Serious back pain any tips on how to relieve

[hayleyjones2701]

I am 22 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with sciatica down my left side at 19 week, i have tried everything physio has told me to do exercises, birthing ball, support belt, heat packs etc but the pain is getting worse and moving to different places such as in my groin and inside of my legs on both sides and now to the right side of my lower back... I'm at my wits end with it as I am in so much pain and it is effecting my sleep as well. Just wondered if anyone has any different tips to try and ease it
Thank you in advance x

[Ramonaramona73]

I have had terrible sciatica in the past and really found acupuncture on a regular basis combined with some massage from a physio was the only thing to alleviate it. It's awful, I really feel for you. If the pain is moving up the leg and into the back that is actually a good sign.

[Ramonaramona73]

Sleeping with one of those pregnancy pillows can also help you get comfy. I wince just thinking about how awful it is. Really do try the acupuncture- some hospitals offer it free to pregnant women?

[hopinghopefullyagain]

I found that alternating a hot water bottle with an ice pack, lying on the unaffected side to rest for long periods and stretching out on all fours helped. I pretty much rotated that round for 2 solid days and interspersed with a bit of walking and it did ease and eventually go completely. Good luck - it'd vile

[hayleyjones2701]

The physio didn't offer me any massage all they did was give me a paper with three exercises on and told me to buy a birthing ball and a support belt and join a yoga class then signed me off they never offered me no massage therapy or anything... Thanks for all your suggestions I will try them all anything to relieve the pain xx

[ImYourMama]

I'm in exactly the same position and also 22 weeks, I've been referred for physio but I'm sure I'll be told what I already know, pillow at night, gentle stretches and no strenuous activity. My doc wants to sign me off work but seriously?! I could be off for the rest of my pregnancy and 18 weeks is too much daytime TV for anyone! Let me know if you find anything that genuinely helps

[LynseyH]

Had to just say when I was pregnant with my first I had horrific back pains and tried aquanatel classes... it was a miracle!! I went every week but even first week made such an improvement and even the doctor was amazed.
My son is now 10 but I still rave about the miracle cure that is floating in water!

[TheHumanSatsuma]

A second recommendation for floating in water too. I used to just hang from the side of the deep end, when I was heavily pregnant.

[MyBreadIsEggy]

I had the usual few twinges when pregnant with Dd but nothing major - she was a tiny baby, 5lb 15oz born. But this time around, I'm suffering with serious hip and back pain I'm not sure if the shooting pain I feel is sciatica, but it's only down one side. The only things I've found that help is sleeping in the fetal position,with a banana-shaped pillow between my knees and going for a gentle swim. And then if it gets really bad, I take paracetamol which does take the edge off a bit.
I'm now getting really scared that I'm having an absolutely huge baby I'm a petite person (5'3", 8 stone) so I wasn't really surprised when Dd was so small, and I had hardly any aches and pains, but this time I feel like I'm shifting the weight of a hippopotamus with every step which makes my pelvis grind and the pain travels up my back

[Hopelass]

OP I can completely empathise. I'm 30 weeks and have been in so much pain at times I have had to crawl from the bed to the toilet at home and hold onto furniture to get around the office at work. It's no good when I've got a rampaging nearly 3yo to look after as well and I'm also at my wits end.
Like you I've tried hot packs, pillows, baths, birth ball, exercises, lumbar support belt. My midwife referred me to physio which yesterday I found out is a group session where they give you "advice and exercises". I'm not happy about it so have made a GP appointment to either get stronger painkillers or referral for proper manual manipulation type physio.
Sorry no help or advice just letting you know you aren't alone. It's awful

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Try and see a sports physio if you can. Some physios are useless but ime sports physios are magic and seem to be much more hands on with acupuncture, massage and exercises rather than suggestions and giving you a sheet of exercises.

[Danglyweed]

Chiropractor. Mine im sure even got one of the dt's (both breach) to move, best 40 quid ive ever spent

[Titchypanda]

I've had sciatica for years that comes and goes and like you I struggle with pain relief for it. Since being pregnant it's come back to a certain degree. My midwife recommended keeping active. I was sceptical, but have found gentle walking on treadmill and swimming have really helped. I don't go more than twice a week at the moment but the water is fantastic for taking the weight off your back and hips.