Bad back - any tried and tested solutions out there???

[welshmum]

My lower back just 'went' on Friday - I was bending down to put something in a cupboard. It's been mostly bad since then. I've started doing a bit of pregnancy yoga at night (am 5 months) and a bit of Alexander technique. It's much worse after sitting still for any length of time - I can hardly straighten up. Any thoughts - I'm in such pain at times - would be grateful

bump

your poor thing. have your tried swimming or pg aqua aerobic stuff? may just be short term relief with the weight of the water helping your back. your local beauty salon may do back massage for pg women (mine does - you lie on your side) may just be short term too. sorry if not any help

welshmum, I've suffered with back pain caused by arthritis for years but it has got far worse in the last two months of pregnancy.

I am very surprised to say it but my labour tens machine works wonders, it is fantastic and will definitely buy one for after the birth!

I find just leaning over the sink to wash a cup can make mine 'go', so I'll do the vacuuming and everything else until I'm in complete agony, slap on the tens and a few minutes later I have complete relief.

There are different tens machines but the one that I have is the one with the hand held booster, if you are treating a bad back you just have it on the booster setting the entire time so it doesn't pulse, it is on constantly. I really thought it was all a load of tosh but I seriously can't recommend it enough.

Good luck - Joe

welshmum so sorry your having back problems, I too start with a bad back when pregnant and it has gone serveral times since...I suppose it didn't help when after giving birth to the twins the table gaveway on the hinge as it had not been properly locked into position... try this..
lie on your back with your bum as close to the wall as you can...you can do this on your bed if you can't get down on the floor...just put you bum against the headboard and raise your legs up the wall.. this is supposed to realine your spine, it is important to keep moving if your back goes and when sitting, sit on a hard backed chair, a dining chair is ideal, this too will realine your spine...hope your better soon..xx

Have you considered an osteopath? Mine has straightened my back out repeatedly after three pregnancies and is worth every penny. Some GPs will refer you.

Yes, osteopath or physio. (I went pri vate because was in agony.) Worth every penny. Made the reteach me how to sit, stand,move etc.

£ 1/2 years of utter misery now seem to be coming to an end, thank God!

Thanks all - and thanks for being so sympathetic. Feel I can cope with most things but that feeling goes when my back gives up

I know Welshmum.
In my ignorance, I used to think that bad backs were amusing
That soon stopped when mine became so bad it was on my mind every waking hour.

I've just made an appointment for 2pm today with what I think is a pretty good osteopath. Fingers crossed! Thanks again for advice

Good luck. Pob Lwc!!
Let us know how you get on.