Managing back pain

Does anyone know the best ways to manage back pain in pregnancy? I had severe, debilitating pain with my DD to the point where I couldn't walk. I really can't afford for the same to happen this time! I was thinking of getting a massage chair and also a belly support singlet. I had a back brace last time but it only helped marginally, though I'm hoping the pain won't get that extreme anyway. I injured my back in the beginning of my pregnancy last time, I'm worried the old injury will flare up.
Any ideas?

If it is your SIJ (Sacroilliac Joint) then physio will help. Some hospital physio departments hire out TENS machines, or you could look at accupuncture or Osteo. It is more about getting your back into the correct alignment and relaxing the muscles that pull it out of whack.

i agree with ali
i am using osteopath for my hip and back pain. working so far :D

i get pain from almost day one lol. got really bad pain again today so think its time for a trip back to my osteopath this week

i have a bad(ish) back anyway and it flared up in both pregnancies. I like going to a physio to get exercises I can do for strength/alingment. I also find swimming and yoga or pilates (depending omn the injury) help a lot - keep mobility etc.
I have been having acupuncture lately and also cupping which works really well for me, I feel instant pain relief (whereas the others are more for prevention/longer term).
A massage is always good....

Glad I found this thread! I kinda forgot that I posted it XD I also just realized how stupid I was to buy shoes with a heel on them today for work (since I walk to work). duuh.

I couldn't afford accupuncture or other alternative treatments right now, I might get back in touch with my physio from my last pregnancy though. I don't think the problem is a joint, I'm pretty sure it's the muscle that was ripped away from the bone swelling up and putting pressure on surrounding nerves (this is what the physio said).

Oh, and it wasn't a back brace as such, it was a maternity stretchy belt back support jobbie.

I had severe sciatica from 6wks of pregnancy til about 15 weeks and could hardly move. An osteo i was referred to has done wonders for me.

Lots of heat
massage
don't put too much pressure to cause inflammation.

Good Luck!

firslty massage chairs are a no no as far as I know

I use a lot of heat, those heat packs etc, also got the all clear to use emu oil which surprisingly has helped heaps, I still suffer but mine is mainly upper so kinda hard to deal...

I've suffered from back pain from about 16 weeks so have a few tricks up my sleave now:

- heat packs, especially for in bed
- warm baths
- belly belt (my physio ordered it for me)
- pregnancy yoga - I go to George St in East Freo. Brilliant
- pregnancy aqua aerobics - I go to South Care Physio at SJOG Murdoch.
- physio - South Care physio again. They specialise in pregnancy and the girls are great
- don't wear flat shoes! A slight heal is actually much better for back issues

Taurean, I'm right near East Freo lol. Aparently there's a prenatal aqua aerobics class run by a doula that's very good, I might try that.

Rach, what's wrong with massage chairs?

Childondaway, I think my problem is muscular is it got worse as my pregnancy progressed.

I'm not sure but you know the ones they have in shopping centres actually have a warning on the side not to be used by children and pg woman so I presume its somethng to do with the massage as such

Wow, I never noticed that. I might ask my Dr about it.