Back Pain Post-Preganancy

A.,

I had my second child 3 1/2 months ago. Some of the back pain that I experienced after my first pregnancy and again with this one was associated with my epidural. It subsides over time and eventually goes away. I wouldn't rule this out as a possible source. Not sleeping flat on my back helps - put a pillow under your knees, sleep with your knees bent, or sleep on your side with your knees bent. Checking with your physician or chiropractor is certainly recommended to see what the source is for your pain.

Good luck!

Hi A.,
Pregnancy can do a number on you, plus carrying around a new baby and moving your body in new positions can throw things out of whack. I think it might help if you do just a few things.

Do not sleep flat. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side be sure your spine is straight and place a pillow between your knees. The pillow under your head should keep your neck straight and aligned to your spine. There are a couple of exercised I do daily that really help me.

Core exercises: to tighten your core. find a good book or go online and find a couple that you think you wouldn't mind doing. spend 5 minutes before you even get out of bed in the morning doing them.

Stretches: I have a gentle stretch a chiropractor showed me and it works great. Put one foot on a chair. Keep both legs straight. Place both hands with arms straight just above your knee. Don't push down or you may pull a muscle. Just rest your hands gently there. then stretch your neck straight out making your spine and neck a straight line. Count to 20 or 30. Gently repeat this during the day at intervals.

See if these help you. I also am a big believer in supplementation...proper nutrition. If you would like some help there email me and I will give you some suggestions.

Best of Luck. It will get better if you take the time to take care of yourself. You may need some coaching on how to move properly to avoid straining your back. It is an adjustment after a baby is born and you are suddenly carrying a baby around in weird positions, but be patient and hopefully you will feel better soon!

Have you thought about seeing a chiropractor? I went to one through my whole pregnancy. I did have some back problems and some nerve problems but it helped decrease the pain and it was more barable than it would have been otherwise. I know its an added expense but i would recommend it and I myself will go to one through all of my other pregnancies. Oh the things we go through to be a mom! Good luck. I hope you find something that helps.

I have a 5 week old and, girl, I feel your pain! With mine, it was too painful to walk (and I have to care for a 19 month old as well. After 2 chiropractic adjustments that didn't help, I finally went to see dr. Mike Auvenshine, who is a family practice doctor and a good friend. He also has a specialty in sports medicine. Anyway, he did some checking on my back and immediately figured out what was causing my pain,as he has done with several of my post-pregnancy friends. Now I am good to go. I just wish I has gone to him sooner. He is located where 380 and 377 meet in between Denton and Providence. I sure hope this helps and that you find relief very soon.

I would go to the Dr. As you already well know, pregnancy does a number on your body and this was your 2nd pregnancy.

I've been visiting my Plano Orthopedic over 4 months trying to resolve some lower back, foot pain. To my surprise, after a test was run, I have 1 leg slightly shorter than the other. My Dr. told me that someone like me, petite, often has issues post pregnancy because our bones move around and basically, my back and hips were out of line with the rest of my body. My "baby" is 14 yrs old and I never connected the dots as far as my alignment being out oa whack due to giving birth.

After getting some special orthotics for my shoes, I am AMAZED at the difference in my feet. Also, he sent to to Physical Therapy for a few visits and she has helped me with some exercises that stregthen the my core muscles and since I have done this, my lower back no longer hurts.

As far as Physical Therapy, I went 1 time, my therapist thoroughly went over each exercise and how to do it. I do the exercises at home and it feels GOOD to do them. Some people, maybe without much discipline or time management, go to the PT center regularly to have monitored care.

I go to the Dr.s at Plano Orthopedic and we've seen all of them I believe. They have specialists for each area. GREATEST Dr.s. A lot of people want to move right to surgery but they work with you to avoid surgery unless it is absolutely necessary.

www.posmc.com

Seriously, get this book and do this program:

The Core Program : Fifteen Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Life
by Peggy W. Brill,

I have been living with back pain for YEARS. It started with my first pregnancy and really became unbearable after my 2nd (to the point where I could barely move in the mornings). I started doing this core program and feel SO much better.

-L.