Sciatica After Pregnancy? We're Here For You

Sciatica is a common cause of back and leg pain during pregnancy — but did you know it can linger even after you have a baby? If you’re dealing with discomfort after pregnancy, learn why it happens and how we can help you find lasting relief.

Pregnancy puts your body through some incredible changes. And while many aches and pains go away after you have your baby, some issues can linger for weeks, months, or longer. One frustrating and painful issue that new moms can face is sciatica — a type of nerve pain that radiates from your lower back through your hips and down your leg.

The good news? Our team is here to treat your sciatica. David A. Wiles, MD, offers advanced sciatica care for new moms in Bristol, Chattanooga, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee. If you’re dealing with nerve pain that hasn’t gone away postpartum, start here.

Why sciatica is common during and after pregnancy

Your sciatic nerve is the longest in your body, and it runs from your lower back and down each leg. Sciatica develops when your sciatic nerve gets compressed or irritated, and a few different pregnancy-related factors can increase your risk of sciatica.

For example, your growing baby changes your body’s center of gravity, and your lower spine and pelvis experience added stress. Hormones like relaxin loosen your ligaments to prepare for childbirth, which can further destabilize your spine and increase your risk of nerve compression.

After delivery, it takes time for your body to recover. You may still experience sciatica if muscle imbalances, posture issues, or inflammation linger.

Recognizing common symptoms of postpartum sciatica

Sciatica typically causes nerve pain that starts in your lower back and radiates through your hip and buttocks down the back of one leg. Symptoms can vary but often include:

Sharp, shooting pain down one side of your body
Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot
Muscle weakness in the affected leg
Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
Sitting or standing for long periods

No matter your symptoms, postpartum sciatica is very common, and effective treatments are available. With care, new mothers can find significant relief from their symptoms.

How we treat postpartum sciatica

If you’re struggling with sciatica after pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer through it or wait to see if it eventually goes away on its own. Dr. Wiles and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating sciatica and other spine-related issues, and we’re here to help you find a treatment that works.

We do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to confirm what’s causing your symptoms, then develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Every new mom’s recovery journey is different, and we take the time to understand your symptoms and goals before recommending the best treatment for you.

Physical therapy can help restore strength, stability, and flexibility in your lower back and hips after pregnancy and childbirth. Targeted exercises to improve your posture and relieve nerve pressure can also help reduce sciatica symptoms.

Medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and swelling, and we can help you find options that are safe to take while breastfeeding if needed. In more severe cases, we may recommend minimally invasive spine procedures if conservative therapies don’t provide enough relief.

If lingering sciatica pain is interfering with your ability to care for your baby or enjoy life, don’t wait to get help. Take the first step toward lasting relief by scheduling a consultation with our team in Chattanooga, Tennessee, today. Call us at 423-459-9800 or request an appointment online now.