I was a regular exerciser prior to DS and never had any back problems but he was a late walker and it killed me. I was in bed twice for a week with a thrown out back. Literally I could not move. And he is a skinny little thing, currently at 3%. Yoga helped a lot as did swimming and keeping up my regular work outs which included lifting weights and cardio. What helped most of all: not carrying him any more and using the stroller for any protracted amount of walking.

Eh, my first was 5th percentile, and my back was still awful. Not any better than carrying my second, a 95th percentile kid! I was just out of shape!!

Nothing but sympathy for you, PP.

This makes me really happy to have a 5th percentiler, though! 2 years old and still easy to carry

Have you tried a sling or ergo?

I know this is a month later, but... I've had major back problems with both of my kids, and have been in PT. They've recommended a bunch of exercises to strengthen my core, and it's actually working!

I regularly do: leg lifts (now with weights), crunches, supermans, side planks, planks, reverse crunches, hip adductors/abductors, and more. You might want to see a PT for a few sessions yourself to get the exercises down, or just look on youtube.

Anonymous wrote:I am in pretty good shape - I do some variation of running/biking/elliptical every day. I'm not a huge fan of weight training, because I find that it makes my arms bulk up (even the Tracy Anderson 3 pound weights routine!). However, I've noticed recently an inordinate amount of back pain, no doubt caused by my two toddlers' constant need to be held by mommy (ie - 1 year old wants to be held, and suddenly 3 year old also wants to be held). Combined, my two kids are roughly half my weight. I went for a back massage, and the masseuse said my spine was completely out of line, and recommended that I see a cranio/spinal acupuncturist or a chiropractor. I'm happy to do that (and would welcome recommendations in the DC/Alexandria area), but am also thinking that weight training might help build up my core and back strength. Anyone else go through this??

I lift weights regularly and have a 3 yr old who I hold sometimes when we go out for outings especially if it requires lot of walking, so the times I do lot of holding I can feel it the next morning in the lower back. If I wear flip flops it's seems worse than tennis shoes, although it's not nearly as bad as your case but I get your drift. I alternate sometimes and put him on my shoulder which helps but not really suggesting it as an option.

Far as exercise, if you do run/bike/elliptical regularly that should provide a base for your core, but not your back and could even aggravate it more with the constant pounding. A good back strengthener exercise is reverse hyperextension, there's a few variation, google it and see which one suits you. 45 degree one is good with proper form. If your back is need of medical attention than I would seek physical therapy or a Chiro (but not sure how legit Chiros are tho). Additionally, stretching will help and yoga.

Hope this helps and good luck!

I am in pretty good shape - I do some variation of running/biking/elliptical every day. I'm not a huge fan of weight training, because I find that it makes my arms bulk up (even the Tracy Anderson 3 pound weights routine!). However, I've noticed recently an inordinate amount of back pain, no doubt caused by my two toddlers' constant need to be held by mommy (ie - 1 year old wants to be held, and suddenly 3 year old also wants to be held). Combined, my two kids are roughly half my weight. I went for a back massage, and the masseuse said my spine was completely out of line, and recommended that I see a cranio/spinal acupuncturist or a chiropractor. I'm happy to do that (and would welcome recommendations in the DC/Alexandria area), but am also thinking that weight training might help build up my core and back strength. Anyone else go through this??