I am 30 (possibly 31) weeks pregnant. About a week and a half ago I started having severe lower back pain. I have tried everything- belly brace, ice, heating pad, tylenol, rest, icy/hot patches,massages- to help. But nothing is helping, if it does only for a couple minutes. So of course I contaced my doctor. She said it was normal and wrote me a presciption for tylenol with a codeine derivative and a muscle relaxer. I tried taking those, but they didnt help with the pain all they did was make me extremely tired. The pain is getting worse and worse everyday. Ive tried talking to my doctor but its like talking to a brick wall. It is so severe I cant walk, sit, lie down without severe pain. My back cramps up constantly and locks atleast 5 times a day to the point where I cant move. This is the worst pain I have ever felt. It hurts so bad its all I can do to not cry and make it through the day. Is this really normal? I am trying really hard to have the strength to make it through the last phase of my pregnancy but Im afraid this pain is going to drive me crazy. I was in great shape pre-pregnancy and gained average weight so far. I dont understand why its so bad. Is it possible I have been misdiagnosed? My doctor says its muscles but Ive had muscle problems before and this feels NOTHING like that, I had a severe tendon problems in my knees for 2-3years as a teenager and it feels EXACTLY like that just in my back. My back doesnt feel right, it feels like something is loose and I felt a strong pop the other day when I bent over. Im worried something is torn. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Im at my wit ends and this pain is unbearable. Please post if you have any ideas about my pain or how to beat it into my doctors head how severe this is! Kassie

You could always talk to your healthcare provider and ask for approval to get a second opinion from a different doctor. There is nothing wrong with that. My recommendation: You should also visit a physical therapist who is experienced in pre/post partum treatment for back pain. Check with your health insurance. There are specialists out there that have treated these problems before. Pain is part of pregnancy, but it should not be as bad as you have it.

Have you tried Yoga or special breathing techniques? These are great ways to reduce pain and physical pressure. Breathing techniques will also help you when it comes to giving birth. Keyword: Lamaze

Dom

Me again. Check out this website:

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c...cy/preg02.html

Hopefully that will help you.

Dom

At 8 weeks or so, I began having these horrible backaches - the kind that just make you sob. I understood that backache came with the territory, but this kind of pain was different than anything that I had experienced - not to mention the fact that I stupidly waited 2 weeks, during which time the pain grew 10 fold. I couldn't get out of bed and when I did, I paid for it. I called my ob/gyn and the office scheduled an ultrasound. The technician couldn't diagnose my problem, but they did tell me that I had a large amount of fluid behind my uterus that indicated to her that one of my cysts had ruptured. She went onto explain that this fluid could be the reason for my discomfort. Later that day, I phoned my sister and she said that during her pregnancy she had the samething happen to her and that the diagnosis was similar. Needless to say...I received no medication, was told to take tylenol, but within a few weeks the pain disappeared. I hope this was helpful.

Klynrice. How are you doing? Has it gotten a little better? I am due in March and so far I have been spared with really aching pains.

SG

Well I went and had a second opinion. I went and saw my regular doctor- who happens to be the base hospitals best doctor when it comes to backs. He actuall spent 30 minute with me about my back compared to my other doctors 1 or 2. He said first off, my doctor gave me muscle relaxers- he said not all the correct thing to do & I dont need them so dont take them, they wont help. He said her diagnosis of it just being a muscle was close but not right- my problem is with ligaments in my back. My ligaments are very weak. He said bed rest wont help. I need to strenghten and stretch. I have stretches I do daily and he also referred me to a physical therapist. He said I also have realy bad sciatica, which unfortunately wont go away until i have her. Gotten a little better but still have my bad days. Kassie

It's at least good to know what exactly you are dealing with now. That does not necessarily make the pain go away, but it takes away the uncertainty and the questioning.

You are in my thoughts and I hope it all gets better soon. <Big Hug>

Dom