Back Pain

ksmontei

Hey fellow bumpies!

I follow the boards pretty regularly, and chip in only every once in awhile. I'm 21 weeks along with really bad mid-back pain; right around where my lungs are (sometimes it hurts a bit to breathe in deeply). It's not my lower back, which I think may be more common. It's worst when I'm sleeping - even with a pillow between my legs. Anyone else struggling with this? I am not one to complain too much, but this is getting to the point where it's interfering with daily life.

I just ordered a pregnancy body pillow which will arrive in a week, and I've taken baths to try and help. Does anyone else have some suggestions for how to deal with back pain? 

beccam1230

Heating pad for temporary relief. But I've been reading a lot lately about trying to strengthen abdominal muscles to help with back aches. I read an article about it and decided to look into it a little more and supposedly it works pretty well. There are specific excercises to do during pregnancy. I haven't tried it but I think I'll start! Especially after waking up today with exactly the kind of back ache you described. Good luck!

Eahen42

Heating pads are good, but not too hot and for short periods of time. The heat can make baby too warm and raising the temp of baby is not safe. I would absolutely suggest seeing a chiropractor. It will save your life!! Quick question... Does it kinda feel like it could be in your chest? I get a lot of pain that feels like it's between my ribs and my back. It's so uncomfortable. My PCP told me that I have inflamed cartilage between my ribs and sternum. Not fun and it is incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Hope this helps and you find a solution soon

ksmontei

Thank you both so much! I will definitely try a heating pad for short periods of time. And will look into a chiropractor. I've also been trying to convince my husband that regular trips to a masseuse is necessary . 

I take a prenatal yoga class, and have thought about asking the instructor for some good exercises - I will mention abdominal exercises in particular.

And Eahen, yes, sometimes it does feel like it's in my chest, for sure! It kind of starts mid-back (the ribs in my back in particular) and radiates into my lungs. It's very uncomfortable and yes, almost painful. I mentioned it to one of my midwives and she seemed very unconcerned. Perhaps I'll mention it again a little more insistently at my next visit.

I was really hoping not to have back pain until later in the pregnancy...oh well! Thanks again for your good suggestions ladies!

Eahen42

It's like a rib puncturing your lung. That's how I could best describe the sensation/pain I get. I really hope you figure it out, it's no fun being uncomfortable!