Back Pain Question

jll1881

I know it's normal for back pain to increase in the third tri.  I have had pretty excruciating back pain for the past two days - almost so bad at times that I can hardly stand from sitting or walk.  It doesn't feel like the sciatic nerve pain that I had earlier in the pregnancy.  I'm wondering if I may have injured my back (I carried some boxes of maternity clothes the other day that maybe I shouldn't have) or if this is normal.  Any insight?

And if you've had back pain like this, what have you done to manage it?  Tylenol doesn't seem to do much.

MrsContrary

I had a couple nights like that last week (I'm sure more are to come). Thanks to some suggestions from here, I have used a heating pad, icy hot pads, and tylenol. The combo works really well.

ncbelle

Not sure I have the answer but I feel your pain.  Last week I went from being able to run 3 miles with no pain to the next day not being able to walk without pain.  I thought I'd pulled something too since it was so sudden and severe - but sadly, it hasn't improved at all which makes me think I'm stuck with it.  My OB blames it on the position of baby's head.

If you have to sit a lot, sit on an exercise ball - that's been a lifesaver for me.  Do lots of pelvic tilts to stretch it out.  I find I have to do these before I can walk at all in the morning.  A heating pad has helped some too when it's really sore.

Hope we both get some relief soon!

SuperSuz

Using a heating pad helps my back...

AngelGirlEms

I?ve had tailbone/siatic nerve pain for months now, however, the back pain has just kicked in these past few days.  My back is all sorts of weird?.really high, like under my ribs (but on my back) on the left and right side (shooting pain) and lower back just aches.  Today I?m now getting mild cramping on my right side, where the baby is.  I haven?t taken anything thus far for it, but definitely going to down a couple Tylenol in a few minutes.  I would try a heating pad as well?.you can use a heating pad anywhere except directly on your belly J  I?m hoping this helps, good luck!  (all I want to do is lay down, I seem to be most comfortable laying down, but of course for only a few minutes until my side starts hurting, gotta love all this extra weight and being pregnant!)

Impatientgal

I know how you feel. My birthing class educator said it's because our vertebrae are shifting back to make room for the baby. Last night I tried a heat compress and it worked really well. I also find Tylenol useless. I'm sorry you're feeling so awful! Definitely don't carry anything else until you start to feel some relief.

MrsContrary

As I'm sitting here, I also remembered that I discovered I tend to arch my back more to compensate for the belly. If I try to roll inward a little while I am sitting up, it feels better.

jessi_08

The L&D at my hospital says to be more concerned if tylenol does not help for the lower back pain (not sure where your pain is ...) I'd call your doctor and check with her. Hope you feel better!

by your side

i have horrible back pain just from all the weight 'up front'....heating pad and stretching helps....

74dragonfly

I feel your pain.  Forcing myself to walk a little seems to help, i also have a pillow behind my back when I sit....