• Avoid sleeping on your back. Add in a pillow between your legs, and shift to sleeping on your left side. This will help alleviate low back symptoms and ensure the baby and the placenta is receiving the most blood flow.
• Elevate your feet whenever possible. Getting plenty of rest and elevating your feet will help to reduce swelling and low back symptoms. 
• Shoes, shoes, shoes. Choosing footwear with adequate support can work wonders for reducing low back pain. Avoid high heels during pregnancy as they exaggerate postural changes that are contributing to your back pain.
• Wear a support brace. There are various types of abdominal support braces available for expectant mothers. These are sometimes called Sacro-Iliac Joint Belts or a prenatal cradle. A Physical Therapist can help you choose one appropriate for your symptoms, and issue one to you as well.

• A Physical Therapist can instruct an expectant mother on ways to relieve pressure from the low back.
• While each stage of pregnancy is different, a Physical Therapist can guide you through specific exercises tailored to each stage. They can also help to accommodate pregnancy complications if needed.
• Pain relief. A PT can help to relieve aches and pains through various manual therapy techniques. Many women also find relief from their pregnancy-related aches and pains with Aquatic Therapy.
• Strengthening. A PT can instruct you on strengthening exercises to prepare for labor and delivery.

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Still wanting some advice? Ask one of our therapists a specific question or request a Free 15 Minute Screening below.

• Pain in the buttocks, with or without burning/tingling down the leg.
• Weakness, numbness or difficult moving the leg or foot.
• A sharp pain in the low back that may make it difficult to stand or walk.
• Pain often starts slowly and may worsen after prolonged sitting, standing, at night and when sneezing, laughing or coughing.

• Most Sciatic Symptoms result from inflammation and will resolve in two weeks to a few months.
• Because nerve pain can be difficult to treat, severe cases may cause the pain to be quite severe and persist for a longer period of time.
• A full recovery is possible if the underlying cause of the Sciatica is correctly identified and treated.

• Apply heat or ice to the area. This can help to control the pain and inflammation. Not sure which one to apply? Check with one of our therapists.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. These can also help to reduce the pain and inflammation.
• In chronic or more severe cases, a physician may recommend injections to help to reduce inflammation around the nerve.
• Physical Therapy. A physical therapist can develop a program of exercises and stretches specific for your symptoms. These can provide immediate relief of pain.

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