Really Painful Back pain?

Question

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant. I woke up last night with such horrible back pain. My husband tried to massage the area but it was tight or anything. It was on my lower left side. Is there any way to prevent this at night. I do have the boppy body pillow but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.That and by the middle of the night I find it very uncomfortable to be sleeping on it anymore.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Back pain like this is totally normal.

It could be sciatica, a pinched nerve.  It could also be that your muscles are all stressing and nerves are stressing due to the fact that your lumbar curve (spine curve) is increasing to compensate for the extra weight.  When we're pregnant we can't walk normally or stand up as straight anymore due to the weight.  Your hips could be very much out of alignment making one of your legs shorter than the other. It could also be just the fact of the extra weight.

Another possibility is that maybe your bed isn't supportive enough.  Maybe you should try a new mattress, or get a mattress pad.  

And even another possibility is your shoes.

Are you wearing supportive, low-heeled, shoes that fit you?  Feet get bigger in pregnancy, and you need a LOT of foot support in order to keep your hips and back happy.  Try an insert (they do wonders!) and some more expensive, very comfortable, supportive shoes.

You could start exercising -- perhaps you should try signing up for a pregnant yoga class?  They can address some of these posture issues and weight bearing issues with toning muscles a tad, and pregnant yoga is perfectly safe.  There are also usually other pregnant exercise classes at the YMCA, on videos you could buy, and the like.

You could go to a chiropractor -- ask your OB or midwife for a referral for a chiropractor that they trust that works on pregnant women.  If they won't give you a referral (an old-school OB might not) you could try looking for one yourself.  Chiropractors often take insurance and insurance often covers a few visits to the chiropractor.  Otherwise, I consider it worth the money out of pocket to see one.

Personally, I know I've had problems with sciatica and I had a subluxated rib (partially dislocated) and the chiropractor fixed me right up!  I've also known folks who were pregnant and used a chiropractor and they said it made labor easier because their hips were aligned and relaxed.  I'm seeing one and I'm not far along enough for back problems yet -- but I imagine it will really help.  And if you don't trust the idea of a chiropractor, just look into it, I think you'll be surprised.

A tip, though, if the chiropractor doesn't like to work on people without giving X-rays?  I mean, I know you aren't going to get one, but if he says anything about usually X-raying people -- he's not the best chiropractor.  They should be able to tell where your spine and other bones are by FEEL.  I've NEVER been X-rayed, not once.

The doctor versions of a chiropractor are orthopedists, physiatrists, and osteopaths.  They can correct any back issues as well.

You could go see a massage therapist, it won't be as good as a chiropractor about correcting the back pain -- especially if a nerve is pinched -- but it will help with muscle strain and relaxation.  Make sure they are certified.

I got really in-depth for you because I really think dealing with pain and being comfortable is important stuff!

People often don't seem to care enough about pregnant people being in pain.. including doctors sometimes.  Well, I think it's important !

Congratulations and Good luck!

Answer 2

i went to the hospital a few weeks back because of very bad backpain and they told me i was actually having contractions. i was in the hospital for about 3 days and since then im still having the contractins they actually got me on pretty strong pain meds

Answer 3

Have you taken Tylenol?  It's safe to use while pregnant and it will help with all your aches and pains.