TENS machine for back pain during pregnancy

[ilovejeff]

Does anyone have experience or knowledge about using a TENS machine for low back pain during pregnancy?   I can find lots of posts about using it during labor, but what about pregnancy?   I'm 7 weeks and already having lots of low back pain (thanks to my 2yo who always wants to be picked up/carried.) 

[tri31]

Hi, I used a TENS when I labored with my last birth. I have SPD, in my case the ligaments that connect from the tailbone to the hips. The TENS signal blocks the pain receptors, and I found it was helpful. I am having a hard time with lower back pain, too.

Someone in my DDC just pointed out this technique is for strained ligaments http://spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/inversion. I also use ice packs, my PCP says that the cold ( and I mean cold, several minutes) can block the inflammation response, too. I am doing everything I can to keep this from getting out of contol again, I was induced at 39 weeks last time because I had been in constant pain, unable to sleep, for weeks. I heard celery is a natural anti inflammatory, too. Good luck! 

[tri31]

Originally Posted by ilovejeff 

I can find lots of posts about using it during labor, but what about pregnancy? 

Sorry, my brother in law has used it for arthritis pain. I used it for labor because it took that long to get my hands on one. I see my primary soon, glad you posted this, I will ask for a script next week. It should not matter when it's used or what pain you are treating (and I was treating back pain during my labor) the machine works the same way.  

[cameragirl]

I used a TENS unit during my last trimester with DD, and with this pregnancy. I have a muscle condition that causes a lot of spasms and rigidity, and coupled with SPD and the weight of my belly, it gets really painful. I got the TENS unit from my chiropractor. It is pretty effective for dealing with the pain and restless legs that I get in the last trimester. It is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy, but I don't know of any studies, either.