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need a tip on muscle relaxation...

rocknrollmommyrocknrollmommy
in 3rd Trimester

so my mid to upper back and my neck have been absolutely killing me. i got the worse tension headache last night which kept me from sleeping. at this point, prenatal massage is out of the question (we need to save every penny we have right now), a warm bath does nothing for me, and SO can't stand to give massages (as shown by his very soft technique and saying "my hands hurt...).

i'm racking my brain trying to think of a way to loosen up the muscles but am at a loss. any suggestions?

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Re: need a tip on muscle relaxation...

  • Michelle110Michelle110 member
    Get one of those back massagers. And, if it doesn't work for you now, you can always use it later on for other purposes. :)
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  • rocknrollmommyrocknrollmommy
    Oh forgot to mention, i tried that :) didn't work because i couldn't apply enough pressure to the areas i need. my poor hands are so sore it feels like i have arthritis. i couldn't even open my own water bottle the other day. doc says it's just inflammation and should go away after delivery.
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  • jk09uhed89jk09uhed89

    try a heat pack.


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  • returnhomegnomereturnhomegnome member

    Several options!

    first: calcium and potassium are the chemicals your body uses to contract and relax muscles, so when one of those gets low, you can cramp or get tight more easily.  Eat a bananna and pop some extra calcium before bed (like 1000mg). Baby's taking a ton of your calcium right now to build bones, so your body just may be a little low.

    second: heat. I have a "rice bag" i made (rice is a nice not-too-dry heat, and quite safe).  Pour some rice in a cloth bag (pillowcase if need be), close it up somehow, stick it in the microwave for two minutes and lay that puppy on the affected area.  Or lay the affected area on top of the bag. 

    third: tennis balls.  This could be tricky but get your SO to help. Put the tennis balls on the ground and lay on top of them, you can roll you body around so the balls massage the most affected area.  Ridiculous sounding, but works like a charm! 

    fourth: stretching!  Have SO help you stretch your arms across your body (like in jr high gym class). Stretch high, medium and low, and hold each position for a full minute. This helps (not kidding) chemically re-set muscles that just need to chill out. 

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  • rocknrollmommyrocknrollmommy
    imagereturnhomegnome:

    Several options!

    first: calcium and potassium are the chemicals your body uses to contract and relax muscles, so when one of those gets low, you can cramp or get tight more easily.  Eat a bananna and pop some extra calcium before bed (like 1000mg). Baby's taking a ton of your calcium right now to build bones, so your body just may be a little low.

    second: heat. I have a "rice bag" i made (rice is a nice not-too-dry heat, and quite safe).  Pour some rice in a cloth bag (pillowcase if need be), close it up somehow, stick it in the microwave for two minutes and lay that puppy on the affected area.  Or lay the affected area on top of the bag. 

    third: tennis balls.  This could be tricky but get your SO to help. Put the tennis balls on the ground and lay on top of them, you can roll you body around so the balls massage the most affected area.  Ridiculous sounding, but works like a charm! 

    fourth: stretching!  Have SO help you stretch your arms across your body (like in jr high gym class). Stretch high, medium and low, and hold each position for a full minute. This helps (not kidding) chemically re-set muscles that just need to chill out. 

    Thank you so much! I forgot I have a rice pack I made (I actually used an old tube sock). I'll try that. I have to go to target later today so I'll pick up a tennis ball and have him try that. I've been having heartburn lately, so I've been eating Tums, so my calcium should be ok right now. 

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  • erickasaurus@gmail.comerickasaurus@gmail.com
    i've been having severe lower back pain everytime i walk and my chiropractor told me to apply ice to inflammed areas rather than heat. 
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