2nd tri back pain - help!

I've had some sciatic pain, on and off, over the past few weeks. Today I was at my desk for most of the day, and towards the end of the day my back was aching, but nothing to really worry me.

On the drive home (which is only 10 minutes) however, the pain was so bad that my eyes were watering and I was groaning through the pain. The pain reminded me of what I used to get in the lead up to AF arriving. Having said that, it's a constant pain, where as AF back pain was always like, well, contractions I suppose - coming and going in waves. The pain I'm experiencing today is dull, achy and ouchy, but not sharp. It's around my lower back, above my hips.

My belly is not doing anything, I felt Aristotle moving this afternoon, and I'm not feeling any pain in my front. In fact, he just kicked me, so I figure he's fine.

So...if this is normal preggy back pain, which I figure it is, can anyone give me some ideas of pain relief? I feel like lying on my back but that's not the best thing. Has anyone else managed to get some relief with other pain relief (besides paracetamol)? Are there are stretches or exercises that have helped? I'm going to have a massage early next week, but any recommendations for what I can do over the weekend would be appreciated.

Besides the physical ouch, I'm discovering how upsetting this sort of pain can be for a LTTTC girl - cause there's some bad memories that used to come with this pain!
:cry:

I have been having back pain since I got preggers I reckon.

But as I have gotten bigger - its sort of creeping up my back.

Initially I saw a physio and used heat packs and panadol, but now I have moved on to remedial massage one a week/fortnight. I also find warm baths with radox help too (just make sure you have someone to help you out the bath!)

heat packs, warm baths/showers, having DH rub it gently, physio, walking in the pool. Thats all the things i've found that have been helping me get through.

Yes to all the things that Sunshine and Krikket mentioned. Careful on the warm baths of course (not too warm) and maybe see if work have a better/more adjustable chair for you. I bought a special back pillow thing to go in my chair with DS due to constant sitting and the pain it caused which helped a little. Back pain has just kicked off this week for this bub...Yeah!

Hey Sunshine, your bubby is due on my bday! A great day for a little Tauras!

I have also been getting alot of back aches, especially when driving in a car or when sleeping. My tummy muscles on my sides have been very annoying and painful also and feel like they are stretching all the time - which im sure they are.
Warm baths helped me alot, along with pillows for support when sleeping and driving long distances.

I have found DF is too gentle on the massages & isn't always around so I use tennis balls. Lay on them & wriggle around will give you a good massage.

I'm getting really bad back pain as well not only from my growing belly but my humungo boobs. My doctor gave me a pain killer tramadol genrx which is working wonders. Golf balls also work for a massage.

Acupunture can work wonders on back pain during pregnancy. It can help strengthen the kidneys which is normally the source of lower back pain. Give it a try, it always works for me

Hi, I had regular chiro through pregnancy whenever I felt the need - also helped turn my breech baby! I bought a $30 hand held massager from kmart which gave me relief and some capsicum patches from the chinese herbal store helped add heat to sore spots. Watch the tramadol meds as they might constipate you.
inky :)

Remedial massage has been a lifesaver for me - along with warm baths, heat packs, and the odd panadol when it gets really bad.

Also, wearing really comfy, supportive shoes, and watching my posture - I keep finding I am swaying my back, with the belly thrust forwards. When I remember to suck in my bellybutton towards my spine, and lift up through my back and neck, this really helps take the weight and strain off my lower back.