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Expert Q&A
Question:
My wife is having a lot of pain starting from her mid-buttock area to mid-thigh in the back. It is very bad and she has a hard time just walking to the bathroom. She is two months pregnant. Somebody said it might be a slip disc problem. Is that possible? Or is it some nerve pinching and causing the pain. She says that it started very gradually and grew to be very strong within five hours or so. Please tell me what could be wrong?
Answer:
A "slipped" or herniated disc can be possible, but often sharp, disabling back pain during pregnancy is due to joint laxity or "looseness" of the sacroiliac joints. Pregnancy hormones can cause softening and stretching of the ligaments long before there is substantial weight gain or fetal growth. Sacroiliac joint pain is indeed the result of traction, or pulling, on a nerve or nerves.

Based on the information you provided, I recommend you consult your physician and a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of pregnancy-related back pain. Further testing may be indicated to rule out a herniated disc. Applying a cold pack to the painful are for 20 minutes may be helpful, as well as maintaining symmetrical sitting and standing posture. Avoid standing with your weight shifted onto one leg, or sitting on one side of your buttocks. Placing two pillows width-wise between the legs may also be helpful.

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