Sciatica during Pregnancy

posted on 16 October 2011 | posted in General

Sciatica is a term for the pain caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve.
The nerve originates from the spinal column and branches out around the L4, L5, S1 vertebrae to continue through the legs to the feet.
Compression of the sciatic nerve is a specific sensation with a transferred pain or pins and needles down one of the legs. It is often confused with sacral iliac pain or pelvic girdle pain which is a localised pain in without the referring sensation.
During pregnancy, the centre of gravity in the pregnant woman changes and moves forward because of the weight of the growing baby within. The pelvis tilts forward (anteriorly) causing the buttock muscles including the piriformis to tighten.

As a masseur, sciatica can be relieved by helping to reduce the tension in the buttock and surrounding muscles, specifically the muscle called the piriformis that lies deep within the buttock area. Its origin is on the surface of the sacrum and it inserts on the top of the femur and lies over the sacral nerve. Specific attention must be given to help strengthen the core muscles including the pelvic floor to help re-engage and restore balance back into the body.

The causes of sciatica must be investigated by a health care practioner that specialises in pregnancy or a womens health practitioner.
 
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