Back Problems causing extra stress during Pregnancy... Any Suggestions?

frustratedwife · 08-06-2009, 12:06 AM

I've had back issues for the past 3 almost 4 years now... I seem to be getting these aweful back aches since I became pregnant, and especially in the last couple weeks. Anyone experience this? Any suggestions?

JDS524 · 08-06-2009, 04:31 AM

Hey. I didn't have any history of back issues (only hip issues) before pregnancy but dealt with a lot of back pain from about 15 weeks to 20 weeks. It has eased up for now. My sister has a pinched Sciatic nerve (even when not pregnant) and she gave me some pointers that helped. Of course the normal don't do to much or lift anything heavy, etc. Also heating pads (as long as you don't let them get TOO hot), Tylenol, and sleeping with a pillow between your knees. The pillow between my knees didn't help me so I tried it propping my feet up and it did miracles for my back/hips.

I hope it eases up and you can get some relief!!

ColleenBig · 08-06-2009, 04:47 AM

I have back and pelvic pain, my ob wants me to start working with a physical therapist so that what I am doing about it. I haven't started yet but I sure hope it helps.

Kikiriki · 08-06-2009, 09:38 AM

I have only developed back problems since I became pregnant. First, my sister and SIL swear by a pregnancy girdle. They say it really supports your back. I haven't used it because I have been able to work out most of my issues with stretches. However, I don't think my problem is severe.
I think swimming really helps. Even having the feeling of weighlessness for a few minutes seems to ease the pain. If my back is feeling especially bad I will swim just a few slow laps and my back feels better afterwards.
Finally, stretching. I sit on the floor with my feet together (knees bent) in a butterfly, straighten my back and slowly lean forward. Then I sit back up and lean to the side, pressing down the knee of the opposite side. This seems to stretch the muscle along the side of my spine down low. Also, hip stretches often help. I think when my hips get tight it pulls on my back. Finally, cat stretches (on all fours, arch your back up and roll your pelvis under. I find that leaning back towards my feet gets at my lower back).
I hope any one of these offer some relief! I am sure a physical therapist could give you better stretches. These have worked for me, though.
Oh- and I have also noticed that my back really hurts after a lot of walking. If you are walking for exercise, try replacing it with another kind of workout (stationary bike or swimming) for a week to see if it helps.

Shalamar · 08-06-2009, 03:41 PM

For me I had suffered with sciatic pain before pregnancy because of a knee injury over a year ago. The physio gave me some pointers but to be honest, she made things worse.

Dont over exert yourself, I did when painting the nursery and was laid up for 2 weeks
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The pillow between the legs is to stop the joints from locking. I bought a body pillow and it does wonders for me because I lie on my side.

Swimming was a huge help too! It takes the weight off the nerves and things so you can loosen it out. I went once a week for a month and I had no problems for over 2 months. I didnt want to take any painkillers (even plain paracetemol) so I tried everything other than that.

I read as well about chiropracters that use a tool especially for pregnant women, an activator, its a vibrating hand held device thats non invasive and safe to use. Im thinking of getting it done before the birth to realign my body.

Your still early along so it might be the regular stretching, our bones loosen out to help make way for the baby later, so everything gets moved around (its how nerves become trapped so easily) so hopefully, its just growing pains. My best advice is swimming!
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Asherlexie · 08-06-2009, 03:58 PM

I've always had upper back pain and mines got worse since around 7 weeks. My shoulders and upper back muscles are always tight and hurt to bad to rub them. Sleeping sucks when its bad.
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Sherrylen9 · 08-06-2009, 06:52 PM

I am having a lot of tension in the shoulder, shoulder blades, and in between. Oh and my lower back and hips are constantly sore some days. I think the upper back issues is from being so darn tired and slouching... I'm definetly going to try some of the stretches previously mentioned. I don't have a pool to swim in so that's out of the question.

manyfactors · 08-06-2009, 11:06 PM

I have back issues big time. In the mornings I can barely stand up straight. We went into pregnacy with our eyes wide open and decided it was worth it. I am early pg now, so time will tell how I fare.

I have tried the chiropractor and believe it can help. I used one while pregnant in the past. I choose to take a glucosamine,chondroitin and msm arthritis/joint suppliment. Not officially ok'd for pregnacy but I weighed the benifit from the risk and studied up on it. Only one trial has been done because no one likes to test meds on pregnant women.

Anyways the trial came back fine and I think it is better than popping tylenol, advil or anyhting stronger. My personal opinion. Sometimes I get scared about how much worse it will get but then I just buck up and excersize lightly, eat right, take great vitamins and pray.

For you I would suggest a good chiropractor with experiance with pregncy. They can give you massage, adjustments, and excersizes to do at home. Worth a try if you have good insurance or can afford it. Make sure you get enough water, sleep and good nutrition. I feel your pain.

frustratedwife · 08-07-2009, 05:51 PM

thanks for all of the suggestions... I was just in to the doctor and COMPLETELY forgot to mention the issue with her. I can be so forgetful. Sadly swimming isn't an option being I don't have a pool available to me, and I was just pricing what it would cost to get some Chiropractic work and that's not an option either. I know that my insurance won't cover a chiropractor, and this other Dr I saw before does wonders, but he requires you to take 5 days of treatment in a row... and needless to say it would add up to over $600 for that, so that's out of the question too.. *sigh* It looks like my last options are to try the stretches. If that doesn't work then I'm in trouble. I do make a habit of drinking lots of water and I also try to eat as healthy as possible, I'm also not over weight... Ive just had this back injury that every Dr or whoever I have been to has given me a different answer, and I can't afford to spend any more money on it. I just NEED IT FIXED! I was taking glucosamine prior to pregnancy because I have poor joints.... I don't know what to do. And I'm too tired at the moment to do more research on it. I'm so frustrated.

frustratedwife · 08-07-2009, 05:53 PM

Oh! side note... I forgot to add that I do sleep with a pillow or blanket wedged between my legs because I find it very uncomfortable to lie on my back, however I wonder if I tried elevating my legs if it would give any relief at night? I will have to check it out.

JDS524 · 08-08-2009, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frustratedwife
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Oh! side note... I forgot to add that I do sleep with a pillow or blanket wedged between my legs because I find it very uncomfortable to lie on my back, however I wonder if I tried elevating my legs if it would give any relief at night? I will have to check it out.

I couldn't sleep with a pillow between my knees either but once I elevated my legs it was heaven! lol I haven't had a problem since then. I hope it works for you
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I'm sorry you have to be in so much pain with no answers
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frustratedwife · 08-08-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDS524
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I couldn't sleep with a pillow between my knees either but once I elevated my legs it was heaven! lol I haven't had a problem since then. I hope it works for you
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I'm sorry you have to be in so much pain with no answers
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It's ok... I have learned to deal thus far. I am sure that something will work itself out. I am trying to be as proactive as I can and trying to find answers that are maybe less expensive. Right about now it'd be amazing to be rich... lol.

Just a random note... I noticed in your signature your name is Jennifer? And your husband's name is Joel... AND you were married May 24th 2008. I just find that ironically funny, because one of my best friend's who just got married her name is Jennifer, and her husband's name is Joel, and the JUST got Married this year May 23rd 2009. Funny coincidences.

HRkswildcat · 08-09-2009, 11:51 AM

I got a pregnancy wedge pillow, Boppy makes them, from the motherhood maternity store. You put it directly under your belly while you sleep...and I have a body pillow also. Then I put another regular pillow along my back. That support seems to help, but I still have some pain.
I love the wedge pillow.

frustratedwife · 08-13-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRkswildcat
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I got a pregnancy wedge pillow, Boppy makes them, from the motherhood maternity store. You put it directly under your belly while you sleep...and I have a body pillow also. Then I put another regular pillow along my back. That support seems to help, but I still have some pain.
I love the wedge pillow.

Hmmm... I will have to check that out. I'm also thinking that I'll end up being a big pillow user as well. For now I get the least pain while sleeping on my stomach however I know this isn't going to be able to last long.
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kcal · 08-13-2009, 07:54 PM

I had horrible back pain with ds#1. I don't know if he was on a nerve, but sometimes I could not even walk it was so bad. I had to crawl! I would use a heating pad when I was at home on my back. In the shower I would have the hot water shoot on my back. I would sleep with a pillow between my legs. I also would lay on the floor with my legs up on the couch. I would do the stretch called the cat where you get down on all fours and arch your back up. Also, while in that position let your belly drop down. I know what you are going through and I am sorry.

Kim