Back problems getting worse w/pregnancy

brita7869

I had back problems (lower) before I was pregnant and it has gotten worse w/my pregnancy(I am 24 weeks pregnant). For the past several months I have been going to physical therapy, but nothing is working, and even they are limited at PT on what they can have me do. It is starting to become difficult to sit/stand/walk/or sleep for long periods of time w/out shooting pain from my lower back into my butt (both sides).

I am sure my back will continue to get worse w/the pregnancy, but has anyone else gone through something like this? Solutions on what may help alleviate the pain? I use ice (recommended by PT) and will be getting a back brace to support back and belly soon, but any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

PrimRoseMama

Warm baths
Acupuncture
Massage
Stretching

Sclines2595

I am in the same boat. My back problems started around 17 years old because of a car wreck. I don't remember it being this bad with my first pregnancy but this time around there are days that I can barely walk. Often times I will get up from sitting and I can't put any weight on one of my legs for 10-15 minutes. Ive got sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Google that and see if it's similar to what you're experiencing. Unfortunately I've not been able to find any relief whatsoever though.

miahbelle

New to this board, but I just wanted to ask if you have seen a chiropractor? I see one for my back and neck problems. It seems to be helping.

pixieprincss

My pain doesn't sound quite like yours, but I had two pregnancies with intense back and pelvic pain. I wrote up all that I learned here.  Ditto to a chiropractor (who specializes in pregnancy). Also, have you considered another PT? Again, my situation is different but when back PT failed me, I went to pelvic PT who had a totally different approach that was helpful.

brita7869

My sister saw a Chiropractor when she was pregnant and swears by it. I do feel a little uncomfortable seeing one and I am not a fan of someone manipulating my back exactly like that. At this point though, I am willing to do whatever is necessary because it is really affecting my daily life. Even getting on and off the toilet has become a task because of the pain radiating down my lower back and into my rear on both sides. I just saw one of my OB/GYN's and he did recommend to continue seeing a PT, so I may try a different one, but I could barely do the exercises they had me try because of the pain. 

My husbands brother (who is finishing up his doctorate for physical therapy) recommended seeing an acupuncturist, but I have never been to one of those either. Maybe try that?

The pain is starting to also now go towards the pelvis and I called my Ob/gyn hyperventilating thinking something was wrong w/the baby, but they said it was most likely because of the back pain.

Thanks for input ladies! Open to anything now lol

HStrawberry

I was having horrible lower back and hip pain since about 25 weeks (I am a lifeguard so standing on deck for hours and hoping in and out of the water while teaching was definitely aggravating it). I have been seeing a RMT regularly and stopped work early and it's helped. However, a few weeks ago a friend lent me a small electric hot pad. It was changed my world!! Every night I lie on my back (propped up) and put it under my lower back. Then I move it under my hip when I'm sleeping on my side. When I flip, it just changes sides. If has a timer so it doesn't last all night. I wake up and have sooooo much less pain. I can walk comfortably, bend over, etc. I used to wake up with cramps in my outer hip and those have stopped as well. If works for me!

DevinBaker33

Think about going for prenatal massage. It provided me great relief from back pain and stress at the time of pregnancy. I had my sessions at Belle Vie Day Spa.

jadepeabody

Before becoming pregnant I hardly ever got back ache unless it was the TOTM. whilst being pregnant I've been experiencing horrific back ache to the point of not being able to walk, warm baths, sleeping with a pillow between my legs/behind my back didn't help, so I went to the doctors, he said my MW should refer me to physiotherapy. I thought "ah great finally something!"
Later that week, I go for my 20 week scan, the sonographer told me that my baby is laying right on my spine causing my terrible back ache, we spoke about it and I told her I was being refered to physio she said that it won't do much good and the best thing to do is to walk as it helps move her around and to change position whenever possible. Since learning this, I have put it to the test and found that it works for me!
So try different things and see what works for you!


Edit: my grammar is horrific, sorry.

MapleMomma

I also agree with a good chiropractor.

I bought a full support prenatal cradle from Amazon for about $40. It has been very helpful for my back pain. (I have scoliosis due to one leg being shorter than the other which causes a lot of referred nerve pain)

Alygohome

I am having the same problem, I injured my back in a car accident 4 years ago. Its just started hurting around 28 weeks though. I am doing acupuncture, massage, heat pads. I also lay in the bath for like..2 hours every night, its the only time I feel relief! also, chiro helps sometimes too

menta84

4 years ago I was involved in a pretty bad car accident that messed up my back. I had to do 10 months of intensive therapy to feel normal again. Now with the pregnancy the pain is starting around now at 18 weeks. Walking is one of the best things you can do, of course if you are able to. Walking strengthens your muscles and it does help me with the pain. At least that's what works for me. I will probably see a chiropractor soon if the pain gets worse which it may as the pregnancy progresses. Good luck!

chloemag123

39 weeks and 4 days now and yes! I was on the same boat as you and it did get worse once I got in the 3rd trimester. I could not walk!!! Literally. I had my husband help me 1 day and 1 night because if I didn't have support I would fall on the the floor. My back and hips would just give out. VERY scary experience.

My midwife recommended a chiropractor, which you can try. As for me, I got more realistic to my capacities as to what I could and could not handle and do and once that was set, it minimized a lot. So don't do too much! Even what you think is normal for you and what you can handle, might be too much for you right now. 

P.S: I also have a 3 and 2 year old I have to chase around the house on a daily basis. LOL

charlie+7

I also had lower back issues (SIJ dis function) before pregnancy. I'm only 13 weeks and it's certainly worse. However, I see an osteopath monthly, and use self massage relief, specific exercises and stretches to maintain mobility and this helps greatly. My osteopath doesn't perform any manipulations while I'm pregnant. It's mainly massage and gentle mobilisation techniques.

emaddock

I found prenatal yoga was extremely helpful last time around and I plan to do the same this time!