Pregnancy places huge demands on the body, and can lead to a number of musculoskeletal symptoms that Beverley may be able to help with.
Lower Back Pain
One of the most common complaints her pregnant patients bring to the clinic is lower back pain. There are a number of reasons that the lower back becomes sore in pregnancy. Hormonal changes from the first trimester onwards aim to slacken the ligaments in the pelvis. This is great for birth, but can cause discomfort in the lower spine and back of the pelvis in the meantime. As the bump develops, the centre of gravity moves forwards and so the body compensates by deepening the curve of the back and tightening the lower back muscles.
Sciatica and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
These two problems of painful nerves are common in pregnancy.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve runs down the back of the thigh and into the calf and foot. When irritated, it can cause a collection of symptoms that earn it the label of sciatica. These often include a sharp shooting pain and tingling or pins and needles along the course of the nerve. Sciatica can be more prevalent during pregnancy due to the changing demands on the lower back and buttocks- where the sciatic nerve runs. A change to the curve of the spine combined with tightness in neighbouring muscles can irritate the sciatic nerve. For some people, the nerve runs right through the piriformis muscle: a deep muscle in the buttock that can become tight in response to the growing bump. This form of sciatica is known as piriformis syndrome, and can be particularly responsive to massage techniques and stretching exercises.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fluid retention is a common side effect of pregnancy, and is partly to blame for episodes of carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in the wrist, through which tendons, vessels, and nerves pass. Compression within the tunnel caused by an increase in fluid within the area can be enough to compress one of the nerves inside. Symptoms tend to affect the palm side of the thumb and index finger and can include:
- pins and needles
- pain
- numbness
- weakness
Beverley can work to clear the fluid and give you exercises to keep the tunnel as spacious as possible. She will aim to keep your symptoms under control but typically expect the condition to linger while you’re pregnant. The good news is that 85% of cases resolve within a few weeks of giving birth.
Autoimmune Considerations in Pregnancy
If your post-partum aches and pains are more significant than you think they should be, it may be worth investigating for rheumatological issues. This is a period in your life in which autoimmune conditions are more prone to developing, so keep an eye on symptoms such as:
- morning stiffness that takes more than 30 mins to settle
- aches and pains that flare after resting or over-exercising
- pain that responds negatively to heat
Click here to make an appointment for your pregnancy-related aches and pains with Beverley Palmer.