bad backache

[preggos]

im 27 weeks pregnant and have had a bad back for several years now which has been getting worse and worse as my pregnancy goes on. I've tried maternity pillows, yoga, baths, and massages. Does anyone know of anything else that I could try?

Go to see your GP. They might refer you to physio. There is very little the physio can actually do for you but they may feel it is necessary for you to use a crutch while walking to ease the pain. I'm 26 weeks pregnant and have suffered from on and off back pain pre-pregnancy and since being about 8 weeks pregnant it has become more constant. My physio has really helped me with lots of helpful little pieces of advice and some exercises.

Things to try:

1. When you get home from a long day at work apply heat to the affected area to sooth the pain. Heat packs will relax the muscles and help you feel more normal again.
2. Take small steps when walking rather than large strides. This keeps the pelvis together and prevents the movement that aggregates the back pain. This is really annoying when you have a busy job and have places to be but it does the trick.
3. Change position often. Don't sit, stand or lie for too long as your back likes change! Also remember your posture has a lot to do with back pain, good posture can improve muscles and relieve pain (should take my own advice on this one)
4. Gently stretch your back and surrounding muscles a couple of times a day. This is really something you will need a physiotherapist to show you as overdoing it is counter productive. Generally it shouldn't hurt to do it; just a mild stretch to awaken all those other muscles around your back to get support from them while your back is failing.
5. When standing for long periods of time find something to rest one of your feet on, raising one of your feet and resting it seems to relieve some pain - I don't know why.
6. As someone who has managed back pain for years I'm sure you already know the most basic rule - listen to your back. If you're doing something that causes discomfort then stop!

I hope you get it sorted soon!