What to do if a nerve is pinched in the lower back during pregnancy

Why is the ischial fiber pinched?

Nerve entrapment occurs due to weakness of the back muscles and misalignment of the vertebrae.
Common factors for lower back pinching during pregnancy include:

• exacerbation or resumption of pathologies that the woman suffered from before bearing the child;
• intense enlargement of the uterus, multiple births or polyhydramnios;
• excessive excess weight, leading to displacement of the spinal disc - in this case, compression occurs not only of large nerves, but also of small spinal roots;
• increased pressure due to a large fetus and a growing uterus - compression occurs in the area where the tube exits the spine.

Most often, a situation arises when hidden disorders of the musculoskeletal system are revealed during pregnancy. The mechanism of infringement is triggered by the following pathologies: injuries and fractures of the past, spinal hernias, osteochondrosis and inflammation of the pelvic organs. Diabetes, tumors and blood clots in large vessels can trigger the disorder. Metabolic pathologies also affect the girl’s general well-being and nervous system.

If pathological provoking factors are present, pinching occurs even in the early stages. If the cause is related only to pregnancy, pain appears only at the end of the 2nd – beginning of the 3rd trimester.

What is hypothyroidism and its effect on pregnancy

Pregnancy with hypothyroidism

thyroid disease is a condition that requires dynamic monitoring and timely treatment. Hypothyroidism is a pathological condition that is associated with a decrease in the content of thyroid hormonal substances in the female body, which could arise both outside of pregnancy and during pregnancy.

The incidence of this pathological condition is 1.5-2%. In almost half of the cases, doctors are able to identify antibodies to thyroid enzymes; in some cases, using ultrasound, true hypotrophy of the thyroid gland is revealed.

Symptoms of pinched spinal nerves

Pinching of the sciatic nerve is manifested by pain in the lower back and leg.
In 90% of cases, the sciatic fiber, located closest to the uterus and internal organs in places of strong compression by the fetus, is pinched in the back during pregnancy. This condition can be suspected based on a number of additional signs. Only in exceptional cases does a woman feel nothing for a long time.

The nature of the pain is one-sided, located first in the lower back, then down to the tailbone and left or right leg. Since the ending is divided into 2 large rods, one of them is pinched. Other signs include:

• lumbago along the entire length of the nerve, pulsations in some areas;
• the symptom constantly changes location - it may hurt in the back, then in the thigh or lower;
• numbness of the toes and subsequent changes in gait are observed both with and without pain;
• burning, tingling and nagging discomfort from the affected nerve;
• it is difficult for a woman to get up from a sitting position or roll over from side to side;
• problems with the functioning of the bladder and intestines.

Sometimes patients develop a fever. Pinching of the sciatic nerve can be accompanied by both sharp and subtle symptoms.

If the pain becomes unbearable and is localized in the lower back, you should consult a doctor. This condition is sometimes associated with strangulation or damage to the kidney. The patient cannot move with this disorder. You should also visit a doctor if you experience fecal or urinary incontinence.

Indications for manual therapy

These are any symptoms of osteochondrosis, back pain, muscle and bone pain, discomfort in the collar area, in any part of the spine, pain after injury, contractures, scoliosis, kyphosis, flat feet, headaches, muscular-tonic syndrome, dizziness, protrusion, pinched nerve etc. Manual therapy is indicated for a sedentary lifestyle to prevent serious disorders and curvature of the spine.

For headaches

Chiropractors treat cervicogenic headaches, that is, those caused by disorders in the cervical spine, and tension pain. People with sedentary jobs experience vertebral blockade when they get into a position where they cannot move normally. The answer to this is muscle overstrain at the site of pathology. First the neck hurts, and then the head. This is called “tension pain.” It can also be provoked by careless sudden movements or an uncomfortable position during sleep.

The doctor begins working with the patient with a diagnosis. He finds out what exactly is functioning incorrectly and where the source of the problem is. These could be ligaments, muscles, vertebrae. To make a diagnosis, you need radiography, or better yet, MRI. After this, a treatment technique is selected to normalize the condition.

With protrusion

For protrusions, the chiropractor:

1. Relieves muscle spasms. They occur when a vertebra that has protruded pinches a nerve root. When the spasmed muscles relax, the pain almost completely goes away.
2. Stimulates metabolic processes in cartilage. This occurs by improving lymph and blood flow around the affected disc.
3. Stretches tendons and ligaments, increasing the mobility of the spine in which there is a protrusion.
4. Reduces the protrusion. But only if it happened recently. If the disease is advanced, then manual therapy methods cannot correct the situation.

The strength and technique of influence are selected individually. For example, the patient can lie on his back, and the doctor, by pressing on the ribs in certain places, increases the clearance between the vertebrae. Twisting, pressing and more complex techniques can be used. The patient's position can be on his back or on his side. If the protrusion occurs in the cervical region, you need to act carefully and gently. The doctor stretches the spine more than twists it.

Manual therapy activates your own defenses. This gives the body the opportunity to cope with the problem on its own. This is the main difference between this technique and conventional massage.

When the sciatic nerve is pinched

When the sciatic nerve is pinched, severe pain occurs, making it impossible to walk normally and take care of oneself. Muscle spasms occur. Patients often simply lie on the bed without being able to move. This is a difficult and painful condition.

Manual therapy is very effective in this case. The doctor will eliminate spasms, relieve pain, increase or completely restore range of motion. Swelling and pathological fixation will go away, muscles and ligaments will return to normal tone. Manual therapy is suitable for the elderly and pregnant women, but in these cases the effect is more gentle.

Sometimes, to enhance the effect, you also need a classic massage. It is carried out in one session together with manual therapy. Therapeutic blockades are also used to treat muscle spasms.

For scoliosis

Many years of medical practice show excellent results in the treatment of scoliosis using manual therapy. The main goals in this case are to restore flexibility to the spine, stimulate weakened muscles, and remove functional blocks.

During the session, the spine is first stretched, then pain areas and curvature are worked on. The main pressure falls on the outer vertebrae, and then gradually the doctor moves towards the center. After the sessions, be sure to do gymnastics at home, which will be prescribed by the chiropractor. This will consolidate the result. Ten sessions are usually needed, and for prevention – one course every six months.

A prerequisite is a thorough preliminary diagnosis. Otherwise, you can only do harm and increase unpleasant symptoms. If everything is done correctly, then the changes in the damaged areas of the spine will decrease, the pain will decrease or go away.

For osteochondrosis

With this disease, the effect on the body is complex. The main goal is to return the correct shape to the spine, normalize metabolism and restore the tissues surrounding the spine. The main techniques are:

• forced movements to restore joints;
• relaxing massage to relieve tension and muscle pain;
• traction to relieve spasms and normalize metabolic processes and blood circulation.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, improvement occurs after the first session. After the full course, pain, tinnitus, dizziness go away, mobility of the shoulders and spine is restored, and tension in the back is relieved.

This treatment method is chosen because it:

• allows you to treat osteochondrosis of any part of the spine;
• completely safe, avoids surgery and eliminates medications;
• painless – only relaxation and comfort;
• affects the body as a whole, strengthens, heals;
• very effective - a positive effect in most cases is achieved in a short period of time.

Our clinic hosts professional osteopaths, with whom you can make an appointment for treatment of osteochondrosis.

For hernia

A hernia is not only severe pain, but also decreased muscle sensitivity, paralysis, spastic tetra- or paraparesis, and disruption of the pelvic organs. With a herniated cervical spine, a person may be completely paralyzed. The risk group is the elderly, those with obesity or scoliosis, and workers in heavy physical labor.

Manual therapy is carried out by applying pressure to certain centers to restore the correct position of the intervertebral discs. As a result, pinched nerves are released and sensitivity returns. In case of a hernia of the lumbar spine, as a result of manual therapy, the pelvic organs function normally again, the ability to walk returns, and blockages are removed.

The main positive properties of the technique:

• Blood circulates better in the muscles, which now more effectively support the spine;
• Cartilage is better fed with oxygen, collagen, and fluids;
• Regeneration improves and the position of the spine is restored;
• Metabolism in the body is normalized;
• Makes it possible to avoid surgery, reduces the dose of medications or allows you to abandon them altogether;
• Improvements occur after the first session.

With kyphosis

Manual therapy is effective for moderate kyphosis. In this case, it resembles a massage. The doctor works on the spine and surrounding muscles so that the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints and soft tissues gradually “fall into place.” Sessions are usually held every other day.

Sometimes patients complain that the treatment area hurts after sessions. However, this is a good sign that indicates that the muscles and ligaments have begun to move - they are moving to take the correct position. After the course, the posture becomes smooth, the pain goes away.

Danger to mother and child

In the later stages, pinching of the sciatic nerve can lead to premature birth.
Pinching of the nerve ending in the early stages often leads to termination of pregnancy. This is due to sudden contractions of the uterus. In the later stages, it can cause premature birth. In the long term, this condition worsens the mother's health after pregnancy.

In some cases, acute pain that persists until delivery leads to complications during the delivery of the baby. If necrosis of surrounding tissues develops in the affected area, the fetus is in danger due to lack of nutrition.

Among the long-term prospects for a woman’s life:

• spine pathologies;
• immobility or local loss of sensation in the leg;
• disability;
• preservation of involuntary excretion of feces and urine.

To avoid these conditions, it is important to undergo a complete examination before planning a pregnancy. Diagnostic procedures will help to find hidden diseases and cure them before pregnancy. Otherwise, the consequences can be dangerous.

Diagnosis of sciatic nerve pain

Is your sciatic nerve hurting and you don’t know how to treat it? Seek medical help! Specialists at the CELT Pain Clinic will find out the cause that caused this disease and prescribe its effective treatment. Before starting it, our doctors examine the patient, check reflexes and determine skin sensitivity and collect anamnesis. In addition, it is prescribed:

• X-ray examination;
• CT scan;
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

If the presence of a tumor in the spine is suspected, a radioisotope diagnostic study is prescribed.

What to do if your back gets pinched

From the very beginning of pregnancy, it is recommended to do yoga and breathing exercises.
If a violation does occur, it must be dealt with immediately after its appearance. Recommendations:

• Medicines should not be taken before consulting a doctor;
• you can use herbal preparations;
• You should call your doctor immediately after a symptom occurs;
• To avoid worsening the condition, you should avoid heavy lifting and excessive activity.

And to prevent unpleasant health, you need to wear a support bandage, do exercises, do yoga or other physical exercise for pregnant women.

Treatment tactics

Of the painkillers, it is allowed to take No-Shpu.
In the early stages of pregnancy, you can use some medications, but in the later stages you need to give up almost all medications. This is due to the fact that the protective placenta becomes very thin and permeable before the approaching birth.

For therapy, ibuprofen and paracetamol are usually used in minimal dosages. Sometimes compresses are made with lidocaine, which is indicated in late pregnancy. “No-shpu” is prescribed if there are spasms and hypertonicity.

To prevent such conditions, it is useful for women to drink vitamins: B, E, potassium and magnesium. They are included in complex supplements for pregnant women. Insufficient content of these substances leads to various abnormalities in the functioning of muscle structures, ligaments and joints.

Among the pharmaceutical drugs, Menovazine is distinguished:

• use for rubbing 3 times a day;
• applied to the lower back, tailbone and buttock on the affected side;
• leave overnight, covered with a scarf or shawl.

Many women note that the drug helps after the first use.

Essential oils

Rosemary oil eliminates pain and cramps.
The use of concentrated esters is considered a safe and effective way to combat disorders during pregnancy. It is advisable to discuss their use with a gynecologist and an expert aromatherapist.

Oils are rubbed into the skin in the affected area, as well as into biologically active points:

• rosemary relieves spasms;
• lavender eliminates fear, stress and insomnia, helps with pain;
• chamomile reduces inflammation;
• mint and eucalyptus fight negative reactions and eliminate pain.

However, their use in the first trimester is not recommended due to the increased risk of toxicosis.

Exercise therapy for infringement

You can do gymnastics after acute pain has been relieved.
You cannot do physical exercise without a doctor’s prescription. If the gynecologist has approved physical activity, the following exercises are suitable:

• Cat. Arching and bending the back while inhaling and exhaling 10-15 times, 5-10 approaches per day.
• Squats. Perform with a straight back and bent knees.
• Walking like a soldier. Without bending your legs, take 10-15 steps on your heels and then on your toes.

If a woman has not yet worn a bandage, it’s time to think about choosing one. Use it 1-2 hours a day, but not constantly.

A pinched nerve in the lower back is a condition that can be treated without harm to the child or your own health if you consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Pregnancy with thyroid problems

Regardless of whether a pregnant woman has clinical symptoms or not, a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones has a negative impact on the gestation period and on the fetus itself.

Pregnancy with hypothyroidism can be complicated by:

• threat of abortion;
• spontaneous abortion;
• the formation of a non-developing pregnancy;
• premature birth;
• increased risk of gestosis in the second half of pregnancy;
• disturbance in the functioning of the child’s central nervous system after birth in the form of cretinism.