Back pain

[eager_reader]

Hi all,

This more of a rant than anything else but if anyone has any experience or advice on this I'm sure I would find it helpful.

I'm at 30+6 and last week went to see an osteopath as I have upper back pain every day (have probably had it for a few weeks now). (My friend recommended him as he treats a lot of pregnant women, including her). Many years ago I injured myself at the gym and since then, have had flare-ups of pain every few months, followed by a sports massage. Anyway, the Osteopath doesn't know what has caused the issue (seems like it might be posture rather than injury as basically my upper spine curves inwards and should curve outwards). I work in an office and alternate between sitting in my chair and on a Swiss ball. (We have a H&S person and I think the office set-up is the best I'll get). I'm going to see the Osteopath regularly and will continue the exercises he recommended but I wonder if anyone had any suggestions on pain relief in the meantime? I'm going to start working from home a bit more which hopefully would help? He's also advised that breastfeeding could hurt my back at first, but that the process of breastfeeding should also help correct the problem eventually.

Sorry this is such a long post - it's just tedious being in pain most of my waking hours Monday-Friday (and a bit at weekends too!).

Thanks!

 

[sarah120281]

I've got this I sit on an office chair for 30 mins and it sets off pain in my higher back and pelvis its awful all I can do is lay on bed to make it go. I'm currently off work it's that bad. I'm 26 weeks tuesday x

 

[WinterWolf]

I'm the same. Hurt my back at gymnastics years ago and it flares up very badly now (25+4). Walking is meant to strengthen the muscles in your back. I find on days where I get up and walk around a bit my back hurts a lot less. Though too much walking and it'll hurt a lot more... it can be tough to find the right balance! So I'd definitely recommend you go for a short walk around the office every 20mins or so. Not very productive, but it should help. Other than that, I find having a heat pack propped against my back helps if I have to be sitting down working. I imagine your workplace would be ok with that?

Have you tried a support band/belt? I've ordered a Gabriella Maternity Belt after hearing lots of positive reviews, hoping that helps me. It has a pocket at the back so you can walk around with a heat pack or ice pack tucked into it.

Final suggestion - I find wearing dresses/skirts a lot worse on my back as there's nothing holding my belly up but my muscles. Wearing over the bump maternity jeans/trousers helps with that. It seems to help even if I'm sitting down.

 

[eager_reader]

I've got this I sit on an office chair for 30 mins and it sets off pain in my higher back and pelvis its awful all I can do is lay on bed to make it go. I'm currently off work it's that bad. I'm 26 weeks tuesday x

Sorry to hear that Sarah, I hope you getting rest is making it more bearable. Thank you for your comment, it makes me feel less isolated.

 

[eager_reader]

I'm the same. Hurt my back at gymnastics years ago and it flares up very badly now (25+4). Walking is meant to strengthen the muscles in your back. I find on days where I get up and walk around a bit my back hurts a lot less. Though too much walking and it'll hurt a lot more... it can be tough to find the right balance! So I'd definitely recommend you go for a short walk around the office every 20mins or so. Not very productive, but it should help. Other than that, I find having a heat pack propped against my back helps if I have to be sitting down working. I imagine your workplace would be ok with that?

Have you tried a support band/belt? I've ordered a Gabriella Maternity Belt after hearing lots of positive reviews, hoping that helps me. It has a pocket at the back so you can walk around with a heat pack or ice pack tucked into it.

Final suggestion - I find wearing dresses/skirts a lot worse on my back as there's nothing holding my belly up but my muscles. Wearing over the bump maternity jeans/trousers helps with that. It seems to help even if I'm sitting down.

Thanks WinterWolf.

I do walk around a lot as I need to pee all the time! I also walk most lunchtimes.

I will look at the support band/belt and using an ice or heat pack too - that sounds like a good option.