Back Spasms

KaraEpp16

Hey guys, I used the search feature and didn't find very much on this topic.

For over a decade I've had back spasms and shoulder pain. The severity comes and goes - the shoulder pain is usually a combination of stress and overuse. The shoulder pain is something that I can usually ignore. I only have bad episodes once every year or so. I've gone to doctors and they all say it's related to back spasms. They haven't linked it to anything else and they usually take the medicate and move on approach. I've taken Valium, muscle relaxers, worked on strengthening and improving posture. The back spasms that I have normally don't hurt. I can just feel the muscle contract...usually when I'm at rest. It's been a source of frustration but I've been living with it for so long that I normally just brush it off.

Now that I'm pregnant I've read (and experienced) back spasms increasing with pregnancy. I do have a massage therapist. She's wonderful and she's done a lot with loosening up my shoulders. I don't necessarily want to go the way of a chiropractor just yet. But, last night I had VERY severe lower back pain. It made me so nervous. (Previous miscarriage with labor contractions mostly in my back) I drank water, ate a small meal just to rule out early braxton hicks - put a little heat on it. It took about three hours of severe pain to finally start the spasms to loosen it. I will be keeping an eye on it but I just wanted to put it out there and ask any of you:

Have any of you had back spasms before pregnancy? If you did, have you experienced them in a previous pregnancy or are experiencing them now? What were some things that seemed to help you?

Any info would be great! Thanks for reading this long winded post

emzie54

Two weeks before I got pregnant I had a pinched nerve in my lower back and the most painful back spasms. The pain lasted, and worsened, over a week or so before I went to my doctor who prescribed meds and very quickly I felt better. Prior to going to my doc I saw a chiropractor, which I think hurt more than it helped.

Around my 6th week of pregnancy I started to experience little twinges that were reminiscent of the onset of the pain before, and I freaked out. The only thing that had helped before were drugs that I can no longer take, and that pain was unbearable!

I started icing my lower back and butt, made sure to elevate my legs when sitting and avoided positions and chairs that seem to exacerbate it. The pain has not progressed and seems to have gone away for now. So, that is what worked for me. I think massage is a good idea and people have also suggested acupuncture to me. Stretching is also good, but not unto the pain has resolved.

I'm not sure if any of that helps, but I feel for you! I felt that I had a new understanding of pain after experiencing those spasm (I guess I will again after childbirth). I'm very sorry you are experiencing this!

wyomama0427

arose3eb

wyomama0427

Snoopylovesbelle

wyomama0427

ntyravgsp

I'd recommend using one of these to get around. Just be careful, they're not meant to be used on stairs...

hailees

Snoopylovesbelle

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wyomama0427

mrsgetz4000

No spasms, but as of yesterday my back lower back has hurt something fierce. Like I've never experienced before, I was not expecting it at 17 weeks. I slept with DH's pillow under my hips and that helped. I worked my typical 8 hours in the kitchen today and it hurts just as bad as last night. A friend took me to get a body pillow so hopefully that will also help. I'm also going to start some prenatal yoga. After I finish this here pasta

EmilyRugger

My husband is a chiropractor and he does a lot more than adjustments. either a chiropractor or a PT can perform various soft tissue techniques (e.g., Graston, ART, dry needling) that will do amazing things to reduce/eliminate back spasms.