Back issues

[chipper26]

My dd is getting heavy (24 lbs) and I've had back problems off and on since college. I have avoided major pain until recently when I've been getting back spasms while carrying dd (It can be carrying her without the carrier.)

So, I guess my question is, has anyone else had this problem and it resolved itself by backing off the baby wearing for a bit to rest your back. I've been putting her in the stroller and carts at the stores most of the time for the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping my back will get a rest and heal so I can go back to carrying her, even just a little. I still carry her around the house on my hip all the time w/o the carrier b/c she HAS to be picked up, but I have to be very careful about the way I move so that my back doesn't freeze up.

Any suggestions or experience? I haven't been able to take the dog for a walk b/c I haven't wanted to put her on my back and I can handle a golden retriever and a stroller... my dog is a puller.

[lifeguard]

Do you do anything to strengthen your back? Picking up & down sounds like where you are having the most difficulty & this can really put on stress on our backs if it's not done with good form &/or we have weak muscles.

Is carrying her on your back not better than on your hip? Carrying on the hip imo would be harder on your back because you're putting your whole body out of alignment & holding her weight unevenly on your body (plus most of us tend to hold a child on one side more than the other).

Have you considered seeing a chiropractor?

[MamaKickyPants]

What kind of carrier are you using?

[pixiepunk]

i'm curious also what kind of carrier you are using. there might be something out there that would work better for you.

also, what part of your back is the pain located? upper back/shoulders? low back?

i have an old shoulder/upper back injury that's been flaring up lately, and using a chunei has seriously saved my back and my ability to babywear. it's a super supportive torso carrier, and it distributes the weight better than anything i've ever tried (and believe me i've tried a lot )

[chipper26]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

Do you do anything to strengthen your back? Picking up & down sounds like where you are having the most difficulty & this can really put on stress on our backs if it's not done with good form &/or we have weak muscles.

Is carrying her on your back not better than on your hip? Carrying on the hip imo would be harder on your back because you're putting your whole body out of alignment & holding her weight unevenly on your body (plus most of us tend to hold a child on one side more than the other).

Have you considered seeing a chiropractor?

I was thinking about the alignment thing. I've been using a Scootababy hip carrier but the ergo back carry is usually better. I guess I should go back to the chiro, especially if I'm out of alignment. Thanks.

[chipper26]

My pain is mostly in my lower back. I've been using an Ergo most of the time lately, but I was using a Scootababy side carrier quite a bit. The Scootababy position seems natural since she's perched on my hip so often anyway.