Debilitating back pain at 16 weeks

[Babyblister]

I'm 16 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and experiencing back pain so badly that I'm struggling to walk upright, sleep or sit up.

I feel like there's inflammation in the muscles at the point where my ribs meet my spine and therefore most likely thoracic back pain, and I'm guessing caused by expanding ribs. It spasms when I slightly move or breathe in fully.

The doc has confirmed its muscular, but hasn't given me any advice besides rest up and use a hot water bottle. Paracetamol doesn't touch it.

I'm seriously struggling with every day tasks and sleeping, I can't drive, open doors or walk upright, and the spasms are something else if I move incorrectly.

Some things I'm doing: low inflammation diet, very gentle yoga on unimpacted parts of body and hot showers.

Does anybody have any advice please, or have experience of this in pregnancy? Please can someone tell me this is just temporary 😪

The only thing I can think to suggest if you’re not already using one is a pregnancy pillow to sleep with. I started using a cheap one at about 10 weeks, didn’t use it a couple of nights ago for the first time in ages (I’m 15+6 now) and woke up multiple times with pain in my hips and back. Pillow is back on the bed, and I’ve actually now ordered a more expensive one because I’ve recognised how important it’s going to be going forward.

Thank you @Lillers!

Sleeping with a pillow between my knees solved all my back pain during pregnancy. That said, your GP should refer you for physio – strengthening your core muscles will almost certainly help.

Thanks @peachgreen, I'll try those tips.

The pain has got progressively worse today and I feel like I'm wearing a tight corset around my back and chest, I'll get in contact with a physio.

I'd go see an osteopath, it honestly does wonders for me whenever my back plays up. Towards the end of my last pregnancy I was going every 2 weeks. It's not cheap, but absolutely worth it as they focus on both muscle and bone alignment to get to the root cause of the pain. Find one who knows about pregnancy if you can, the pelvic partnership website should have some practitioners near you.

Oh and find a good swimming pool, when the weight of your bump increases you'll want to just sit in it for ages, even if you don't actually swim! (Although I do find swimming loosens up my muscles and joints too!).

I had bad thoracic pain in my second trimester, although not as severe as you're describing. I took painkillers and it did go away (can't remember when but definitely before 3rd trimester). You should be able to self refer to an NHS physio and should be a high priority and seen quickly as it is pregnancy related.