sciatica

I'll begin by saying that, at 28 years old, I've had back problems for years. Last year, I ruptured my two lower discs, and couldn't walk unassisted for over 3 weeks. The pain was unlike anything I can describe with words.

Now that I'm pregnant, this has been on my mind. Just recently, I've begun to have sciatica that is SO bad in my right leg that I can't sit for more than 10 minutes. I'm seeing a chiropractor twice a week, and I always feel better afterward, but then after the first time I sit for awhile (even comfortably--like in my recliner watching a movie), I'm right back to square one.

Anyone else dealing with this? I don't even have a visible tummy yet, I'm wondering how much worse it's going to get.

Re: sciatica

im so sorry
i have lower back pain but not sciatica

i know how painful it can be - so sorry

Re: sciatica

It could be your discs and not "sciatica" per se. That is what happened to me with DD. I ended up having surgery on my discs about 18 months after she was born.
Sadly I believe I have a herniated disc again. My back was bothering me before I got pregnant again and it's getting worse.

Re: sciatica

I've had back issues since I was 13. My dr always said because of my history I could have a lot of back issues during pregnancy. I am just about 12 weeks and for the past 2 weeks the pain has already started...my discs that are herniated are starting to act up. Not quite sciatica yet, but I'm prone to that as well so that may kick in. Also, most of my spine is fused (down to L3), so there's a good chance I may not be able to get an epidural during labor.

Re: sciatica

I've had sciatica that was as painful as you described. I had physical therapy and learned that if I didn't use those muscles holding myself up, it was worse.

I still have pain, but I have to stretch out my back every once and a while to relieve some pressure.

I also have a herniated disk in my L5-S1 which is pinching that sciatic nerve.

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Yep I have it. Didn't have it with my first pregnancy. So far I'm lucky b/c while I DO have lower back pain on the right side everyday, I only get the sciatica in my right leg (and my BUTT) once in a while (although it's becoming more frequent). I have it when I stand for a long time, sitting helps me.

I feel your pain

Re: sciatica

i know how u feel! i've been getting it on and off on my left side, and had it pretty bad last nite too, grrr!

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i have scholiosis so i always had back pain before getting pregnant but as time is going on the pain is starting to get unbareable. standing hurts, sitting hurts, and unless i can get lucky enough to get into a comfortable position, lying down hurts. we cant even go out to dinner anymore bc sitting in the booths kills my back and i end up rushing to get out of the place. they dr said to go to physical therapy but i really dont have the time to go. it will be all over soon......

Re: sciatica

How about seeing a physical therapist. I just started seeing one for my shifted hip and sciatica.

Message edited 5/20/2008 8:55:31 PM.

Re: sciatica

I am also struggling with sciatica. It is no picnic. I went to my 17 week appt on Monday, and my doc told me that it will get worse. Basically, as the belly grows and there is more curvature to the spine, the pressure and pain will increase. He said that if I am in constant pain in a few weeks he will send me to PT or to a chiropractor. Luckily, the pain comes and goes right now. I hope it doesn't get so bad that I can't walk!! Hope you are feeling better.

Message edited 5/21/2008 7:55:50 AM.

Re: sciatica

I have had it since @ 12 weeks. It comes and goes for me, and I also have a history of back problems. Dr suggested PT, but I will live with it as long as I can