Lower Back Pain

I used to have all sorts of horrible trouble with my back. I see a chiro regularly and have NO more pain at all!

I had the same problem. When I would bend over to put my son in the pack and play or bassinet I would feel like I was going to collapse.

I started seeing a chiropractor and am not completely heeled. I felt like a new person after just a week.

Best to you.

Yep, the same with me. Mine has been going on for a lot longer though. This started with my baby who is 6 now. I have had lower back pain since. If you find out what to do, let me know. I tried chiropractors...it helps temporarily.

Yes I had sciatica after my last pregnancy. Strengthening my tummy muscles & correcting my posture was the solution for me.

It sounds like your back is tight and overworked from compensating for your abs being weak. I'm an exercise physiologist and I own a prenatal and postpartum fitness company. We offer a class specifically for this problem called "Tummy Time for Mommy". I have a couple of classes that just started and one starting next week. If you're interested, check out www.bigbellyfitness.net and click on the link next to Tummy Time for Mommy.

I can happily say I used to have sciatic nerve problems. Used to is the key. I had problems before I had kids and finally ended in physical therapy. The therapist I had was pretty new and had a new book looking at new ideas for treating this. We worked on stretching the hamstring which is pretty much the main muscle that puts pressure on the nerve. i have not really had a problem since. I make sure I stretch often. When I did get pregnant, i had no issues even though I was told the baby weight could cause a recurrence. The only time I do feel like a problem might start is when I get lazy and do not stretch it out. So you can try that and see. It might be difficult during a pregnancy but.... One way we worked it is I lay on my stomach with my leg up at a 90 degree angle. The therapist lifted the leg and I could feel the stretch. She then pressed on the area that hurt. Then later we got into just stretching by putting my leg up on a support and leaning forward, like you would do if you ran or walked for exercise. You can try this and see if it gives you any relief. Good Luck.

Tell your Dr. about this. Your Dr. may prescribe some more physical therapy to strengthen your abdomen/core area. At least your physical therapist will give you some good exercises and stretches to alleviate you of your sciatic pain. If you don't want to go the route of PT again and you are close enough to visit your old physical therapist, you can ask them about good exercises and stretches that you can do to strengthen yourself.

However....best advise is to start with your Dr and they possibly will want to do an MRI, which is easy. Good luck.

Did you OB/GYN ever test you for a diastis recti an abdominal separation that occurs 2 out of 3 women during their pregnancy and postpartum? Unfortunately not many do this test (and I wish more would because it can affect the quality of life for a new and busy mom) When the abs are separated, they are not formed to support the torso causing issues like low back pain, urinary or stress incontinence, etc. It makes sense and sounds like if you had to wear a belt then you most likely have one. I would also recommend you go see a pelvic floor PT so they can address other underlying issues that may be going on. If you live in or near the city, Judy Florendo of Florendo PT is the top Pelvic Floor PT in the area, she trains other Pelvic Floor PTs, if you are interested and want her info, please reply back.

I specialize in women's health particularly pre and postnatal wellness. I also train other health and fitness professionals through www.healthymomsfitness.com Bounce Back Into Shape After Baby talks about this abdominal separation and how to exercise to get it back together. You can find it on Amazon.

J. W. MPH
Lifestyle and Wellness Consultant