Back pain relief ideas?

[eloise24]

So I'm discovering that taller women are probably made to carry babies better than short women. At least I'm feeling like it! I have gained about 18lbs on my 5'2" body and magically at week 27 my back is KILLING me. I have good posture and am in good shape . . . any ideas for relief? I've been trying some yoga poses but they only feel good while I'm doing them. Anyone have tried and true ideas? It makes me want to cry thinking about being in pain for three more months

Thanks ladies!

[Free Thinker]

Hey, I"m 5'2", too! Im definately not made to carry twins, but here are some suggestions that have worked w/ my other two. Get a big exercise ball or a birth ball, it keeps the pressure off your lower back when you squat on it and it's also good to get your legs in shape for labor. Second a heating pad helps some, so does a warm bath or a back rub. What's probably hurting is your lower back/pelvis and if that's what it is, it's kinda like separation of your pelvis to allow the baby thru and it kinda loosens in there, but it hurts. Mine has been hurting there for a few months now, but since the babies dropped it either stopped hurting or the hip pain makes me forget the back pain! Keep up the good posture and yoga moves when you can, I'd also throw in muscle relaxation to help you focus and relax durring birth! Isn't being PG fun!

[pinkshamrocks]

Oh, I'm so sorry you're struggling. A few weeks ago, my back was in so much pain that I had to get in bed every 30 minutes or so to give it a break. Nothing else helped. It was crazy! I started seeing a chiropractor (nearly three weeks ago now), and I hardly feel pregnant anymore - seriously! I hate to sound like a commercial, but my back feels that good now! Good luck!

[DoulaLMT]

Chiropractic has really helped me a lot. And massage. I'm biased though (I'm a massage therapist)

[Stacymama]

I would say chiropractic helps tremendiously. Pelvic rocks can help too, since it gets that area moving and stretching. If you take a tube sock and fill it full of regular rice and knot the top of the sock, you can put it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and you'll have a great heat source, that helps too.
A got shower with the water beating on your back while doing pelvic rocks helps me sooo much.
Good luck!

[SMS]

I found a chiropractor specializing in "network spinal analysis" and it has helped tremendously. He does not crack my back, but manipulates nerves very gently in my back, neck, and butt. I felt SO MUCH better after the first visit. I am now going twice a week. He also has a reputation for "making babies come out fast!" YEAH!

[riverundine]

my chiro was wonderful with my last pregnancy and the beginning of this one. then we moved. i tried jin shin jyitsu (sp?) for my hip pain (from sleeping) and it was GONE the next day. i hadn't been able to sleep through the night for a few weeks - in terrible pain. GONE. one treatment. i'm blown away.

[g&a]

I wanted to ask which yoga poses you are doing.
I find (for me at least) pigeon pose really helps. I do it every morning to stave off back pain.

I've had chronic back pain for the past 6 years and have seen every kind of practitioner out there - including 4 chiropractors and a physiotherapist. Pigeon pose is the only thing that works on a long-term basis.

g.

[eloise24]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I do most of them already- lots of walking, yoga, hot baths, good posture, etc. I had my appointment with my midwife yesterday and talked to her about it too. She is a little "concerned" (as much as a laid-back MW can be, ha) that it's happening so early, but suggested most of the things you ladies did. So I found a chiro who specializes in women/preggos/children and is also recommended by my MW- I have an appointment today!

I'm hoping it works because I really am in pain (I don't know how those of you with chronic back pain do it!) and don't want to be miserable for three months! Thanks again for the suggestions!

[pinkshamrocks]

Good luck with your appointment! I hope you get quick relief!

[eloise24]

Well my appointment went well and I really, really like this doctor! She is casual, down to earth and yet knows her stuff. She did some adjustments, which definately felt good and released A LOT or pressure. Of course I'm still in a ton of pain tonight, but I realize I probably won't feel amazing from one trip there. I don't know how I'm going to put up with working all weekend, but I think I may just have to break down and take the tylenol. Anyway, hopefully a few more visits will help! Thanks again ladies.

[allnaturalmama]

Glad to know you some some good from the appt. Here's hoping for full relief soon. [[[[hugs]]]]

[LeBoof]

try...

I'm glad you found a good chiropractor. That should help lots. You might also try swimming. It helps take some of the weight off your back and other parts of your body. That and soaks in the bathtub have been helping me a lot. Some places even offer swim therapy for pregnant moms. It's wonderful

[Ruthiegirl]

I had a lot of backache earlier in this pregnancy. Regular exercise and lots of swimming have both helped tremendously. I was actually jogging lightly today as the kids and I tried to get a kite to fly. The kite was a no-go (kind of a floppy dud), but I was really happy with how good my back felt while I was shagging up and down the hill trying to get the kite aloft.

Swimming helps reduce swelling in my legs and feet too. Might be the pressure of the water or just the gentle movements, but I pee 4 or 5 times after getting out of the pool and have much less swelling this pregnancy.

I hope you find relief. Keep trying different things. There is something that will work for you.

[eloise24]

Well I've felt a lot better since Friday. We have a swimming pool but the weather here in Florida is now too cold for me to swim and I can't handle the clorinated pool thing. BUT I love walking and it usually losens me up.streches me out like I need. I have been doing that, hot baths, lots of pelvic rocking, etc. and being really careful of what I sit on. Tonight I'm hurting but I did a lot today and that's probably why! A doula friend gave me her mighty back massager and that's fun too! Thanks again for all the suggestions! I keep telling baby that maybe if she didn't try to smush her back against my stomach, and instead put her weight somewhere else, she'd help me out a lot, ha!