Lower Back Pain! - San Diego,CA

Kidney stones, for one thing. Kidney infection. If you can't walk then get a second opinion, preferably from a WOMAN doctor.

Hi A.,
I would be cautious about the tylenol.
I know a great chiropractor in Plano. His name is Mark Zuber and his number is ###-###-####.
Hope you feel better soon.
Victoria

1. make sure you're not in labor (which you probably aren't)
2. I'm 24 weeks and for the past month I've had pain like that. It's been my sciatic nerve.. and just pressures from pregnancy on my body. The pain was so bad I couldn't walk either. I went to a chiropracter and it helped A LOT. He also told me to do "yoga cat cow" stretches which helped.

For the back pain I would get down on hands and knees, lower down to your elbows, and let the belly hang. This takes all the baby weight off your back. I used this technique with both my pregnancies, and sometimes would sleep that way. It wasn't very comfy but at least it wasn't painful. I also second the comment about the pillow, and concern over the cramping.

Hi! I assume you SAW the doctor and they made sure that you don't have contractions? Back pain AND cramping is a huge red flag for preterm labor....
HOWEVER, if they have excluded that possibility, it is pretty common to have back pain during pregnancy. My midwife wrote me a prescription for massage therapy, which really helped me!
I also did prenatal yoga and found that helpful as well.
Good luck!

Get another frigging Dr.!!! Don't live with that. It could be dangerous.

A.,

I had the exact same issues when I was 21 weeks. The Dr. told me it was my sciatic nerve and I did everything he suggested (Tylenol, pillow between legs when sleeping, heat pad on the back, ice pack on the back, etc.) but nothing was working. Anything and everything would trigger the sharp pains and there was no telling what would make them go away (or even subside). After making it to my car in tears one day after work I read a ton of things online and came to the conclusion that all I had left to try was chiro or acupuncture. After checking with the Dr. (he gave me the ok to try both) I opted for acupuncture first. OMG - what a godsend that treatment is! I was nervous, I don't really do needles but they're extremely thin, bendable even and you probably won't feel 1/2 of them going in. The others you may feel a slight pinch, but nothing in comparison to your current pain (or even ear piercing). Just tell the acupuncturist if it's uncomfortable and he/she can remove and replace them. You lay for 30-45 mins and when you get up, you may be a little stiff but hopefully if you try it you'll have as great of an experience as I did! A day after the treatment my pain went from a total 10 to about a 5. My first treatment was a Monday, then on Wed I went back and after that treatment I was at a 3. I've been good ever since (but I do go once every other week because I'm interested in preventing it from coming back until I give birth). I’ve been pain free for 6 weeks. All of my everyday tasks (from walking the dog, bending over to the bottom shelf at the market, the stairs at work) are a breeze – just like before the pain kicked in. If you want to try it, be sure the acupuncturist has experience with pre-natal patients! Perhaps your OB will even have a recommendation of a local acupuncturist.

Good luck and hope the pain goes away quickly (and to top it off, doesn’t return)!!

There are a ton of stretches that can help with pregnancy back aches. You should also try a pregnancy belt. It helps shift the baby weight. A lot of times the baby is resting on your spine in particular way that causes increased pain. I would do warm showers, stretches, maternity belt, and tylenol. If that doesn't work get in to an Orthopaedic MD who could refer you to a physical therapist to work with you =] Good luck and hope you feel better!!

I would try a belly belt. It works a little like the belts men use for lifting. I had to use it for my second pregnancy for low back pain. Most stores should have them. I believe I got mine at Target back then, but it will relieve a lot of that back pain pressure.

I had this at about the same time during my pregnancy. I was told to sleep w/a pillow under my knees and my knees bent. It certainly helped and I can only imagine what you are going thru w/a 2 yr old. My oldest daughter was almost 6 when my youngest was born so i was able to do this here & there while laying on the couch. What if you were to show your child this, would they go along w/it so you could get a little comfort? Good luck!

Hi A.,
I know what you mean! I have the same problem and my doctor only give me muscle relaxers it works fine for a few hous but I don't want to take drugs. I started getting acupuncture only when the pain is anbearable for 45 minutes and it works like magic. You may give it a try.
El

Bengay or Icy Hot?

I had the worst lower back pain with my first pregnancy one second i was fine the next I was stopped cold mid step...ouch!

I just lathered on the smelly ointment and told myself it would be over soon...lots of warm bathes too!

Go to the ER. You may be having back labor. Better safe than sorry.

If you can't walk because the pain is so bad, you need to get in to see your OB today. It's early, but it could still be labor pains and that should definitely be paid attention to.

Good luck!
-M

You may want to try seeing a Chiropractor. I have a friend who had prenatal adjustments done throughout one of her pregnancies because she had severe Sciatic Nerve pain in her lower back and down one leg. Even if that's not the same problem you are having, a Chiropractor may still be able to save you! I see a chiropractor once a month (even though my "baby" is 3 years old) because my pregnancy flared up a back problem caused by a car accident that I was in over 10 years ago. Pregnancy can throw your alignment out of whack! Good luck!!

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