How Much Is Too Much?

dchiapella · September 2015

Hey guys!

So I've been dealing with a lot of hip and back pain... shocker... haven't we all... But it's transitioned to the point where there is no point during the day where I am NOT in pain. I'm talking catch your breath, triggering panic attacks kind of pain. Years ago I had really out of control overuse injuries in both my back and especially my hips that have caused problems for me ever since so I anticipated that pregnancy would be rough in that sense, but I can't even make it through a normal business day (and I'm used to nutty hours and conditions).

Every time I approach my OB about this I get the same old "sleep with a pillow between your legs," "take Tylenol," etc. However, I will take a warm bath, take Tylenol, ice at night, use a heating pad while I [try to] sleep and use pillows between my knees, use a heating pad at work, roll out with tennis balls, the list goes on and unfortunately so does the pain. How much pain is too much pain to before it's abnormal. People always think I'm over-reacting but I have a high pain tolerance and this is just too much for me to handle.

Any input?

tfk0912 · September 2015

My Doctor suggested a chiropractor and would give me a prescription to go but I trying to just get through it but if it's that bad I suggest you ask them about that.. Good luck

meghan82 · September 2015

that sounds awful. i have days where i am in so much pain i feel like crying (sore everything), but other days are fine. sometimes i think the soreness depends on where the baby is laying or also if it is a rough day in terms of breathing/not being able to catch my breath. if it was every single day all day i wouldn't be able to handle it either!

i have never been to one but have you tried a chiropractor? people in my yoga class with chronic injuries/pain issues swear by it. another thing: if you work in an office the type of desk chair you have may matter a lot in terms of your discomfort. now that i am home i sit on an exercise ball or use the laptop on my couch with my feet up but when i was working there was a much more supportive desk chair in my office which i claimed after the normal one really began hurting my back.

good luck!

millereliz13 · September 2015

I see a Chiropractor, ice my hips and live on Extra Strength Tylenol. It doesn't fix it totally but it helps. My husband rubs my back nightly as well. I'm sorry you are having these issues too, I hope you get help and feel better.

cmjn94 · September 2015

I have terrible muscle spasms in my upper back. I went to an orthopedic center and they gave me a muscle relaxer. I don't know if that would be an option for you but I'd also definitely recommend a chiropractor or maybe see a PT!

EllioCor · September 2015

I had sciatica before I got pregnant and baby didn't help. I use kinesiology tape (KT Tape or Rock Tape are the 2 biggest brands. You should be able to find a sample pack at a Walmart near the exercise balls/workout stuff). I use the asterisk pattern but you can youtube videos of how to tape appropriately (you're supposed to stretch your back while you get taped and not stretch the ends of the tape ever), but it really does offer relief. I also have DH to rub my back when I need it

NatalieBrooke2007 · September 2015

I'm in the same boat: I've been in terrible pain (I had a terrible car accident years ago) and I've been a chiropractor, tried the heating pad and everything. My midwife just says its normal which is really frustrating bc some days I'm near tears in pain.

plumpous · September 2015

I see a chiropractor. I have an old back injury that flared from trying to be superwoman. I suggest you at least get a consultation.

kfry22 · September 2015

I sympathize with you. My spine is fused from scoliosis surgery when I was thirteen. I have sciatica in both hips and a lot of back pain as well. Tylenol and using icy hot muscle rub really help. The icy hot makes me stinky but I don't even care. I tried chiropractic and messages both and neither one helped.

Cupcakesandquilts · September 2015

I had something similar during my last pregnancy. After delivering my daughter I had an MRI and found two herniated discs in my lower back. I also felt very disregarded by my OB and I cannot stress enough that you need to advocate for yourself. Being in that much pain is. not. ok.

margies2010 · September 2015

Cupcakesandquilts said:
I had something similar during my last pregnancy. After delivering my daughter I had an MRI and found two herniated discs in my lower back. I also felt very disregarded by my OB and I cannot stress enough that you need to advocate for yourself. Being in that much pain is. not. ok.

This is why my first was delivered at 36w2d (funny enough, I'm 36w2d right now with #2). DS herniated a disc in my back, and I was dangerously near cauda equina. DH would have to carry me to the bathroom during the night, all 50 trips! My OB put me on narcotics until DS'S lungs showed mature on an amnio, then we got him out. I would cry almost from the time I woke up until the time I went to bed, even while taking the narcotics.

Edit: because autocorrect....

krae771 · September 2015

Is it just overall general (bad) pain or in a specific area? You are at the point you will be uncomfortable now but if you are in such terrible pain, that could be indicative of something more. Not to scare anyone, but I know someone that was having horrible back pain, called her OB multiple times and got the whole "hot pads/ice/Tylenol" advice. It turns out she had a blood clot in her spine. I think if it's that severe, you should get a 2nd opinion.

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