Back pain

[northlondonchoclover]

Am 24w pregnant and suffering from back pain in the mid and lower back area. Have tried sleeping pillows and swimming. Am unable to sit for over an hour, which makes it difficult to work. Any tips from others on how to manage this? Is it worth going to a physio?

[PassthePercyPigs]

I found a birth ball has really helped with my back pain, and regular massage. If it gets really bad though, seek some professional advice and see a physio.

[poppy283]

second the birthing ball reccomendation, I've woken up with a sore and crackling back every morning from about 28 weeks, but I find as soon as I spray a nice hot shower on it the pain goes away. Birthing balls strengthen certain muscles I believe so that's why they help.

[nymphadora]

I have a back support from Physio which is supposed to help & they also gave me excercises. Massage is the best help though but it was v expensive to go every week.

[daisystone]

Me too. 26 weeks and very bad lower back pain which is made worse by sitting at a computer - or sitting in any chair for too long for that matter.

The heat pads that you can buy are great - if quite pricey. You could use a hot water bottle but of course you would need to strap it to you for that to work, plus they cool down quite quickly.

My DH massages my lower back when it is really bad. Try and alternate sitting with lying if you can. Not so easy if you have to go to work. On days when I manage to lie down for an hour or so the pain is lessened.

Also gentle stretching can help. Stand with your legs apart and link your hands and reach up - you feel the stretch in your lower back and it does help.

If you are at work and maybe have to sit at a computer for long periods, the heat pads for the back are probably the best option.

[kittypurry]

Hello- i am 20 +5 and complained to the Doc about it who referred me to Physio.
It helps for the rest of the day but that's about it--was given exercises and a support belt - but I can ring her anytime and book in when it egts bad and can be seen each week so good for free massage.

[northlondonchoclover]

Thanks for the tips ladies. Dug out some heating pads which I use in the winter and seem to help loosen the back muscles at the end of the day. Will see the gp too -thanks kittypurry !

[HelenaCC]

I had this all thru my pg - physio gave me some exercises to do and taught me how to stand up, walk, sit etc so I wasnt doing as much damage to my back. I recommend physio. A 45min appt really sorted me out. Im still doiong the exercises and have not been in as much pain.

Dont let it get to the point where it hurts to walk, stand sit and lie - its miserable.

I can also recommend a bump band to support your lower back. Ive found mine invaluable, especially in later pg.

[AnnaAug]

Ooh sympathies, not nice at all. I've had sacroiliac joint pain from the start of pg and the minute I recline or lie flat it's incredibly painful to attempt to sit up/walk again!

As the other ladies have suggested, heat pads/hot water bottle seemed to help me get through work. The Curaheat ones worth spending the money on, Boots/Superdrug ones ended up sticking to my work clothes rather than me!

I went to see an osteopath for a few sessions - it was really expensive but the midwife couldn't guarantee me a physio apt before the baby was born (I first asked at 12wks!) It didn't really help ease the pain for more than a couple of days - but he gave me some advice on sitting (sit upright on your bottom at work, rather than relaxing and leaning back so you're sitting on the base of your spine - might benefit from a cushion behind your lower back) and exercises. Best ones: lie on your back in bed and hug each knee as much towards your chest as bump will allow - to stretch out lower back muscles. And try lifting your knee and pulling up towards chest and across towards the opposite side of your body - stretches mid-back. Hold each stretch for just a few seconds ? apparently pg women?s muscles far more responsive to stretching/massage than normal, so you don?t need to overdo it.

I also got this - www.appliedbiomechanics.co.uk/ - it really helped me feel more 'secure' and less sore.

Good luck x