Back problems.

codeeye

I know back pain is a normal part of pregnancy, however I'm only 23 weeks and already finding it hard to cope.

I had some weird leg problems for about 4 years (numbness, strange sensations, increased reflexes etc) and the doctors were thinking I may have had MS. Thankfully after lots of tests they have concluded that I most likely do not. I do however have a bulged disc on my L4-L5 vertebrae. I haven't ever had problems with my back hurting but they say this disc bulge could be the reasons my legs were acting odd. Now that I'm pregnant I not only have these leg problems again (and sometimes worse) but my back hurts.

I'm a little worried about going to see my doctor cause I don't want him to put me off work early. I make a shift differential which is quite substantial and going on early leave would mean a significant decrease in the amount of money we have to prepare for baby.

Has anyone had any experience with something like this? Any recommendations for how to find relief?

JessicaB0627

I actually ended up with a bulging disc from labor with DD. I also have a rotated pelvis, so my pelvis isn't symmetrical and it causes a lot of problems with my SI joint on one side. The bulging disc gives me sciatica and that kind of sounds like what may be happening to you. During this pregnancy it's gotten worse for a couple weeks at a time. When it's acting up it makes my leg feel numb and tingly but it also makes me feel like I've injured my knee and I'm not sure why.

I've talked to my doctor and my physical therapist about what I can do and they both basically told me I'm just going to have to deal with it. If you find that certain things make the pain worse, then try to avoid them. For me, bending over more often than usual really sets off the pain, so I have to accommodate and squat to pick things up instead of bending at my waist.

jenashawn

I second that sciatica. That's what the numbness sounds like to me. It's pretty common. I'm having a fair amount of back pain as well, and I had a chiropractor that specializes in pregnant women recommended to me. I have only been going to her for the past 3 weeks, but it has made a world of difference in how I feel.

If you don't like the idea of a chiropractor, you could ask your doc to refer you to a physical therapist. There should be some stretches and exercises that should help. (If it is sciatica though... they will help, but may not make the symptoms go away entirely)

codeeye

Yeah, that's part of the problem. My job involves sitting for long hours and even if I get up and walk around as much as I can sitting seems to make it worse. Laying on my back, being in water, and walking around seem to make it better as long as I don't have to sit for a long time. The other night my dog jumped on my leg while I was in bed and I didn't even notice cause the leg was so numb.

I'm thinking I might have to just go to the doc and deal with whatever advice he has to offer. I was really hoping to work as long as possible.

gamommyx3

codeeye said:

Yeah, that's part of the problem. My job involves sitting for long hours and even if I get up and walk around as much as I can sitting seems to make it worse. Laying on my back, being in water, and walking around seem to make it better as long as I don't have to sit for a long time. The other night my dog jumped on my leg while I was in bed and I didn't even notice cause the leg was so numb. I'm thinking I might have to just go to the doc and deal with whatever advice he has to offer. I was really hoping to work as long as possible.

Hopefully if you make it known to him that not working is NOT an option, he will have alternative ideas for you.

JessicaB0627

codeeye said:

Yeah, that's part of the problem. My job involves sitting for long hours and even if I get up and walk around as much as I can sitting seems to make it worse. Laying on my back, being in water, and walking around seem to make it better as long as I don't have to sit for a long time. The other night my dog jumped on my leg while I was in bed and I didn't even notice cause the leg was so numb.

I'm thinking I might have to just go to the doc and deal with whatever advice he has to offer. I was really hoping to work as long as possible.

My physical therapist is hesitant to have me do much while I'm pregnant. One stretch he gave me pre-pregnancy that has made a world of difference is to lay on your stomach and leaving your hips on the ground push up with your arms all the way. If that makes sense? And if you can still do it with your growing stomach! Sometimes it will help to relieve some pressure from the bulging disc on your sciatic nerve.

Outside of doing some simple stretches I don't think you're going to be able to do anything to help. It will probably come down to either working or not. Without surgery you can't make your bulging disc go away.

ETA: this might sound stupid, but would your work let you sit on an exercise ball? I often sit on one at home and it really helps relieve pressure in my lower back. If not I would try to get a really good lumbar support for your chair.

LadySamLady

I second the exercise ball option. I have arthritis in my cervical vertebrae that developed from herniated discs which causes a lot of back pain (yup, I'm 33 years old with arthritis). I started sitting on an exercise ball at work about a year ago and it seriously made it so much more bearable. I'm also a bit psycho about working ergonomically because it makes such a difference - is your work station set up properly? I have a desk riser that I use so that I can stand for certain tasks which also helps.

Sciatica hit me recently and it is awful. Actually, @doozer1345 recommended an easy stretch to me that has been helping. You sit in a chair and raise your legs one at a time, flexing your toes as far back as they can go in the air. I do 10x per leg every day.

codeeye

I don't think sitting on a ball is an option (I work in an emergency room doing triage/registration.) our hospital has a horrible set up for the desk and they have had Workplace health and safety in a few times to see if there are any renovations that could be made but in all honesty they built the department a little funny.

I'm already doing prenatal yoga which helps, someone at work suggested I try water aerobics a few times a week. I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow and hopefully he can offer me some advice to keep me working for as long as possible.

Thanks for the input ladies!

araecasey

Girl, get yourself to a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy. I also have a rogue pelvis, particularly my sacrum, that gives me all kinds of grief, especially when I'm pregnant. My chiro has made my pain super manageable, and she would NEVER agree that pregnant women just need to suck it up and "deal with it." A pregnancy adjustment isn't anything like a normal one. I'm never manhandled. And my chiro gives me several stretches and yoga poses to do to maintain muscle tone and relaxation around my problem areas, which helps keep pain away. Can't recommend chiropractic care enough!

lalala2004

I went to a chiropractor for my sciatica and it helped sooooo much. I highly highly recommend it. This is only going to get worse, not better. I told my doctor I had sciatic and she basically said "Yeah, ok, that happens." Like it's acceptable for me to be in constant pain! Having things misaligned won't make labor any easier, either. Chiropractors can really help.

mumbolino

Hey there... I won't be of too much help, but I can empathise with you! I've had massive back pain as early as week 8. I've tried tons of things from physio to chiro to yoga to swimming etc....  Nothing could ever really get rid off it. I could not even fly home to see my folks over Christmas as I can't sit for too long. I can find momentary relief, especially when I am in water, swimming, floating, anything. Just being in water is fantastic. I sit on a ball at home, however, I can't do it at work. 
I often go to a spare room and lie on my back for a minute or two, which brings relief, too. Unfortunately neither the midwives nor the doctors had any good ideas/suggestions for me. 
If you find something that works, let us know here!!! 
I  am sorry you are struggling with this. It sucks and it can really mess up your entire well-being. I hope you find something that will help you cope with the pain or get rid of it. 

I am just hoping that it will get better once the baby is born!!

gampster

My doc suggested a belly support brace and that has helped me out taking some of the pressure off my back.

artteacher19

I have a disc bulge in the same place, and have struggled with sciatica and low back pain for years. I was finally in a good place pre-pregnancy after PT and a solid exercise routine. But around 14 weeks the pain started creeping up. By 16 weeks I was straight up waddling, and by 18 weeks I couldn't get out bed by myself the pain was so excruciating. So I finally called an in-network chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy. This woman has changed my pregnancy and made it finally enjoyable. At my initial visit she hypothesized that my prior back problem was never fully resolved, and that my pelvic muscles had taken over doing back support duties, leaving my back unsupported even though I thought I had gained the muscle strength. So when relaxin really set in during 2nd tri, my pelvic muscles said "see ya later back!", and relaxed, leaving my back and torso unsupported. This resulted in my inability to stand up on my own and walk without support.

Anyway, she started doing adjustments, found places along my spine that she said were so tight she couldn't believe I lasted as long as I did. I have been seeing her for adjustments and PT for the last 6 weeks, and my pain is virtually gone!! The PT is mostly on an exercise ball doing simple things like sitting straight with arm extensions, rotating my hips, doing supported pelvic tilts, supported wall squats with a tension band, and then back stretches on all 4. I just "graduated" to every other week. Each visit is a $15 copay.

Seriously, go get help!! You won't regret it!

Soontobejones33

I agree with getting the most care possible. Haven't been to a chiropractor myself but I've had days when I consider it. Have to find out if my insurance will cover it. I will say last time my back hurt, pre pregnancy, that i made my own standing desk. I just placed my keyboard and monitor on boxes and stood when needed. It relieved a lot of pain.