SPD and sciatica?

I think the beauty of swimming is the weightless feeling you have, it gives your limbs a change to move without the pressures of gravity. Might help, esp if your pool has a spa you can sit in for 5 - 10 mins at the end

I read about SPD and all I can say is it sounds incredibly painful    Hope the belt helps ease some of the aches. *hugs*

swimming helped me big time. my me being able to stretch out my abdomen Jake was able to move and generally when I got out I was pain free.. until the little bugger moved and put pressure on again.

I had the same problem with the belt. I only wore it when I went walking as it would bend and dig into my wobbly belly if I was upright.

I just had my first physio appointment today for SPD. I already have my own Smiley belt which is a neoprene belt. I got given a thin support belt to wear which sits at the top of my pelvis, and they've said I should wear my smiley belt as additional support if I feel I need it. I've also been given crutches to use when walking, and also have to wear a support stocking over my whole belly for separated abdominal muscles.

So Tastic I'll have to let you know whether it all helps. Judging by how bad you are it sounds like you probably need crutches now. They help with your posture when walking so you're not putting as much strain on all the muscles around your pelvis and lower back.

I've had sciatica too (I guess that's what it is anyway) and I've had the smaller belt that rides up when sitting so I didn't like that (though doesn't ride up so much with my much bigger belly now). But last week I was given some tubi-grip which is kind of like a big elastic bandage type thing that goes from over my belly button to part way down my butt. I find that helpful though don't wear it 24/7. Today I put it on first thing and took it off at about 1pm as it was getting a bit uncomfortable and rolls up a bit in the front when sitting.   But it feels like it aligns me a bit and holds me in, so I guess is supporting me.

I keep meaning to try swimming and then totally forget. I might give it a go this weekend

One thing that I think has really helped, but may not work if you've got SPD, is when I sleep I have one of those giant pillows folded in half (so two thick ones would be the same) and I lay my top leg over this so it's hip height rather than just one thinner pillow between my legs. Everytime I sleep like this I feel so much better in the mornings than if I don't - if I don't I can barely stand up at first.

thanks everyone. I wore the belt for two days and thought Id try today without it and definatly noticed the difference. I havent tried at night yet so will tonight. Im in aggonay!

will wear it till monday then Ill ring the physio again

I find chiropractic much better than physio - have been visiting one regularly during this preggie & my back is the best it's been during preggie (this is #6).

For sciatica pain - find the sore point on your palm between your thumb & wrist (on the same side as the sciatica pain) press hard on the spot - the sore spot & the sciatica pain should go. I find works best if walking while pressing palm. I am finding it helps with round ligament pain too.

I have a wide maternity support belt that I bought via TradeMe, I have found it to be comfortable & very supportive (I get very big) - the brand I got was TonusElast.