L-5/ S-1, SI Joint Pain During Pregnancy

[billyray]

I am a certified personal trainer and have a pregnant client who is experiencing SI pain that seems to be a direct result of a L-5/ S-1 disc hernation from a previous pregnancy. Do any of you PT's out there know of stretches and/or conditioning movements that might help to alleviate the pain in the Si joint during what is now her second pregnancy? Thanks for your help.

[Bill Hartman]

Is it an L5 problem or an SI problem?
How was it diagnosed?
Has she ever used a stabilization belt or lumbar support?
What happens in sidelying with a pillow between her knees?
Has she had any PT?

Bill

[UConnJulie]

Yes, more information please! L5/S1 is an uncommon herniation ... and herniations are very uncommon during pregnancy as the extra anterior weight puts the spine in a position where it is difficult to create a posterior herniation. SI joint dysfunction on the other hand is very common.

We might be able to help ... if you can give us more information as Bill requested above.

[billyray]

I will have to ascertain those answers from her after her next session. Thanks for your responses, and I will be back with more information as I get it from the client.