Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain During Pregnancy

Posted on Tue, 20 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 6 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and am experiencing excruciating lower back pain. In some occasions it is almost crippling, such as attempting to get up from a lay down position. Can any remedies subside this horrific feeling?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get up on one side

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand you are experiencing severe back pain during pregnancy.

Such pain is generally due to stretching of ligaments and muscles in the body to accommodate pregnant uterus and baby. The weight has to be balanced by muscles of back which stretch to give space for baby and uterus.

Try to change the position while getting up from sleeping position. Turn on either right or left side and use your hand to support the body and then get up slowly by putting weight on hand which removes weight from back and relieve back pain.

Meanwhile sleep in afternoon for 2 hours and keep lying down in between as much as possible.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (6 hours later)

Are there any stretches or specific positions in which I can place myself during the work day to alleviate some of the pain as well?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Frequent rests needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Have a comfortable back rest. Take frequent breaks and rest in between ( preferably lying down every 30 minutes every 2 hours).

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar