Lower back pain . . . can you help me decide what I need to do?

[BamaTanya]

For the past couple of weeks, I've been stiff every morning when I first get up. This morning it was awful. I cried when I tried to bend over to pick up a belt one of the dc had dropped on the floor. I hurt when I reached down into the refrigerator to get the milk.

It gets better after an hour or so. I won't even remember it by the time I crawl into bed tonight.

Is this because of a bad (old, cheap) mattress?

This morning there were 2 dc in the bed with us, and that always makes it worse. (Yes, we still have midnight visitors, even though nursing is long over, lol.) Even if I think I'm in a comfortable position, getting squished between the other occupants seems to lock my spine.

I know there are some exercises that are good for alleviating and preventing back pain. Any links?

Do I need to go see somebody? Or just shell out the money for a new mattress?

tia

[T Baer]

I would suggest try sleeping on a different mattress. Can you, just for one night sleep on your kids bed and see if that makes a difference. Having a bad or old mattress can definitely give you pain. Also are you warm enough? I know if I get cold this adds to my being achy in the AM

[Lisa at Home]

you might want to try a night on the floor, too, depending on the kids' matresses.

~Lisa

[Sandra in NC]

Sleep with a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, or between your knees if you sleep on your side. This has helped me tremendously!

[Jennifer in MI]

I coud've written your post! I don't think my pain was ever to the point of crying, but it was bad. I did realize that when we were travelling to relatives houses and hotels my pain seemed to subside and when we got home it got worse again. I assumed it was my bed.

We didn't buy a new bed (yet). I decided before we made that investment I would try other things first. So, I started exercising. This has made a world of difference. I don't know if my muscles were just weak back there or what. But, I'm on the same matress and don't have the pain. I also started sleeping with a pillow between my legs.

I don't know which one has made the difference, but I feel so much better!!! I hope you find something that works for you!!!

[cricket1178]

I have this, too, only mine will hurt if I've been in the recliner for a little bit of time. After sleeping all night it is really stiff. I think it is weak abdominal muscles and am looking for excercises. I could stand to lose a few pounds, too.:o