Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

I'm 33 weeks, it kicked in last night and it's horrendous. Was at my OB appt today and she said I can use Icy/Hot patches - DH has some prescription lidocaine patches from back surgery and she said that was fine to use - just put one on but not helping much. My Dr. said if it gets really horrible she can prescribe Percoset, but we both want to avoid that.

Help!!! Is there anything you do for relief?

Thanks!

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

honestly my heating pad and laying with my feet up on a pillow. HTH!!

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

I think some chiropractors do prenatal adjustments. I remember seeing it on here a while back, maybe do a search?

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

i would def contact a chiro and ask them. Some def do prenatal adjustments and etc.. it doesnt hurt to ask!

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

have you tried a maternity support belt or considered accupuncture?

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

There are some stretches you can do. If you are interested FM me and I will send the descriptions on over. They were a life savor to me last year after my car accident.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

I had it terribly for the longest time with Ava. Some things that helped were switching between heat and ice every 10 minutes (the heat relieves the muscle spasm and the ice relieves the swelling of the nerve), taking a warm bath and getting on my hands and knees and letting Ava hang from my belly to take the pressure off the nerve because she was sitting on it. I would also stay in that position and arch my back to stretch it. And also having my hubby rub a baseball over the area really helped.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

Ladies,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm down in FL so I can't use a local chiro suggestion, but I might ask my OB for a suggestion for a chiro or an acupuncturist.

Katiebug, I'm going to FM you about those stretches!

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

My prenatal yoga DVD helps a bit as well as a heating pad and just staying off my feet when possible.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

hot/cold switches.

really walking helps me....chiro told me you have to keep moving to straighten everything out again.

for the first 10 days i hobble around, then eventually it gets better.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

What do/did you guys do during the work day to get through it?

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

I saw a prenatal physical therapist for 3 weeks. I am not 100% but I am much better! My OB recommended them to me.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

definietly try a chiropractor if you can

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

My OB recommended a chiro, massage, or physical therapy. I went and got a prenatal massage and that definitely helped for a day or two but I also find a heating pad greatly helps also. Good luck and feel better!

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

Oh Michal! I am sorry-this is what I do.

First, can you get in a pool? If not, when I get home, come over to my development-the movement helps.

I have an awesome chiro friend who works wonders and they do massages but they are in North Palm, which is a hike. But I can ask him what he thinks.

You want to take the pressure off the area. Put a pillow under your knees and prop yourself up to lay on your back.

Massage helps too. So does ice-10 on, 40 off massage the area. Or do heat 15 on, 15 off.

If it is really horrific, ask about Flexeril to sleep instead of percocet. It is class B whereas the percocet is class C. They gave me that when I went to the ER and the OB said it was safe if it got bad.

Feel better sweetheart-I will call you if I have more ideas.

Re: Desperate for Relief from Sciatica Pain!

Thanks so much, Mich, and everyone for your suggestions!!! I am going to try and find a chiro near me or an acupuncturist I think.