help - suffering from coccyx pain and spd - can I use a tens machine at 25 weeks?

[ejt1764]

I suffer from chronic coccyx pain (for the last 5 years), and it's been copable with until I got pg again (now at 25 weeks). I'm also suffering with spd, and am on crutches as I just cannot walk!

Cannot take any painkillers - I can't keep any tablets down (have been given paracetemol suppositories) - and I can't take any of the anti-inflammatories (like voltarol) as I'm severely asthmatic. Also have severe reactions to morphine and pethidine, so can't take them either.

The pain is horrendous. In the course of a conversation with a doctor-acquaintance of mine, he's suggested I used a TENS machine to help with the pain. Is it ok to use TENS at this stage of the pregnancy?

Has anybody else used one for pain relief with spd?

Any help would be really wonderful - I hurt to sit down because of the coccyx, and I can't stand because of the spd - am having real difficulty coping.

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I dont know the answer but poor poor you - SPD was bad enough by coccyx pain as well must be really hard.

It's not much fun - that's for sure! Thanks for your thoughts!

No I think that you can only use TENS after a certain stage (36wks I think- although I maybe wrong) as it can stimulate prem labour

Yes, you can use TENS at any stage of pregnancy. But you may need to see a physio for advice on exactly where to position the electrodes.

"Yes. They are designed for labour. However, do not use before the 37th week of pregnancy unless under medical supervision. If you suffer from epilepsy or have any doubts whatsoever consult a medical professional. If you use a demand type pace maker you should not use a TENS machine."

From here

That's why I say to consult a physio for advice on positioning. I know at least one other mum who used a TENS for SPD throughout her pg.

I guess that would be classed as 'medical supervision'

Thank you ladies - I reckon my next step would be to contact the physio who sees me occasionally - to take me on to the next step!

I'm currently waiting to get to the top of the list for hydrotherapy - I can ask the physios who will do that therapy with me.

Hi ejt - i don't know about this through being medical as its not my area. Buyt have a mate who used a tens during her last pregnancy for back pain so its obviously safe to use in pregnancy. Agree with poster to get advice from physio about how to use it safely though!

Not added much have I? Anyway, good luck and hope it works for you

poor you - don't know if this would help, I have SPD but it is actually at the back in the sacro iliac joints and I have been going to see an Osteopath which I have found surprisingly helpful even after 2 sessions. Mine not as bad as yours but might be worth trying as all my pain is/was in the back too.

ejt - obviously i am biased being a chiropractor myself....but i would agree that chiropractic or osteopathy can be really beneficial to people with SPD. i would say i get about 80% success rate with the women i have treated with SPD. not all physios do manipulation and sometimes that is what you need with SPD.

hiya greedy - I've had chiropractic for it in the past, and it didn't really do much to be honest. I know it's worked for other people, but it didn't for me

Thanks for the suggestion though!

oh! you must be one of those 'difficult' patients who i dread seeing! i hope you find something else that works for you, like the tens maybe.

Message withdrawn

GGD,
Where abouts are you based? I've had SPD for two years now and need to find an oesteopath or chiropractor (sp?)

Thanks

jofeb04 - i am in herts.....anywhere near you?