Pinched Nerve When Pregnant

Updated on December 15, 2008
A.C. asks from Alto, MI
25 answers

Hi, I am 8 months pregnant and about a month ago I started having trouble with carpal tunnel. Now to make matters worse I have a pinched nerve on the right side between my shoulder blade and spine. It was already hard enough to sleep with my hands and wrists tingling and hurting, now I wake up and have to walk around to get it to stop. But it hurts to adjust myself in bed and now my hands tingle all day also from the pinched nerve. I take Tylenol when it gets bad, but does anyone else have any advice about this? I've never had these problems before. I know it's from the pregnancy because my body is retaining water and my back has more pressure on it. I just don't know how to ease the pain. Its more annoying than anything, especially at work when I already am not getting enough sleep, then my hands act up and I cannot lean over. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

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R.G.

answers from Detroit on

You may want to consider visiting a chiropractor. It would help you tremendously. I hope you feel better. :)

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P.D.

answers from Detroit on

Quit the Tylenol, and go see a chiropractor. Mine is Dr. Stephanie Rose, on Grand River 2 doors west of the Rams Horn Farmington. She's very good, a graduate of Palmer... you want the Palmer Institute.

###-###-####
http://rosechiropractic.com/

More Answers

J.W.

answers from Detroit on

Hello A.,
Is it possible there might be some tension or fear about the pregnancy? The body responds in different ways to this. I teach a method of childbirth called HypnoBirthing...........it's all about learning to relax your body and mind to allow the birth to happen, not to have fear which then causes pain. My suggestion for you right now is to relax, breath and visualize your body pain free. Check it out if you are interested! www.YourPeacefulBirthing.com

Blessings to you on your upcoming birthing!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.A.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I'd go to a chiropractor who works with pregnant women. I don't ever go to chiropractors but during my last pregnancy I had a pinched nerve issue plus hip pain and the adjustments really helped. Haven't been since so it's nothing you have do forever once you start, but the relief for that last month was nice.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.N.

answers from Benton Harbor on

I had Carpel Tunnel only while pregnant, too. You are right, it's just from the extra pressure on your nerves. It got so bad I couldn't write or inflate a bp cuff at work because my fingers were numb. One thing you can try for the CT is this; if you have a double kitchen sink (or two tupperware containers, etc.) fill one side with hot water, as warm as you can stand, and fill the other side with cold water. Alternate back and forth, immersing both forearms in one side for a minute, then the other side for a minute. Do it a few times as often as you need. I don't know why it works, but my mom, who is an OT, and my sister, who is a PT, both advise it. Of course, it is temporary relief, but it is drug free!

Oh yes...and some Chiropractors offer pregnancy massage...I highly recommend that. And some even have a table with a cutout for your belly!

Also, try a BellaBand. Look it up on the internet...about $30 but well worth it!! They run big so order your pre-preg size, if you are in between, I'd order the smaller one. Even though you only have a month to go, you'll use it after the baby is born, too! You can run a stitch up the inside for post-partum support if you need it to be a little smaller!
~L.

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C.L.

answers from Saginaw on

Went to a Chiropractor both my pregnancies. First one to correct tingling and stuff myself, 2nd one I did it just to stay comfortable with my body shifts and changes. I would do it everytime now without hesitation.
C.

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R.H.

answers from Detroit on

Find a chiropractor!!!! It will do you a WORLD of good. Make sure the chiropractor is experienced in adjusting pregnant women, but many of them are. There are several in your area. Unfortunately I don't know any specific chiros in Grand Rapids. A girlfriend of mine practices in Traverse City.

But, when I was pregnant I was in a tremendous amount of pain in my hips and low back. My chiropractor was WONDERFUL! For many months I couldn't see her because we were living overseas...but once I came home I and started seeing her I could actualy MOVE again with no pain!

A good chiropractor is a pregnant woman's best friend!

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T.V.

answers from Detroit on

Go see Dr. Robert Stiles at Stiles Chiropractic in Novi. He does Applied Kineseology. I wish I had gone right before my third delivery. I had all the same symptoms. I had a rough delivery because I was so out of wack. After the delivery I went to him and I discovered that my hips were out of line as well as a few other things. Good Luck, T.

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

chiropractor can probably help

I went to the chiropractor early in my pregnancy for sciatic nerve pain.

It helped and I was pretty good for the rest of the pregnancy.

You probably cant lay on your tummy now.. but the chiropractor can probablyhelp you.\

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A.H.

answers from Grand Rapids on

A., Congrats on the upcomming arrival! I am in the same boat. I am on preg #4, and have had the carpal tunnel thing with all four, in a variation of degrees, the first being the worst. Unfortunately for me, nothing really helped with that. I tried the braces that the dr recommended, but they didn't seem to make it better, in fact, I thought it made it worse, but it may work for you, you could try that. As far as my pinched nerve, for the first 2 preg, a massage therapist was able to aleviate the pain. One visit would usually take care of it for about a week to a week and a half. With #3, nothing was helping and my dr. ended uup sending me to physical therapy for it. I was skeptical to say the least, but HOLY COW, IT WORKED!!!! I was pain free! I was actually better than before I got pregnant, because the nerve (although lower in my back than yours) always bothered me, even after births of the other 2. Ask your dr. I also took water aerobics and that helped...but the prenatal class was cancelled. Hope you figure it all out, because I know how miserable it can get. good luck!

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S.C.

answers from Detroit on

I had a nerve in my back that would pinch on me all through my last pregnancy. I saw a chiropractor the entire time. They can adjust you so you don't hurt anymore. A pinched nerve in your neck can also give you the carpletunnel feelings. Be sure to take a hot shower before you go to relax your muscles as much as possible. A heating pad for short periods of time and some good streaching will also help. Stay away from the Tylenol if at all possible.

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L.R.

answers from Detroit on

I am having the same problems at 6 1/2 months along.

My sister is an Occupational Therapist (like a Physical Therapist but she deals with the arms, hands and upper back).

For the tingling in your hands and arms you can try what she told me to do.....

She told me to get some wrist splints. Like the ones you can find anywhere - Meijer, Walgreens, CVS. They support your wrists and are adjustable. I think the brand I have been using is Ace. They don’t have to be anything special. I believe they were $10 each.

I sleep with them on when it’s really bad. During my fist pregnancy while I was working, sometimes I had to wear them during the day.

Good luck and I hope this helps you!

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C.V.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Hi A.,
I went to my chiropractor throughout both of my pregnancies. He was great. I had alot of problems with my sciatic nerve and it helped tremendously to go to him.
Chris

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K.R.

answers from Detroit on

Find a good chiropractor!! It will help greatly and, usually, immediately - and no medication!! Believe it or not, chiropractic can even help with morning sickness. Don't know how, but I experienced it for myself.

Best of luck to you!

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N.O.

answers from Detroit on

I also developed carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy and my OB recommended the wrist splints. I wore them every night and during the day when I just couldn't take the tingling/numbness anymore. They really helped.

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D.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi A.---I too, recommend seeing a chiropractor. I would look to see if you could find one who practices a special type called Network Spinal Analysis. With this type, there is no 'cracking' of vertebrae when you are adjusted. NSA works with energy flow and I feel that it is far better than regular chiropractic, although I know you will achieve relief with that as well. I know of a really great NSA chiro in Rochester Hills, so please call and I can give you his number if you live in the area. He's worth the drive.

In health, D. ###-###-####

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D.K.

answers from Detroit on

Hi A., find a chiropracter who specializes in pregnancy adjustments and massage too. Some chiropracters like mine, Herfert chiropractic, don't just do adjustments, the center is called a Wellness Center. They have massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic all in the same center. You're spine has shifted and moved and is pinching a nerve causing you to have all those awful symptoms. You will be amazed at the relief you get after just 1 or 2 adjustments. The physical therapy part is usually covered by insurance and it will include massage with it. Good luck. D.

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

See a chiropractor for the pinched nerve.
Quit the Tylenol; it's not good for you pregnant or not.

But see a chiropractor above anything else. Of course you're body is getting more stress put on it. And with it comes a different set of aches and pains. The chiro will help.

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S.M.

answers from Saginaw on

Hello A., Talk to your doctor about wrist splints. I wear them at night for the carpal tunnal and it helps so much, without having to take so much medicine. The pinched nerve may be something that you cannot relieve until the baby is born. Good luck.

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D.S.

answers from Detroit on

HI A.,
I agree with all the other's go see a specialized chiropractor. I am one but I am not near you. I am a board member of the Michigan Chiropractic Pediatric Association and we have many chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care. Check out our website for one closest to you. www.MCPAkids.org
Good luck!
Dr. S.

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J.C.

answers from Detroit on

Hi:

The exact same thing happened to me.....very painful. Get some wrist splints right away and do not take them off until after delivery...they really help. I made a big mistake and forgot to take them to the hospital for delivery and my husb had to go home to get them.

Also, after my delivery I still had carpal tunnel & falling asleep arms/hands.... I had acupuncture and after 1 visit it completely took away the pain. I had never had acupuncture before and I was very skeptical...but it really worked. I've been totally carpal-tunnel pain free for over a year.

Best of luck!!!

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K.A.

answers from Detroit on

A., see a massage therapist who deals with pregnant women. I had the same thing only in my low back and it helped tremendously.

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K.W.

answers from Grand Rapids on

You won't be disappointed if you go to a well known chiropractor in your area. They can even make labor go more smoothly. I wouldn't sugguest taking pain medicine for too long. It really is not good for you. I suffered from a pinched nerve in my ribs the latter part of my pregnancy. Something that gave me relief is the Bio-freeze gel.

I don't know your financial situation, but don't let that keep you from going to the chiro. Many of them are very sincere in their practice and will give you a discount if you express any financial concerns about not returning to your next appointment. (one reason why I prefer chiropractic over regular doctors. Chiros care! AND they have more schooling than medical physicians.)

Hope all goes well for you. And I hope you get some relief soon!

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B.V.

answers from Detroit on

Start with a chiropractor, then start doing prenatal yoga. There are videos you could rent at the library, but I would really recommend going to a class. Community ed places normally have one. Getting myself up and out to go to class was hard, but I always felt WONDERFUL afterwards.

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T.M.

answers from Detroit on

I had carpal tunnel while pregnant - and lots of back pain. If you have medical coverage, I rec'd a prescription from my doctor for wrist bands (that I wore while sleeping) and a back support (that I wore during the day). Both helped tremendously! Good luck!
And fyi, the carpal tunnel stopped almost immediately after giving birth - so there's light at the end of the tunnel!...no pun intended!

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