Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. However, it can also be extremely brutal. Ask any mother and she will tell you that the constant headaches, cramps, episodes of heartburn, and hemorrhoids are no joke. These are only some of the symptoms that pregnant women experience.

But there’s another kind of pain that women might experience when they’re pregnant. It’s called sciatica pain and those who have experienced it know just how excruciating it can be and how they found relief from getting chiropractic treatments.

Chiropractic care can be a great benefit for pregnant women. It can help decrease discomfort in the back, neck, hips, and joints, and restore range of motion in those areas. Furthermore, it can help relieve pressure placed on the spine and pelvis.

Here, we’ll discuss sciatic pain in pregnancy and how chiropractic treatments can help:

What Is Sciatic Pain?

Sciatic pain, or sciatica, is a common condition experienced during pregnancy. It is primarily caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the legs. Sciatic pain is typically felt as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates down one or both legs—the pain can be debilitating, making it difficult for pregnant women to move and perform everyday activities.

Why Pregnant Women Experience Sciatic Pain

So why do pregnant women experience sciatic pain? As the baby grows, the uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation and irritation. This can be exacerbated by carrying extra weight, as well as by an increase in hormones, which can lead to loosening of the ligaments in the pelvis. This can lead to increased pressure on the nerve, resulting in pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy

Chiropractic is an effective and safe treatment for sciatic pain in pregnancy. Chiropractors use gentle manipulation of the spine and joints to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, as well as other nerves in the body. This can help to reduce inflammation and irritation and provide relief from sciatic pain.

Chiropractors can also provide advice on posture, exercise and lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve and provide further relief. These changes can include advice on sleeping positions, posture and exercise. Additionally, chiropractic treatments can help to reduce stress and relax the muscles, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort.

What You Can Expect During a Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

When you first visit your chiropractor, they will ask questions about your pregnancy, your symptoms, and your medical history. This is to ensure that the treatment is tailored to your specific needs. After the initial assessment, your chiropractor will perform a physical examination to determine the best course of treatment for you. 

Once the assessment is complete, your chiropractor will begin the treatment. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the treatment may take several sessions. During the sessions, your chiropractor will use gentle adjustments to the spine and other joints to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. In addition to this, your chiropractor may also use techniques such as massage and other therapies to improve healing and provide relief. 

In most cases, you can expect to experience some relief from your symptoms after a few sessions. 

Conclusion

Chiropractic treatment appears to be a safe and effective way to manage sciatica during pregnancy. It is a natural, non-invasive form of treatment that can provide relief from the pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Research suggests that chiropractic care may help to reduce the intensity of sciatica pain and improve overall function. It can also improve sleep and reduce the need for pain medication. For these reasons, chiropractic care is a promising option for pregnant women with sciatica. It is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any form of treatment, including chiropractic care.

Hawkeye Chiropractic is a trusted chiropractic center in Arlington led by Dr. Drew Voelsch. We offer chiropractic treatment for sciatica pain and other conditions. Schedule an appointment today!