A pinched nerve in the spine can be caused by a variety of factors, and pregnancy is just one example of how increased weight and pressure on the spine can lead to compression of a spinal nerve. However, it’s important to remember that, while most women will naturally experience some form of back pain as they carry a baby to term, not all forms of spinal discomfort are indicative of a pinched nerve. If you are pregnant and think you may be suffering from a pinched nerve in the neck or back, talk to your obstetrician about possible treatments.

Anatomical Changes during Pregnancy

Your body must adjust itself to accommodate the development of a fetus, and these changes can put strain on different regions of your anatomy. The lumbar spine, or lower back, is especially susceptible to stress because this level of the spine both supports the increased weight of the fetus itself and any other dispersed body weight put on during pregnancy. The intervertebral discs, which are the spongy pads of cartilage situated between the vertebrae, must absorb the shock of all the body’ s movements, a responsibility that is compounded by increased body weight. Discs then become susceptible to bulging or herniation, which can lead to a pinched nerve.

In addition to weight gain, the factors listed below can put stress on the anatomical components of the spine, such as the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and facet joints, possibly causing a pinched nerve:

– Center of gravity shifts – The growing fetus creates excess weight around the torso, and pregnant women usually have to adjust their gait and posture to maintain balance. Overarching the lower back (lordosis) is a common issue that can cause back pain and possibly a pinched nerve.

– Muscle fatigue – The muscles of the spine are forced to work hard during pregnancy, which can lead to soreness and the occasional muscle spasm that may come into contact with a spinal nerve root.

– Hormone level shifts -A hormone called relaxin is produced in larger quantities during pregnancy because it helps to relax the joints of the pelvis in preparation for birth. Relaxin can also cause the spinal joints (facet joints) to become unstable. Instability in the facet joints can also cause instability in the surrounding vertebrae and discs, which may eventually lead to a pinched spinal nerve.

Preventing a Pinched Nerve during Pregnancy

While there’s not much you can do about the anatomical changes that take place during pregnancy, there are some lifestyle adjustments you can make – with your physician’s permission – to take pressure off your back so that your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, and spinal ligaments aren’t being forced to work beyond their capacity. Sleeping on your side, wearing a maternity support brace or belt, and wearing supportive shoes may help relieve spinal stress. You also can talk to your obstetrician about pain relief techniques like gentle stretching, yoga, hot/cold compresses, lumbar support pillows, hydrotherapy, prenatal massage, and posture modification exercises.

Most cases of pregnancy-induced pinched nerves will go away after the baby is born and the excess baby weight has been shed, though some women may still find that they are plagued by neural compression. If this is the case, talk with your obstetrician or primary care physician about post-baby treatment techniques.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for pinched nerves and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/pinched_nerve/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: Pinched nerve