Upper/Mid Back Pain

**BlackRose** · November 26th, 2013, 10:50 AM

I know most pregnancy manuals bang on about getting lower back pain due to pregnancy, but this time round (3rd pregnancy) I have been experiencing upper/mid back pain just above my bra strap line. I only really notice it during night but I am waking from it now. So much pain that I am having to take panadeine to help. Early evening is fine, I go to sleep with no pain, but come 3am it is keeping me awake. I can't lie on either side for too long and the only real comfortable position is on my back which I can't do for too much longer. I am worried that as my pregnancy progresses and my only sleep position options are on my sides that this is going to cause major sleeping problems.

My lower back is fine. No pain at all.

Anyone experienced this?

Thinking of getting regular weekly massages to help but if there is anything else anyone has tried to alleviate this upper/mid back pain I would greatly appreciate the advice!

Thanks

**LionsandBears** · November 26th, 2013, 01:34 PM

I got that throughout. It's rib pain - either rolled or being pushed out of the way by hub. I had regular chiro for that and SPD, which helped. The only thing that fixed it was birth.

**TickToc** · November 26th, 2013, 01:50 PM

Yep, I've had "tight" ribs on my right side since about 15/16 weeks & it's becoming worse. Some days it feels like my ribs are catching on something & I visit the chiro to have them manipulated & other times they are really tight & tender, I struggle to take a deep breath so I see the osteo & she does a wonderful job of loosening them off for me, last week she also had to work on the front of my diaphragm.
I agree that laying on my back is comfortable in bed but not practical & it's aggravated by sitting for long periods.

**LionsandBears** · November 26th, 2013, 06:13 PM

To sleep on my back in pregnancy, I bought a big wedge pillow. I couldn't sleep on my sides for too long without huge pain from the SPD.

**TickToc** · November 26th, 2013, 07:00 PM

L&B did you use the wedge to prop up one side? Although DP might smoother me if I attempt to sleep on my back due to snoring

**LionsandBears** · November 26th, 2013, 09:01 PM

I had many pillows. One big wedge pillow about 50cmx50cm. I could sleep on it on my back or sides. I'd rotate throughout the night. As I wasn't putting pressure on any veins, it was safe for me to sleep flat on my back. I didn't hear the snoring, so it didn't bother me

i also had had a smaller wedge for the belly, another pillow at my back and another between my knees. By the end of it, I'm pretty sure the pillows were breeding. They'd taken over the bed and DH was in the spare room.

**BlackRose** · November 27th, 2013, 02:30 PM

Thanks all. Yeah I ended up kicking DH out of bed for the last trimester of my second pregnancy due to the pillow issue.. I think it will be the same for this pregnancy.. Will be looking into a wedge pillow too!

**TickToc** · November 28th, 2013, 07:58 PM

Owww, it feels like the muscle is pulling away from my ribs on the right! I'm now propped up & surrounded by pillows (thankfully DP is working away tonight) but man it hurts

**Dansta** · November 28th, 2013, 10:44 PM

yep. thats me. i've had it on and off since 20weeks. now at 32(eh, near enough) is there at night. rolling around on my fit ball helps but im thinking the magic cure will be birth LOL.

**TickToc** · November 29th, 2013, 06:46 AM

And to top it off my gall stones/bladder are playing up which means I've had a crappy night sleep, tossing & turning, am very tender in the ribs & stomach & want to cry

So which comes first - the rib/muscle pain or the gall bladder inflammation pain? Chicken or egg.

Sorry to hijack the thread

**BlackRose** · November 30th, 2013, 08:00 AM

Oh goodness tiktok.. I had my gall bladder out I was in so much pain from stones.. I know how you feel but when pregnant there isn't much you can do about it..

I'm finding if I take some panedeine before bed then the pain isn't as bad when I wake.. Maybe because I'm able to relax more cos my muscles aren't hurting? Anyway.. Massage and chiropractic from now on I think...

**HotI** · November 30th, 2013, 08:23 AM

i have had other pains (pelvis/hip), and had been putting it off but got an appt for a physio yesterday. I am moving much more easily, with less pain. Might be worth trying someone specialising in women's/pregnancy health. I found mine from the Australian Physiotherapist Association website. I was also able to access funding for 5 sessions from the GP, worth asking if money is an issue.

**TickToc** · November 30th, 2013, 08:34 AM

HotI I wonder if I could get something similar for osteo appts? The gall bladder pain has almost disappeared but I'm left with tight muscles along my ribs, I suspect from tending against the original pain, & I cannot afford weekly $75 visits to the osteo.

Black rose, it's the absolute pits isn't it? And I have no set trigger foods either, it's more a Russian roulette as sometimes I have an attack from eating a particular food then if I try to eat it again a few months later I'm fine. Sometimes I can eat my normal diet & bam! Ouchies. I have a GP appt on Monday so will speak to her about pain management. My stones are quite large & I'm cautious about avoiding toxic build up.

**HotI** · November 30th, 2013, 08:42 AM

It's worth asking. i know there were a number of services that the GP could tick, but can't remember if osteo was on there. The program was called Enhanced Primary Care (EPC).

**Heaven** · November 30th, 2013, 09:26 AM

Ouch, I get this too! Right about where my bra sits, feels like sore muscles. I have had it for all 3 of my pregnancies but chiro has helped heaps with the last two. Get to the chiro asap!

**BlackRose** · November 30th, 2013, 04:20 PM

Ouch, I get this too! Right about where my bra sits, feels like sore muscles. I have had it for all 3 of my pregnancies but chiro has helped heaps with the last two. Get to the chiro asap!

Yes heaven this is exactly where my pain is. I'm going to look for a pregnancy friendly chiro this week I think. I have private health cover so not a problem.

Thanks for the tip Hotl.. Will speak to my GP ASAP about the rebate

**TickToc** · December 2nd, 2013, 09:00 AM

YES!!! Found out this morning I can have 5 bulk billed sessions with my osteo through the EPC program (it's not called that anymore but the new name is very long lol) Thank you for making me/us aware of this HotI

I have a GP appt today so will get the ball rolling

**Frangipani Lou** · December 2nd, 2013, 07:46 PM

That's great news Tick Tock.

I've done the same when I've needed it. It does usually still cost something but its heaps better than full price. I hope you get some pain relief soon.