Lower back

[MsSassyBaskets]

I have a mega-knot in my lower back that is pinching something and sending pain down into my hip and butt. My only idea for the moment is to use a tennis ball to try and work it out. It's mostly just on the left in terms of pain, but I can feel the same tightness on the other side. I tend to get this occasionally when I've been slouching at my desk too much or sitting on the couch with my feet up on the coffee table, which strains my lower back (guilty of both this week). Later this evening DH might be able to massage it, but for now I'm having trouble sitting in my desk chair. Suggestions?

[JDAZ11]

Lower back

Is it higher than your SI joint?

Maybe a heating pad? (Not sure if that's a great idea while your preggers). But heating it and then rolling it out with something (tennis ball might not be firm enough if it's a bad knot) might feel good.

Pre-natal massage gift to yourself 😉.

[PrincessFiona]

I was going to suggest a heating pad too. I imagine you would be okay to put one on that area of your back hurting you. The other option might be a warm bath. Have you tried any gentle stretches or sitting on a birthing ball and gently moving your hips around?

Kris

[MsSassyBaskets]

Yeah, it is higher than SI. Probably L3-5 range? I think I'm OK to use a heating pad as long as it's more warm, not crazy hot enough to increase my core temp. I'll double check though. Ugh, it is really hard to sit right now. This struck last weekend, but then improved for a few days. I do think I need to find a good place to get a prenatal massage.

[MsSassyBaskets]

I was going to suggest a heating pad too. I imagine you would be okay to put one on that area of your back hurting you. The other option might be a warm bath. Have you tried any gentle stretches or sitting on a birthing ball and gently moving your hips around?

Kris

Funny enough, I sit on an exercise ball at my desk sometimes, but switched back to the chair for a couple days because the extra muscle engagement was causing tightness. I'll try stretching my hamstrings as well, sometimes that takes the pull off the lower back...

[ladymoreta]

Are you sleeping in your side? I found I needed a full-sized pillow between my legs at night.

[MsSassyBaskets]

Are you sleeping in your side? I found I needed a full-sized pillow between my legs at night.

Yep, I have a body pillow and sleep mostly on my left side. I'm trying a heating pad now, and did a first round of tennis ball rolling, but it is still pretty bad. I can stand, walk, and lay down just fine, but sitting upright is hurting, and I have work I need to get done! Ugh!

[Sheherezade]

I'd think something was out of whack. Have you tried doing a few yoga poses to stretch it out?


Angie

[JDAZ11]

Any improvement today?

[MsSassyBaskets]

A little better today after taking it easy last night. Hopefully a weekend away from the desk will help. I need to look into a massage and some other maintenance though, this is not going to get better as I get bigger.

[JDAZ11]

Good! Glad it's slightly better.

You may want to think about swimming too if it is at all possible. My friends that have swam during their pregnancies have appeared to feel pretty good.

Once you have the baby, if you're still having any issues, I have found the best place ever that does an amazing job addressing muscle imbalances and injuries.

[MsSassyBaskets]

Swimming would be good too. I had a particularly inactive week this week, and was at my desk or working with a laptop on the couch the whole time. Just stretching, walking, and moving more in general helps, so I know I need to do better or in going to be in pain! The heating pad and stretching has helped for now.

[MAPPLEBUM]

Do you use anything like BioFreeze or Deep Blue?

I always recommend therapeutic massage