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Category: Symptoms & Discomforts

Asked by TotMama

Q: Almost 31 weeks and I have the worst upper back pain

As anyone experienced a sudden onset of a nagging upper right back pain near the top of the rib cage and shoulder blade area? It all started around four weeks ago when I got an upper respiratory cold. Since then it has slightly gotten better once I was able to get rid of the infection,however it went away completely for about a week and then returned after I "over did it" with house work and after several attempts to start the lawn mower. I'm seriously worried that something major is going on. Please note that this pain isn't a constant issue just once in a while when I use my right arm to much. I've done some research on this topic and some sites says that it could be the way the baby is positioned but if that's the case then why does it mostly happen after strenuous work? Last night was the first night I was unable to get a full night sleep because of it :( if anyone has any insight I'd be more then happy to hear your story.

This question was asked Oct. 14, 2014 11:50pm
Category: Symptoms & Discomforts

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Answers (5)

Answered by snolie14 - Oct. 15, 2014 1:17pm

Pain can be because you're compensating because of the pain...it can make it worse!! I tore my rotator cuff on my left side and even after I was healed, the pain in my upper back and shoulder was excruciating and was really hard to deal with. I didn't realize I was compensating and using the muscle less, which strained my other side as well. I wouldn't fret too much, I'm sure it's just muscle pain from the mower and starting it, etc. Just relax. You can take acetaminophen, maybe that will help ease some pain, or try a rub on muscle relaxer or even warm and cool compresses...heating pad maybe? Just take it easy and I'm sure it will start to subside :-) Hope you get some relief soon!!!

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Answered by TotMama - Oct. 15, 2014 12:35pm

As a matter of fact the right arm is the one I used to start that damn lawn mower ;/ and I hadn't felt any pain on that side since I had gotten over my cold. About an hour after I pulled the pullcord to start landscaper mode is when all hell broke loose and some days suck more then others ugh the things we do to bring these babies into the world huh lol

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Answered by Sianny - Oct. 15, 2014 12:26pm

It sounds awful hun.
I think its because you've only damaged one side, it's not the weight of the baby which is why it's not the more common lower back but something that's happened that has caused this pain, not sure if the lawn mower or pain came first but if it started after the mower than my money is on that being the culprit and it doesn't have to be the arm you used to start it as you'll be surprised how much the other can be affected in such tasks.
It sounds like you've wrenched or ripped a muscle and it might not get better till after birth, even with rest as now every little thing will set it off until the hormones settle.
When i fell pregnant i found the tiny sway from my walk caused agony in my shoulder for no reason, stupid hormones.
Maybe a physio session might help, i don't know if that's an option or this may sound silly but put it in a sling and see if it helps at all.
I really do hope it decides to go away, nothing worse than back pain.

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Answered by TotMama - Oct. 15, 2014 11:49am

Thanks for your response! the main question(s) I have is why is it only on one side and towards the upper back and not lower back? I know lower back can be a huge problem during late pregnancy which is weird because I rarely have that. I've driven myself mad looking for answers on the web :/ unfortunately there isn't much that can be done in regard to X-rays or MRI's until after peanut is born,which I'm hoping this all goes away when she arrives and I can chill lol! I know what your saying is true because I've read it numerous times. Oddly enough the night before last I didn't sleep because of the pain and had a more miserable day yesterday and then last night I actually slept without pain,sadly as I sit here typing this i feel like it trying to get my attention.

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Answered by Sianny - Oct. 15, 2014 6:11am

Your body is releasing a hormone (called relaxin) to relax your muscles as your baby gets heavier and your hips move ready for birth. This hormone makes it really easy to pull, overstretch and generally annoy your muscles through out your body if you attempt strenuous activities. This is worse and more easily done if this is not your baby.
You'll find that once a muscle has been hurt it will play you up no end and be the first to complain if you even mildly over do it.
Its kind of a way for your body to say to you 'it's time to slow down and take it easy'. So step away from the lawn mower lol!
My back hates me waddling to the shops and back and lifting my 2yr old son is out of the question.
Its time to put your feet up hunni x Hope the pain eases up for you soon x

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