Sciatic Pain Relief During Pregnancy

Sciatic Pain Relief During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. Pregnancy can come with various aches and pains like lower back and pelvic pain. One common issue that pregnant people may face is sciatica—a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. While not every pregnant person with back pain has true sciatica, those who do know how disruptive it can be.

As a prenatal chiropractor, I’ve worked with many patients experiencing this frustrating discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about sciatica in pregnancy—and how to find relief safely and effectively.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.

During pregnancy, sciatic pain may be triggered by:

· The growing uterus putting pressure on the nerve

· Postural changes that impact the lower back and pelvis

· Muscle tension in the glutes or pelvis

· Less commonly, a herniated disc or other spinal condition

It’s important to note that true sciatica is relatively rare during pregnancy. Most “sciatic pain” during pregnancy is actually pelvic girdle pain or sacroiliac joint pain, which can feel similar but require different care approaches.

How can you tell the difference? Sciatic pain typically follows the pattern of the sciatic nerve and travels all the way down to the foot. It often feels like sharp, shooting pain or numbness/tingling/burning. Pelvic girdle or sacroiliac joint pain can radiate to the hip or thigh but typically does not go past the knee.

Common Sciatica Symptoms During Pregnancy

· Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, or back of the leg

· Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

· Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or sitting

· Muscle weakness in the leg (in severe cases)

If your pain radiates past the knee and follows a clear nerve path, it may be sciatica.

Safe, Natural Relief Options

The good news? There are many gentle, non-invasive ways to manage sciatica during pregnancy.

1. Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can help restore alignment in the pelvis and spine, relieving nerve pressure. Techniques like the Webster Technique are specifically designed for pregnancy and focus on improving pelvic balance.

2. Stretching & Nerve Glides

Targeted stretches can help relieve muscle tension that may be aggravating the sciatic nerve. Here are a few I often recommend:

· Cat–Cow (gentle spinal mobility)

· Piriformis stretch (seated or on hands and knees)

· Figure-4 stretch (lying on your back with support)

Always check with your provider or prenatal chiropractor before starting new stretches.

3. Pelvic Support Belts

These belts help stabilize the pelvis and reduce strain on surrounding muscles and ligaments. Many patients report less pressure and improved mobility with consistent use.

4. Heat and Ice Therapy

Alternating heat and cold packs on the lower back or glutes may ease inflammation and improve circulation.

5. Postural Support

Avoid crossing your legs, standing for too long, or slouching when seated. Use a pillow behind your lower back and sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.

When to Seek Help

If you experience:

· Numbness or weakness in your leg or foot

· Loss of bladder or bowel control

· Pain that worsens despite rest and self-care

…contact your provider right away. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs medical attention.

You Don’t Have to Suffer Through It

Pregnancy is a time of major change, and your body is working overtime to support new life. If you’re dealing with sciatica, know that safe, effective relief is possible. Whether it’s through chiropractic care, gentle movement, or supportive lifestyle changes, you don’t have to just “tough it out.”

If you're experiencing sciatic-like symptoms and want guidance tailored to your body and trimester, I’d love to help. Book a prenatal chiropractic appointment and let’s create a plan that supports your comfort and well-being throughout your pregnancy.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Take care,

Dr. Gina

Relief from Sciatic Pain: How Dry Needling Can Help

Relief from Sciatic Pain: How Dry Needling Can Help

Sciatica is one of the most common complaints we see in our office. That deep, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and leg can interfere with everything from walking to sleeping. While chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercise are important tools in managing sciatica, another increasingly popular and effective option is dry needling.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, sterile, solid filiform needles (the same type used in acupuncture) to target myofascial trigger points—tight, sensitive areas in the muscles that can refer pain and limit mobility. 

The goal of dry needling is to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and restore proper function to the affected tissues.

How Does Sciatica Develop?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated. Common causes include:

• A herniated disc

• Piriformis syndrome (when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve)

• Spinal stenosis

• Muscle imbalances or tightness, especially in the glutes, hips, and lower back

In many cases, muscular dysfunction can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation, especially when muscles like the piriformis or gluteus medius are excessively tight or inflamed.

How Dry Needling Helps with Sciatica

Dry needling can be a powerful addition to your sciatica treatment plan by:

1. Releasing Trigger Points
   Tight muscles—especially in the hips and lower back—can refer pain down the leg, mimicking or contributing to sciatica. Dry needling helps "reset" these muscles by causing a twitch response that relaxes the muscle and reduces tension.

2. Reducing Inflammation and Pressure
   By releasing tight muscle fibers and improving circulation, dry needling can reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve, easing both localized and radiating pain.

3. Restoring Range of Motion
   Loosening tight muscle groups in the hips, glutes, and back helps restore flexibility and mobility, which is crucial for long-term recovery and prevention of future flare-ups.

4. Speeding Up Healing
   The microtrauma caused by the needle stimulates the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow and promoting tissue repair.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

A typical dry needling session is quick and minimally uncomfortable. You may feel a quick twitch or cramp in the muscle when the needle hits a trigger point. This is a good sign—it means the muscle is responding. After treatment, it’s common to feel a little sore, similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage, but many people notice immediate improvements in pain and mobility.

Is Dry Needling Right for You?

Dry needling is safe and effective for most people. It's often combined with chiropractic care, stretching, and strengthening exercises to create a comprehensive approach to healing sciatic pain.

If you’ve been struggling with sciatica pain and haven’t found lasting relief, dry needling might be worth a shot!

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Take care,

Dr. Gina 

Back and Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy

During the second and third trimester of pregnancy, your body will go through so many changes. The body’s gravity starts shifting and your posture starts to change, adding more pressure to the joints  and the soft tissue of surrounding areas. These changes can cause joint restriction and muscle/ligament instability in your spine, pelvis, sacrum and hips.  

Common symptoms you might experience during this transition are: 

• muscle tightness 

• soreness

• joint stiffness

• pubic bone pain

• numbness/pins & needles

• sacroiliac joint pain

• most commonly, lower back pain and/or sciatica.

It is very common to experience some of these symptoms throughout pregnancy, even during the first trimester. However, it is not something you have to work through and deal with until you give birth. You have options! 

How can chiropractic care help to decrease pain, discomfort, and improve functional stability during pregnancy?

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore normal joint mobility, improve stability and reduce joint restrictions. The presence of joint restrictions, muscle and ligament instability around the lower back, pelvis and hips, can make it difficult for mom to move around. It also can affect baby's ability to move into optimal position during delivery. 

Chiropractors at our office utilize the Webster Technique to establish mother's pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy.  With a balanced pelvis and spine:

• Spine and pelvic mobility is restored, decreasing pain and discomfort during pregnancy. 

• Baby has more room to move around the womb. Also improves the chance of the baby moving into the correct position before labor, facilitating the delivery. 

• Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth can result in an easier and safer delivery for both the mother and child.

Exercises for Back Pain and Sciatica During Pregnancy

Here are a few positions and exercises recommended for core strengthening and muscle/ligament stability: 

• Pigeon Pose

• Lunges (Progress to lizard)

• Kneeling squats (Beginners)

• Tabletop (Core exercise)

• Cat/Cow

• Hip Thrust

• Straddle stretch

You can also make modifications during your night time. Sleep with a pregnancy pillow, when turning in bed from side to side keep your legs together and get up from your side (no crunches) when getting up from bed. 

These exercises and stretches are beginner friendly. But always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine. We can help to create a unique routine addressing your goals and needs!

We can help you. Call us today! 
In health,

Dr. Shirley

drdelgado@clechiropractic.com

(216)952-3830