Pain in My Leg After Childbirth

If you are interested, I think I can help you. I got help with joint and muscle discomfort from a program that I have been on. Contact me privately if you want to and good luck!
-B

I had problems with my Sciatic nerve with my 2nd daughter. It was pretty bad toward the end of my pregnancy - my leg gave out a few times while I was walking and I would get the numbness as well. After delivery, it wasn't as bad but I also saw a chiropractor which I attribute much of the relief. I think it is well worth a few visits to see if it helps. If not, a good chiropractor could refer you on to another specialist.

I believe in the well-timed adjustment when something is out, and even more so, I believe in Rolfing. Rolfing re-aligns the bodies fascial networks (the white collagenous, super strong fiber that weaves between muscles, organs and bones) in a very intelligent way. A combination of Rolfing and chiropractic can do just the trick, because, to my way of thinking, if you're only putting the bones back in place then you are ignoring what's pulling them out in the first place.

- A.

I would call my OBGYN and let him or her know just so they can put it in your chart. They might want to see you, but as far as I know usually a regular doctor will have to refer you to a neurologist. If you want too, it wouldnt hurt to see a chiropractor either. Whatever you feel is best for you. I really enjoy visiting my chiropractor. I have had both my boys c-section and have back problmes from athletics when I was younger. I also had sciatica pain during the end of my pregnancy and a trainer at my gym told me that when I sit and walk to tuck my pelvis under (hope that makes sense?) I started being very mindful of my posture and doing this as often as I remembered. It really seemed to help and I don't have any problems with it now. Good Luck!

Start with either a chiropractor or a physical therapist. I went to a physical therapist since insurance covered it, and it did wonders.

hey, the best thing that I ever did for sciatica was excercise!!! The pain was horrible but after seeing chiropractors and doctors, I did my own research and found that the nerve was being pinched due to poor posture from my pregnancy. To pull my spine back into allignment, I did hamstring stretches (sitting on the floor with my legs straight out) by touching my toes or at least trying to, and alot of crunches. and before all this worked, I slept on a hot pad. Hope you feel better soon.

I know several people who have had various pains like this, and I would definitely recommend a chiropractor. I've been going to one for years (I can give you a good one if you want) and it has been so helpful with miscellaneous pains, as well as having an actually COMFORTABLE (for the most part)pregnancy. I think you would be really happy with it.

I'd highly recommend a chiropractor. Basically, during your pregnancy, your body gets out of balance...Let's face it, your center if gravity is right in front of you most of the time. During that time, your body may have overcompensated to try to reduce strain in one part, but that just caused strain in another. Your posture changes dramatically during pregnancy. You may have a pinched nerve or a "kinked" nerve somewhere along the spinal column. This, many times, will lead to numbness and migraines. I've had both. And especially if you've been working out to try to lose baby weight or are just very active, that could throw you even further out of alignment. It's like riding a bike with a slightly bent wheel. It's not comfortable, but you can manage. Soon you notice the wheel bending further and wobbling more, but you still think you can manage. Finally, the wheel has had enough strain and you fall off the bike. You wouldn't do it with a bicycle, so why do it with your body?

Try an adjustment at a chiropractor, it may take several. You may also feel some discomfort after the first adjustment, but that usually only lasts a day...and remember to drink plenty of water. If, after several adjustments the numbness and migraines continue, then I would seek a specialist.

Unfortunately these sorts of issues are more common after epidural or spinal anesthesia than most women know. I am not aware that there are any sure fire solutions unfortunately. I would definitely try chiropractic care as that seems likely to help. It may just take time for the problems to go away.

I know this might sound weird, but when I have siatic issues, I sit on a heating pad for about 1/2 hour. It seems to relax whatever is pinching or whatever. Try it!

If women knew how bad pregnancy was on their backs we would never have children. I worked for a chiropractor for a couple of years and almost all the women we saw with low back pain said it started while they were pregnant. Pregnancy ruins your stomach muscles, and until they are strong again you will continue to have pain. Look for books or videos with stomacch strengthening exercises and follow through with the exercises. Your problem should resolve...M.

I agree with the chiropractor, but will also suggest something else--find a rolfer. Rolfing is to your muscles what chiropractic is to your bones. It will realign your body and muscles so that your body works with itself rather than against itself. It changed my life!! Also, yoga is very good for sciatic pain.

Good luck!
J.

During my second pregnancy I also had a pinched siatic nerve. I went to a good chiropractor who helped it after only a couple adjustments. It has been fine since. I wasn't much of a believer in chiropractors, but that sure made a difference for me.

I highly suggest seeing a chiropractor. Pregnancy and childbirth is hard on the bones and joints. You most likely got out of alignment during this time and a chiropractor will be a GREAT relief. After the birth of my 4th child I couldn't walk up and down stairs without pain because I was so far out of alignment. After a few adjustments I was back to normal and feeling great.

If you are open to alternative medicine I would go to a cranial sacral therapist. It is a non-invasive practice that can focus on any issue you have both migraine and siatic nerve problems. I did not have the same problems as you but I had terrible low/mid back pain after my c-section, laying on my side was painful. My therapist felt that epidural anastesia?? was still lingering in my spine. I did some sessions with him and had some massage therapy and now I feel great. If you live in the Denver/Boulder area I have a wonderful crainial sacral therapist, just write me back.

M.

I second the suggestion for a chiropractor. It would be good to ask around for a strong referral so you'll know you're getting someone who has had success with other patients. I have had good luck with the Gonstead method of chiropractic, so I suggest you find someone who practices this method. Your symptoms sound very consistent with nerve and spinal issues, so hopefully a good chiropractor can help you alleviate all of them. I wish you the best!

I really think you just need a good Chiropractor. I am not one to say this lightly. I think each part of medicine has its place, but I've never been a believer in Chiropractors. During my last pregnancy, I was down and in the hospital about every other week. By the time I delivered, I had a constant numb finger, lower back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches starting at my spine. I went to my regular doctor who told me that it would all go away after I quit nursing. I laughed all the way home. I could see how they were all related to my pregnancy, but not my nursing! The final draw for me was just after Christmas I was helping my husband carry construction stuff for our basement, and injured my knee...real bad! I went to the doctor again and was put in a leg brace. This made it worse. After a few weeks, I finally listened to my parents. My Dad is real big on Chiropractors and my mom had just found a really good Chiropractor and was hooked! So I went to one in my area and after the first visit all my pain went away. In fact he adjusted my knee also, along with my hips. The very next day I was out running (literally) chasing kids. My hips were not aligned and so by doing some heavy lifting, I could see how I had injured my knee. I no longer have numbness, or headaches.

So after all the story...GO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR!!!!!

Hello K.~
I HIGHLY recommend a chiropractor and not just any one, but one that TRULY uses the GONSTEAD Method. It is amazing!! My family and I have used this and it has helped me and my husband and 2 kids ( 5 years old and 1 year old) and my step father tremendously. But make sure they use this very specific method. They only move one part of the vertebrae and they also make sure they move it on top of the disc. They don't just move bones around, it is a very specific type of movement. I have had back pain my entire life-being in the nursing field since highschool-lifting patients-hasn't helped in my back. So needless to say I have messed myself up and going to my chiro. for 6 months now, I am a whole lot pain free. I am not 100% yet, but I am very close!! And I feel tons better. I have a million other stories too. Good luck!! T. S

Chiropractic worked wonders for me after I had my son. I would recommend seeking out a referral for a good Chiropractor close to you. Massage may help too, but this sounds liek more of a structural issue, that should be able to be cleared up rather quickly. Have a great day!

I've read the other responses and agree a Chiropractor could probably help. I'm concerned with the numbness factor though. It could be that the stress of your pregnancy on your legs could have weakend some veins. I'd check with your doctor.

Try the chiropractor. Childbirth and pregnancy messes up your back really bad. Ask friends for recommendations, I wouldn't go to just any chiropractor. Take anti-inflammatory meds for the sciatica. Ibuprofin or Advil. Ice works well, too. But find a good chiropractor and he/she should be able to help you. If the migrains continue, talk to your regular doctor.

Sounds really frustrating. My husband, who had seen a neurologist for neck pain with numbness in his arm and thumb, has found relief from the therapy he got from a Doctor of Osteopathy. They specialize in manipulation that isn't primarily skeletal. I also think doing some yoga or pilates might help. Good luck!

K.,
I have experience with this, I couldn't even walk sometimes in my pregnancy and would scream in pain almost every day. Fortunately, my best friend is a physical therapist and he did flexibility things with my back, hips, legs, everything--as well as massage. He suggested that I go buy a pair of 'Danskos', they are clog-type shoes (very hip among urban-mothers) that literally re-align the back so that your posture is straight. I didn't have ANY more pain after I started wearing them and still wear them all winter. They are expensive, but I swear to you they are so worth it and they look great with jeans or tights and a denim skirt.
Also, after I had my son I don't know if I pulled a muscle while delivering and didn't notice, but I limped for a long time. Then I had the arm pain and numbness, which is actually from breastfeeding because we tend to slump when we feed them. Always make sure you are standing straight and sitting straight up. I would suggest a physical therapist before I'd suggest anything else because this is basically an 'injury' from pregnancy and parenting. A lot of mothers have this, I swear!
Physical therapists (if you get a good one) will evaluate your entire body, physical activity, posture, etc. They'll have you do not only excersises, but stretches as well to lengthen and release the tension causing the nerves to pinch. Yoga helps Mothers, universally. I'm going on and on because I really know exactly how you feel and people make so many comments that won't permanantly fix the problem. Just remember that your nerves need the space they get when you use correct posture--no more slumping!

K.
You should find a reflexologist who can work on your feet. You got some really good advice, but this one will really do wonders. Or get a book on reflexology and try some of the methods on yourself. I hope you find what you need.

Definately try a chiropractor. If I don't go regularly, I get migraines, numbness, tingling, all kinds of unpleasant thinfs. A regular doctor will most likely tell you you have something horrid like MS, and medicate you. The chiropractor will FIX you! And just because you had C-sections (I've had four!) don't think that you can't possibly be out of whack. Just carrying a child puts enormous strain on your body. All kinds of things can go awry! If you feel more comfortable, try a female chiropractor, or call the local midwifery centers and ask them who they recommend. There are chiropractors out there who specialize in the treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients. I can recommend strongly enough to try chiropractic treatment first before others! Good Luck!

Dear K.,

I have had the same trouble. I visited a Massage Therpist once a week at first and then was able to cut back
to once a month. Sometimes I still go, but I don't need to as much. They will give you some great exercises to do as well that will help. Also I have noticed that good shoes and a light purse also help.

Good Luck ! Feel better soon!

The best thing you can do for that is a massage therapist. Get a deep tissue massage. Stephanie

I REALLY think you need to see a chiropractor! Start with that and if it doesn't work, go from there. It just sounds like your boby is out of wack. A good chiro will help with that. You will also have to remember that it will most likely take more than one session to fix the problem.

The sciatic nerve stuff is probably trigger point mediated and massage therapy or stretching or physical therapy or chiropractic would help with that. The headache stuff sounds like atypical migraine. I would see a neurologist for that. For one thing, it can make you higher risk for stroke. You want to know about that before you decide on hormonal methods of contraception, for sure. Also, there are things to do to help the headaches and numbness (I hope you are not having the blindness; I had that, too, and it made life a little scary).

unfortunatley, I too have experienced this with one of my five. you are correct in your statement regarding the sciatic nerve being involved. I required several ongoing visits to my chiropractor to finally get some resolution, could no longer sleep on that side of my body and within time, it has finally improved. I increased fish oils and my calcium w/magnesium also, per nutritional coaching.
Good Luck

i had some thing very similar, i think pregnancy and then carrying a baby around all the time really does a number on your back. my doc referred me to a physical therapist. turns our my shoulders and hips were tweaked pretty bad. she used heat therapy, special exercises, and some in office therapies to loosen my muscles and get things back in the proper place. i also started a core-work out to strengthen the muscles so they could help bear the load of my kids. so maybe start by seeing your doc and ask for a referral

Hi K.,

My situation is exactly the same as yours. All of the things you mentioned were happening. My children were 15 mos apart and both were c-scetions. I got carpal tunnle along with the whole mess... It was miserable. I recently lost 20 lbs and most of my siatic and circulatory issues went away. I know a few exercises that helped my sciatic as well but core muscle and lower ab exercises fixed it alltogether. My headaches were awful and not necessarily PMS. I went to a holistic Dr in Denver and found out I was not eliminating estrogen like normal but was still producing more every day. This caused my headaches. He had me take 7 charcoal pills once a week at bedtime to help me filter the estrogen. It worked. There was still the issue of fixing the problem which we handled in about a months time with supplements. I suggest trying the natural way only because I spent thousands on physical therapy and tests and meds all combined only to find that it was fairly simple to handle. I am in Superior if you want to get together for coffee and share ideas and information. My kids are now 4 and 5. My kids were delivered at Avista. contact me privately if you are interested.
Good Luck!-M.