5 Ways to deal with a pinched nerve during pregnancy, from natural to medical

There are many ways to treat a pinched nerve during pregnancy

A pinched nerve problem that is still mild can usually be treated naturally, such as adjusting your posture or exercising. However, pregnant women with more severe back conditions may require more specific treatment.

Here are a few ways you can do this:

1. Rest for 1-2 days

The easiest way to deal with a pinched nerve during pregnancy is to rest. Rest can relieve swelling and pain in the spinal pads.

This will also give the area a chance to recover more quickly.

During rest, pregnant women can try bed rest while using foot pads.

This position will reduce excessive bending of the waist and hips which is the cause of pain and spasms in the back muscles.

2. Stretch

Several stretching movements can relieve pain from a pinched nerve during pregnancy.

The reason is, stretching will make your back muscles more flexible so that they can better support your body weight.

Here are simple stretching steps to treat a pinched nerve during pregnancy:

Cat-cow

Rest on both knees and palms. Inhale, then lower your stomach until your back is down.

As you exhale, lift your stomach back up so that your back arches upwards.

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Lift your hips slowly while inhaling until your back is slightly arched.

Then, lower it back down with an exhale.

Rest on your knees, then step your right foot forward so that your feet are resting on the floor.

While exhaling, push your body forward and hold it for 30 seconds. Return to starting position and repeat while resting on the sole of the left foot.

3. Taking pain relievers or muscle spasms

Pain relievers do not address the causes of pinched nerves during pregnancy. However, this method is effective for relieving pain that interferes with daily activities.

Pain relievers that are safe for pregnant women are paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Doctors sometimes also prescribe drugs to treat muscle spasms and nerve problems in the back such as amitriptyline, gabapentin, and duloxetine.

Even though it is effective, you still have to consult a doctor before starting taking it.

4. Injections of steroid drugs

If rest, stretching, and taking pain relievers do not resolve the symptoms of a pinched nerve, pregnant women can undergo epidural medication.

This method is done by injecting steroid drugs in the area of spinal cord nerves.

Epidural injections are usually chosen when the pain is severe or uncontrollable.

This method is safe for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. However, long-term use is not recommended because it is feared to have an impact on fetal development.

5. Operation

Pinched nerves during pregnancy are sometimes caused by diseases of the spine such as scoliosis or spondylolisthesis.

In cases like this, pregnant women may need to undergo spinal repair surgery to be able to overcome the pinched nerve.

Not only disease, surgery can also be considered if pregnant women experience the following conditions:

The pain did not go away despite stretching regularly, taking medication, and undergoing epidural injections.
The pain continued to get worse.
Difficulty standing or walking.
Unable to control the urge to urinate and / or defecate.

There are various methods that can be used to treat a pinched nerve during pregnancy, both naturally and medically.

Natural methods are usually effective in relieving symptoms in the form of pain and cramps, but do not solve the causes directly.

Pinched nerves that are more severe or caused by diseases of the spine generally need to be treated with drugs, steroid injections, and surgery.

Consultation with your doctor will help you find the right method.