cover massage). If it does, i would be sure to choose someone covered, because that's a lot of paperwork for a free massage if you can continue going somewhere that is covered.
Acupuncture may help, too.
When it's injury related, icing the injury helps (reduces swelling), but i'm not sure what you'd ice when it's pregnancy related...
(I hope this made sense. I'm super tired today.)

[ashleyp728]

That made sense!!
I do have insurance that covers chiropractic care, but not massage. So that's why I was thinking if that office is in network for me, insurance would cover them, and I could sort of "kill two birds with one stone". Plus, when I was in school (like, 5th grade maybe?) they told me I had a slight case of scoliosis, so I am sure I would benefit from a chiro exam anyway.

[ashleyp728]

Mar 22, 2013 20:35:03 GMT -5 @jennuinne said:

I have sharp pains when I walk too much, even at the mall. My Dr. told me to exercise more to avoid weight gain, so I asked what to do about the pain and she said "Just walk through it." Grreeeaaaat advice.

I have been just trying to work through it, but this week I did 2 days in a row of a 5k run and that was too much I think. I need to space them out, every other day I think. Too bad there isn't much we can do other than try to get comfortable until it passes. I know it is a nerve issue, so there isn't a lot to be done during pregnancy, but I don't want to give up running either. 

[ashleyp728]

Mar 22, 2013 20:40:58 GMT -5 @jennuinne said:

Obviously I'm not in as good of shape as you; no 5K for me.  But, when I've over done it, I have back/hip/stomach pain that last for days.  I don't realize that I've done too much until it's too late.

I am wondering if that is my problem. I did overdo it one time, so I have slowed down, and I do more of a fast walk/jog interval 5k, rather than a full run, until I can work back up to that. But I am wondering if I am still somehow overdoing it anyway. Maybe I will slow it down even more and see if that helps. 

I also started doing light hyper-extensions (reverse sit ups) and I am hoping that strengthening my lower back muscles will help with the sciatic pain and general stabilization as I get bigger. I don't have great posture, so I am worried about my back hurting more and more as I grow. 

[ashleyp728]

Mar 22, 2013 21:25:02 GMT -5 spunbutterfly said:

I think the only suggestion I've heard is breathe through it and walk through it. You may want to change your sleeping position at night, and or the support you have while sleeping. A small pillow under your belly (whether you have one or not yet) and hips might help straighten the lines of your body.

I haven't yet made the snoogle purchase yet, and I have been weary about it. I like to move around at night, and I feel that might make it hard to say, switch from my right to left side. I do find myself waking up on my back a lot lately, more than ever before, and I think it is because on my sides my shoulders and hips get sore. I suppose I should try a small pillow, at least between my knees to help with alignment. 

Thanks for the advice ladies!!

[ashleyp728]

Mar 22, 2013 21:33:40 GMT -5 spunbutterfly said:

The small pillow was helpful for my friend. It's kind of laughable hwo small it is and how little support makes a difference.

My sides got really sore sleeping on them, since I'm normally a back sleeper. But like my midwives told me, if it's not causing pain for you can still breathe, you're probably still ok sleeping on your back. Meaning, it's not going to hurt the baby if it happens. Your body would, theoretically, let you know when it's not ok.

You're right. I think I just have it stuck in my head that I *shouldn't* sleep on my back, so I think I unconsciously wake up and roll to my side. Hopefully tonight I can relax about it and just get in whatever position feels best. Will definitely try a small pillow though as well. 

[jennlin]

no advice on sciatic pain, but my insurance covers physical therapy, but no massage..but some physical therapists provide massage--so something to look into?

[7costanza]

What I think is great about the Snoogle is that you can still have it between your legs no matter which side you're laying on (I used the bottom curved part when my back is to the closed side of it). I just leave it in one position all night, but the only thing I don't like about it is that I have to climb over it to get out of bed, and I think that's going to be very difficult soon since I'm already struggling.

[Deleted]

Lay on your back with your legs up as in knees bent feet on the bed.. enough space between your knees to put your fist inbetween then have someone push out on them in 5 second intervals for 10 seconds each repeat 5x. I started doing this and within a weeks time it was much better.

Sorry I hope that this makes sense.

ETA: if my H was home I'd do a little video for you because it's a simple exercise/stretch my H's cousin who is a physical therapist recommended. Also I found if I didn't walk at least every other day for 5-10 minutes it got worse.

[Deleted]

The second technique she demonstrates in this video is is similar to what I was talking about other than the one I mentioned both your feet stay on the floor/bed and you push out at the knees:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6q6lfa-8mc

[sarack]

maybe don't do such intense workouts? have you tried cycling?