Back pain and seated for long stretches as a student

HeronGirlJess

I just started my second trimester, first pregnancy.  I'm a moderate exerciser from before pregnancy, nothing too hardcore or competitive. I'm having a lot of lower back pain to one side, I thought it was sciatic pain, but it's likely sacroiliac. 

My issue is that my lifestyle is such that I more or less have to do one of the worst things for it, much of the day.  I'm a full-time graduate student, in a program that requires loads of reading, writing, sitting at a computer.  Due to my academic demands, I spend a bigger part of the day than is good sitting for long stretches, which is not helping with the pain.  I don't necessarily WANT to be this sedentary, but it's part and parcel with my workload for the time being. 

I am able to carve out an hour each a.m. to do cardio...generally gentle treadmill and elliptical use at the gym.  I used to use the pool, but the getting ready, drying off, showering, etc. procedure tacks on extra time I don't want to take away from my studies, so I'm mostly doing machines.  I typically walk the dogs, but my husband has taken that over to give me more time for school work. 

I just need to find something that keeps my already sore back from stiffening up even more with these long hours of sitting and typing and reading.  Unfortunately, spending less time on school work isn't gonna happen, so I need to find something creative and proactive. 

ashleyorm

Look into these cold wraps. I know most people dont think of cold unless it is a fresh injury, but the extra weight you are carrying and the pressure the baby is putting on your tendons and joints can cause inflammation.  I worked at a desk job and couldn't get through the day without the wrap.  Good cold compression relieved the pain. Just a suggestion to help with those long stretches of sitting.
https://www.kingbrand.com/Back-Ice-Packs-and-wraps.php?REF=34PV4.280

EmilyRugger

Could you sometimes do stretches while you're studying instead of just sitting? For instance, sit on the floor and stretch out your back, butt, etc. while reading your book.