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kjohnson
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 1:13pm | IP Logged
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This is my 5th pregnancy, but the first time I've ever experienced sciatica. I'm only 19 weeks and I'm overwhelmed by the thought of enduring through this pain for another 21 weeks. 
For those of you who have had this problem in pregnancy, are there any rememdies to relieve the pain (even just a little)? So far I've only read about lying on the opposite side of the pain (with 4 kids...one being 2...and homeschooling!  ) and taking Tylenol.
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Katherine
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amiefriedl
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 1:26pm | IP Logged
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I dealt with this type of pain for about 3-4 years. I went to a chiropractor and within 3 visits the pain was gone. I waited all that time because I'd never been to a chiropractor and was afraid of going. After a couple of good recommendations I tried one out.
Don't know if you can get adjusted while pregnant.
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Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
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anniemm
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 2:33pm | IP Logged
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I've had that horribly with both of my pregnancies...my ob never was much help. I don't know about a chriopractor either while pregnant....but maybe it's worth looking into. Enduring it through the whole pregnancy is really rough, especially when you have a toddler to deal with... Something that really helped me (and I had tail bone "pains" also) was sitting on a cardio ball. Something about sitting on a hard chair made it worse, as did sleeping on my really soft mattress.
I hope someone has some answers for you - because that really is miserable!
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Andrea
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MicheleQ
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 2:47pm | IP Logged
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Katherine,
I have had sciatica pain since my very first pregnancy 21 years ago. In my last several pregnancies it has been particularly bad. I generally have it from the very beginning so I do understand how you are feeling being 19 weeks and thinking you still have so much longer to go. I have tried everything you can imagine. Some things work some don't. Some work at some point but then don't help at others.
Before 33 weeks my Dr. allowed me to take Ibuprofen (up to 800 mg/day) and that was truly the most helpful because it reduced the inflammation of the nerve. After 33 weeks they do not recommend it so I don't use it. You should definitely check with your doctor first to have them OK it but I was under the impression that I couldn't take ibuprofen at all while pregnant and found this was not true. While I prefer to use natural means as much as possible, when I could barely get through the day the ibuprofen really helped.
I'm 35 weeks now and the pain is pretty bad some days. Lately the thing that has been helping the most is using homeopathic Hypericum and taking Evening Primrose Oil capsules (both OKed by my Dr.). The Hypericum is for nerve pain and the evening Primrose Oil has prostaglandins that ease inflammation and it also keeps everything "oiled" if you will. 
Chiropractic adjustments do help (if you can find a Chiropractor willing to work on you while pregnant - many won't) as does Osteopathic muscle manipulation (my OB is an Osteopath) but in my experience only very temporarily.
Some advice: Try not to sit for too long at one time. You will have less pain if you move around more but avoid bending and lifting because those things tend to make it worse. Ice on your backside (wherever you feel the pain the worst) for 20 minutes at a time (not longer) will also help relieve the inflammation and give some relief. Heat tends not to work as well, but occasionally a warm bath will help too. Sleep on the side that doesn't hurt (my pain tends to be on the left) and with the leg of the painful side propped on a pillow.
Lastly say a prayer for me and I will for you as well. Hang in there. What keeps me going is knowing that at delivery the pain will magically be gone and I will have a precious baby in its place. Not a bad trade indeed!
God bless,
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
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kjohnson
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| Posted: Oct 25 2006 at 3:29pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for your responses, ladies. I really appreciate it.
Michelle, I'll talk to my OB about the Ibuprofen. An anti-inflammatory does make sense. But like you, I assumed it wasn't an option because of pregnancy. I'll definitely put in a call to my doctor about that one.
I think I may be aggravating the pain by sitting too long. It seems like a relief to sit, but I pay for it later. Maybe if I try moving around more, I'll notice a difference. I think I need to get a firm body pillow too and make a run to our health food store.
I will definitely be praying for you and appreciate your prayers a great deal. I agree, that a precious baby is nothing in comparison with this temporary pain.
Thanks again. 
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Katherine
Wife to Doug and Mother of 6
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Anne McD
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| Posted: Jan 26 2007 at 2:15pm | IP Logged
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Hi Katherine,
I was just digging through old posts and reading for fun when I came across this one! I know you are on bedrest for preterm labor right now and that's more important--I hope you're doing well!!
I just wanted to add my 2cents re: chiropractic care when pregnant. I've been under the impression that as long as you have someone who knows what they are doing with a pregnant woman, its very safe. I didn't have it during pregs 1 and 2, and had horrible sciatic and back pain, as well as tingling in my hands. For my 3rd, I had chiropractic care from the beginning (I had been going since before I got pregnant) and I had a pain-free, swelling-free pregnancy, until about 3-4 weeks before I delivered. That was when I stopped going b/c I couldn't make the weekly trips out.  Then the pains and swelling came until I delivered. I HIGHLY reccomend going to a chiropractor while pregnant, but ask other women in your area who have gone while pregnant for a referral.
Also, the tables adjust to accommodate your "bump."
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Anne
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 26 2007 at 6:01pm | IP Logged
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Bromelain - an enzyme in pineapple can reduce inflammation.. you can eat fresh pineapple, take capsules.. I use it through out pregnancy.. there's been no amount that they've found to be problematic though of course they don't test pregnant women.. but if they can't find a limit for adults.. it's pretty safe in normal doses to my way of thinking.
you can also use pineapple juice or canned pineapple.. though the more processed the less helpful.. but I have gotten relief from the canned pineapple.. my midwife also suggests lots of frozen (rather than canned) pineapple juice after delivery.
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Sciatic Nerve Pain...help!
