Dealing with the shooting pain or numbness of sciatica is no fun. Discomfort is caused when the sciatic nerve (which runs from the lower spine down the back of each leg) gets pinched. It can be caused by an injury such as a slipped disk or pelvic fracture, pregnancy, or tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and legs. Whether you feel yours at night or after sitting or standing for a long time, relief is just a yoga mat away with these eight poses.
Of course you're all excited about the arrival of your little bundle of joy, but who knew pregnancy could cause so many strange and uncomfortable health issues? Click through and find out why you have shooting pains when you run, wrist pain when you lift weights, or such a stuffy nose that you can't breathe in your yoga class. Share if these things happen(ed) to you during pregnancy.
Aches and pains are part of pregnancy, but some are harder to handle than others. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the glutes, and down the back of each leg, is the largest nerve in the body. Because of the nerve's placement under the uterus, it is pressed as the baby grows, often creating sharp or aching pain during pregnancy.
Most women first notice sciatica after spending a significant amount of time on their feet. According to the American Pregnancy Association the best remedies include:
"The simplest remedy is to lie on your side, opposite of the pain. This may help relieve the pressure on the nerve. Avoid heavy lifting and minimize standing for long periods of time. If you experience pressure while standing, try elevating one foot and resting it on something. Swimming may also ease discomfort. You may experience relief by applying heat or cold to the troubled area."
Sciatica isn't considered to be a dangerous condition, but the amount of discomfort it causes does vary. If you experience sciatica for an extended period of time, contact your doctor about possible treatments. A prenatal massage may do the trick for some women, while waiting for the baby to move to a new spot will help others. If you've experienced pregnancy-related sciatica, how did you comfort yourself?
Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body? It runs from your lower back, through your glutes, and down the back of each leg. No wonder it causes so many long lingering problems. 
This long nerve controls many of the muscles and sensations in your legs. Sciatica refers to the pain you feel along this nerve. It can be described as shooting pain, tingling, burning, numbness, or weakness that travels from your lower back down the back of your leg. If you have had issues with your sciatic nerve you will know what I am talking about.
Sciatica pain isn't a disorder, but rather a symptom of a larger problem, usually a bulging or herniated vertebral disk. This is the most common cause of sciatica nerve pain, but other spinal issues such as a tumor (yikes!) or injury could also be the cause.
A condition called Piriformis syndrome, can also cause sciatica. This is when the piriformis muscle tightens spasms, putting pressure on the nerve creating pain. Active women like runners and serious walkers, and people who sit for long periods of time are especially likely to develop this condition.
How can you treat sciatica? To find out read more
