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Original poster

SPD? Is this it?

34 replies

HipHopopotomus · 12/03/2011 20:40

I'm 33 weeks and this last week have been getting a really sharp stabbing pain in my groin, well more in my hip/thigh joints. I thought SPV was more central in the pelvis, but this pain is aweful and getting worse every day.

It's not too bad in the morning, is bad when I get up from my chair during the day (I have a desk job) and def get's worse thoughtout the day, to the extent that the last couple of nights I'm in agony & hobbling around by the evening, trying to avoid moving. Last night it was dreadful but when I woke this morning I was relieved to feel very little pain - didn't last though as it's just got worse and worse througout the day. Took DD to the park & I enjoyed the stroll but I'm paying for it now.

I have a check up on Friday - but do you think this is SPD, or any idea what else it might be?

TIA

OP posts:
fifi25 · 12/03/2011 22:54

sounds like it. I had sciatica and spd with 3rd. My leg an hip used to click when i walked. I had pain all round my hip, back, pelvis and leg area. Is it worse when you lie down?

mylovelymonster · 12/03/2011 23:06

sacro illeac, I think, which is also caused by hyper-mobility in pelvis, but source is the back of the pelvis? There used to be a great website all about it and movements to avoid to keep it in check. I had it with both pregnancies.
Need to get your midwife to refer you to a physio who specialises in pregnancy issues and they should be able to give you movements to avoid and maybe exercises to strengthen other muscles so not so much strain in particular area.
Sleeping on your side with a generous pillow between your knees should help your hip to stay in a better alignment. You can get a pelvic brace too, made of fabric and velcro - good to use when walking anywhere.
I think swimming is very good.

paternal · 13/03/2011 00:05

Wow great thread.

My OH has been complaining about pain in her hip, which I believe is DSP as opposed to SPD. But I would never have known about it if not for this thread. I'll tell her to mention SPD/DSP when next at GP/MW and they can either advise or refer her.

It's got to be better than my advise which was to "stop complaining and man up" :o

bumble34 · 13/03/2011 08:28

sounds like spd to me They've changed the name to pelvic girdle pain (pgp) now as it better describes the pain some women experience in the groin and hips not the front of the pelvis. Def ask for a referal to physio for exercises and activities to avoid There is a website pelvic patnership i think it was very informative.

I'm 24 weeks had pain for 5-6 weeks now saw the physio last week and the exercises and using crutches has really helped to lessen the pain, although it hasn't gone Considering seeing an osteopath as I've still got a long way to go.

StiffyByng · 13/03/2011 10:24

I'm 32 weeks and have had worsening pain of the sort you describe for the past four weeks. There was quite a bit of faffing about what it is, including on my side because I badly wanted NOT to have SPD, and I'm now facing another three week wait for physio, so I'd recommend asking for a referral.

I'm finding hot baths help and sitting on my exercise ball, but it is gradually getting worse and apparently it will continue to do so, if I can believe the doctor. All my sympathies to you. It's horrible and I'm not dealing with a toddler!

MainlyMaynie · 13/03/2011 11:42

It sounds like pelvic girdle pain, which covers pain including SPD. Mine started in my sacro-illiac joint, though I now have more 'traditional' SPD too. Evil hyper-mobility!

Definitely ask for a physio referral, they can help so much.

StiffyByng, my physio has been really encouraging saying that it doesn't have to get worse, though sometimes it will. Lots can be done to alleviate it. I found the physio much more knowledgeable than the GP!

StiffyByng · 13/03/2011 18:49

Thanks, Mainly. I think I'm going to pay because I can't wait three more weeks like this! I'll end up signed off for one thing.

LittleMilla · 13/03/2011 20:19

I'm now 34 weeks and have been suffering from PGP for the last 12 weeks or so? Saw the physio who was lovely, but strongly recommended pilates. Basically, the same exercises that the physio gives you...but you've got someone stood voer you making sure you do them more and properly!

I've found that it's helped me over the weeks. Only been going once a week and missed the last couple of weeks...and boy have I known about it!! Now I am so much bigger I am aiming to go twice a week as I notice what it does for me.

I am not sure about yoga vs. pilates (not a professional). But my understanding is that pilates will strengthen your other supporting muscles, in conjunction with good breating. Whereas yoga is more about flexibility and breathing. And given the fact you're not supposed to put your legs much beyond hip width apart...it might not be ideal/

MainlyMaynie · 13/03/2011 20:46

I do yoga and the physio has said that's fine. The yoga DVD I have has specific adaptations for people with SPD though. I can feel the difference when I don't do it too!

bumble34 · 13/03/2011 21:06

me too mainly the yoga dvd clearly states which exercises to avoid and the pain is definitely better the more gentle exercise i do

Thinking of all you spd/pgp ladies it's not a whole barrel of laughs!!!

NewMummy5July2011 · 13/03/2011 21:10

hi
Can someone tell me where the sacro-illiac joint is? I've had sudden onset this evening of severe pain in my lower back and hip, and it's gotten worse as the evening has wore on. I couldn't walk up the stairs...It could just be a strained muscle, but just wondered if someone could tell me a little more about where the pain is if it is indeed PGP/SPD.
Thanks

mylovelymonster · 14/03/2011 00:27

Rear of hip joints. I think warmth should help ease - wheat bag? water bottle? Don't open legs more than hip width; don't lift legs closer than 90 degrees to your body; sit down to put knickers/socks/trousers/shoes on; when getting up from lying, roll over on side with knees few inches apart and push yourself to sitting with arm. Sleep with pillow between knees.
See your midwife and get referred asap to physio!!

Original poster
HipHopopotomus · 14/03/2011 10:49

Hi everyone - thanks for all the tips. Great to know I'm not alone here, but also it's dreadful there are so many people suffering this pain!
I will ask for referral on Friday when I have my next check up.

Last PG I was so active the whole way through with lots of swimming, yoga & walking. It's def the way to go if you can. This time, with a 3yo etc, I simply haven't had the time or gym/swim membership (plus I seem to be afflicted with every 'minor' but v uncomfortable complaint - perhaps cause I'm that much older now).

I've been doing the pillow between the legs thing for months now - vastly improved sleep, but this pain just started in the last couple of weeks. I guess it's been creeping up on me slowly.

I will get the exercise ball out again and try sitting on that at work - I did last time for the last 4 weeks or so & it was very comfy.

OP posts:
Original poster
HipHopopotomus · 14/03/2011 12:27

worryingly, it is definitely getting worse by the day ATM. Today is the first day I really feel like the 20 walk to buy lunch (something I really look forward to) is really beyond me and I'm going to have to drive.

Normally I'm not feeling too much pain at work until well into the afternoon. Sad

OP posts:
mylovelymonster · 14/03/2011 14:08

Is sitting on a ball not bad for it though? Too much stretching of problem area? Is it not best to leave that for nearer labour? (not sure about this one, but seems unwise IFKWIM)

Original poster
HipHopopotomus · 14/03/2011 15:13

I don't know - might not help but sitting on something with a little 'give' seems like a nice idea.

Just realised that this has all started getting much worse since I started sleeping at 45 degree angle to combat acid reflux & reflux induced night cough. Going to try sleeping flat again tonight and see if that makes a difference(well I say sleeping but the reason I went to 45 degrees is because I wasn't sleeping at all).

OP posts:
mylovelymonster · 14/03/2011 15:16

Do you mean half-way between back & on your side? Are you propped underneath? Grin Do you have sufficient support around your lower back/pelvis/hips? Are you bringing your knees up too high? Up to your hips?

Feel for you!

Original poster
HipHopopotomus · 14/03/2011 15:25

if you mean re sleeping probably all of the above.

I have built a slope of pillows which I lie my top half on. I sleep on my left side and also use wrap around long pillow so I'm quite comfy and feel supported, though I can see how this might antagonise hip joints. I'm not feeling any pain in bed, just when I get up.

OP posts:
bumble34 · 14/03/2011 17:45

i have reflux all the time and in pregnancy it's even worse the only good thing I'm on omeprazole and can still safely take it in pregnancy ask your gp to check it for you.

My physio has advised sitting on my exercise ball for pgp particularly to rock on it as it keeps the pelvis moving and stops discomfort from being in one position for too long.

MainlyMaynie · 14/03/2011 19:10

NewMummy5July2011 Basically the s-i joint is in your buttock. Bloody hurts when there's a problem with it! Lower back is probably too high for PGP, but that doesn't mean it's not what you've got. I'd speak to your midiwife or GP for a physio referral is it doesn't go away.

mylovelymonster sitting on a ball was strongly recommended by my physio and I definitely feel better on days when I sit on it a lot.

HipHopopotomus I was told that half-sitting position is really bad for PGP. Not sure if it's the same when you're lying on the side though!

cara2244 · 14/03/2011 22:02

HipHopopotomus you sound exactly the same as me! I had a really nice pregnancy last time - very active and few problems. I now have a 2yo and a busy job, and have had loads of ailments; nothing major but enough to make me feel down. The latest has been hip/back/buttock pain that has got worse and worse. But I have finally started to feel better the last 3 days (I am 21 weeks). Best things:

  • sitting not standing whenever possible. Even at the sink/when chopping veggies
  • birthing ball and I agree about the rocking
  • yoga (mainly seated postures) to gently stretch the hip area. careful if you've never done it before
  • posture when walking. Upright, tailbone in. My GP gave me a leaflet from the physio department that explained all this as I have had to wait a month for an appt, probably 'cos I'm not far along.
  • lumbar roll (very helpful). A rolled up bath towel in the small of the back whenever you're sitting, and especially when driving. This has really helped - driving has gone from being agony to being OK
  • walking. GP and physio both say to walk as exercise. yes it can be uncomfortable but it definitely helps. I try and rest for a while when I get home.
  • Support band
  • dream genii pillow
  • Scholl shoe supports (from boots) to lift arches and give your legs a better position from the feet up
  • finding ways not to lift my son or anything else (washing etc) This is difficult in reality!
cara2244 · 14/03/2011 22:04

Forgot to say, I have the 'worse in the afternoon' thing too. I usually feel fine in the morning but am hobbling by evening.
Try the lumbar roll as you have a desk job.

Original poster
HipHopopotomus · 15/03/2011 10:35

Thanks cara we sound very similar situation indeed.

I slept flat last night & so far feel much better today (though it's still only morning) - so it was probably aggravated by sleeping propped up. Of course I woke at 5am with the acid reflux cough and couldn't get back to sleep!! Geeze I can't win!

Thanks for the tips - there is a lumbar roll around the office somewhere .......... I'm going hunting for it now.

OP posts:
StiffyByng · 15/03/2011 16:17

I saw the physio this morning after pushing for an acute appointment, and have a support belt now and some exercises. The support belt seems really good. I've also booked a private chiropractic appointment later this week, as I've been told manual manipulation can be worth a try.

I was told that I shouldn't do too much walking but rest as much as possible, so it must vary from person to person.

I was being pretty active (walking, swimming, yoga) until this hit. Given that it's hormonal, I'm not sure that it's anything other than chance.

Good luck to you lot. Great to see so many tips here. I'll definitely be exploring new ways of sleeping.

bishboschone · 15/03/2011 16:58

I have had pain from the start with this pregnancy. I am now weeks and am in quite alot of pain all the time. I have told the midwife every time i see her and been to doc but they brudh me off saying its ligaments stretching. Do you think I could have SPD? I have 2 friends who are due the same day and a week earlier and one is still doing Zumba, while I can barely walk.

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