Alternatives for Meds for Bad Back During pregnancy...accupuncture or Such?

I used BIOFREEZE from the chiro's office. The active ingredient is menthol! Temporary but it helped. Or just ice pack after ice pack!

I am a chiropractor and, in addition to getting adjusted regularly (the more pregnant I was, the more often - once a week for the last 2 months) I used ice on my back every night for most of my pregnancy. It helped tremendously and I was able to treat patients until the day I delivered. Put ice on your back, with a thin towel or paper towel between your skin and the ice for 20 minutes. Wait one hour and repeat. You can ice as often as you want, as long as you leave the 1 hour break between 20 minute applications. Try to limit how much you carry your toddler, too. This is a good time to foster some independence. You will have another little one who needs to be carried everywhere in a few months. My boys are 22 months apart and I encouraged my older son to climb into the car, his car seat by himself, go up and down the stairs with me holding his hand, etc. That was a big help while pregnant and when his brother was born. Good luck.

PS Will your chiropractor let you bring your children to your appointment?

Hi S.

I empathize with you. I have L4/L5 herniation and the pain during my pregnancies was excruciating. I worked FT as a paramedic also and it was horrible. I tried a chiropractor which helped a little in the earlier stages of pregnancy. You could ask your OB if they refer to a chiropracter who specializes in pregnant women, and getting a massage sounds like a good idea anyway. I don't know where you live but the Springfield Health Plex has a certified prenatal masseus.(spelling?) Good Luck.

I want to start by saying that I definitely know where you are coming from. I have 4 children and now have back problems. During labor with my 2nd I herniated a disc. I have severe pain when the epidural wore off. I eventually needed surgery because the bulge was inpinging on my sciatic nerve. Worst pain of my life!!!

During my last pregnancy, my back pain got so bad that one day after sitting to do laundry, I couldn't stand up straight. I literally was hunched over. My OB was actually able to do some sort of adjustment. He even helped with my neck a couple of times when I couldn't turn it all the way.

I also saw a massage therapist who was also very helpful. She too told me that she could help with the adjustments if needed. My main problem turned out to actually be in my hip area, even though my pain was in my lower back. I have also tried a chiropractor which helped but wasn't as significant. Personally I think that they do enough to keep you coming back 2-3x a week.

I guess the avenues for help all depend on what is causing your pain. Sometimes you may just have to try it and see what heppens. I would suggest you give it enought ime to actually see if it is working(maybe 1-2 weeks). Also, talk to your OB they very well may be able to help(as in my case) or suggest something.

Another thing, you really need to try not to carry your toddler. I know it is very difficult to do, but it has to be done. I am currently in the process of trying to make my 18 month old walk as much as possible to help my back. He loves to be held but weighs 30 pounds. I hold him while sitting down as much as possible.

Good Luck!!

Cranio-Sacral work and accupuncture. I went to CS when I was pregnant (for other issues) and it actually relieved my chronic back pain and so for the first time in years and years, I was pain free. How ironic is that?

I have lumbar disc herniations, so I feel your pain (literally!) I was quite fortunate that my back did not get too bad when I was pregnant. When it was bothering me (and I still do this now while I'm nursing) I would either use a heating pad or take a hot shower (making sure the water only hit my back). While it doesn't take the pain completely away, it at least helps a little. I also did lots of stretching every day. Good luck!

I found Bowen treatments helpful when I was pregnant. They do them at the changing seasons centre in Mcmurray ###-###-####)

Hi S.! I feel for you. I too had tremendous back pain in my 2nd pregnacy. I had 4 children in 5 years. I went to a physical therapist who specialized in women's care and she was awesome! She was able to completely alleviate all my back pain. If you try PT try to find a PT who specializes in women's care. I am a PT and can will tell you that there is a difference in skill levels of PTs. Someone who specializes in women's care will be able to help you and will also understand your limited time due to having children.

I also take my oldest son, who is now 11 years old, to an acupuncturist to treat him for his allergies. Her name is Dr. Kang and she is super! She was a professor at the University of Beijing in China, she has been here in PA for 9 years due to her husbands job. Her office is across from Paoli hospital in Paoli. If anyone could help you she could. Her website is http://www.kangacupuncture.com/index2.html

Good Luck!
M.

Hi S.,

Contact your local None manual chiropractor.

Write me where you live and I will see which one is close to you.

Get a pregnancy back support too.

Good luck. Hope this helps. D.

I LOOOOVED my chiropractor when I was pregnant! It was a HUGE relief, especially since I was still carrying my 3 year old around on occasion.

If you live anywhere near the Easton/Bethlehem/Forks Township area, email me & I'd be happy to give you my chiropractors name. He was absolutely wonderful & works with pregnant women & children a lot (I've taken both my kids to see him several times too!).

Congrats on the pregnancy too!
A.

Both accupuncture and chiropractic are great ways to help your aching back during pregnancy

Hello,

there are a few things you can do, arnica cream at a health food store is helpful for relieving discomfort,however I'm unsure what your specific back injury is. Also a warm bath obviously and then you could use the cream or you could put 10 drops of lavendar oil in almond oil and rub on your back. You shouldn't put straight essential oil directly on your skin, but I have done it. Check the label on the cream and make sure there is nothing in it that would be harmful in pregnancy. Don't discount the potency of herbs! Oh yeah the big thing stop lifting the toddler. Only hold him while your seated, I had to do that with baby #4. If he wants held...sit down and let him climb up. It is ok for you to preserve yourself, how else will you take care of the 2 children. It's ok to say no to your children, learn it now.

L.

hi S.,
the best accupunture peoples are in CATASAUGUA in the old bank building . easy to get to [ off of race street, along side of the airport]... I love accupunture. I am a good canidate .. I can go into a deep trance in seconds ... you need NO CHILDREN WITH YOU .!!!!!!!
start YOGA with you and children ...[ a at home class]
Encourage toddler to walk and hold mommy's hand ..!!!!
[ daddys help would be great too... only a few months of help]
a hurt is a hurt ...[ pain is horriable to live with and bear children too] DO NOT TAKE MEDS !!!!!
take care of back, legs, etc ...
YOU ARE MOMMY ..... try it .....

Hi S.
You can use those icy hot patches. They work great! I get bad back pain when I have my period. It eases it. Hope this helps. Bonnie

S.,
I too am a SAHM with major back pain. I get a ton of relief from myofascial release. I go to a PT in Devon who is great. Email me if you want his info.

pregancy massage. some chiroc offer this in the office.

I did it all, acupuncture, massage, chiro adjustments and then physical therapy. It was covered by my insurance and they taught me stretches to do to relieve my pain! If you are pro-active, I would suggest that as it really helped me! (and then I had BACK LABOR!!) UGH!!

Hi S., If you haven't heard it already I recommend that you try PT again. I have had back and knee problems for years and PT has always given me much needed releif that usually lasts for a long time (as long as I do the follow-up home excersises anyway!). Best wishes and good luck!