I have chronic pain issues, and the "hipbaby" is not making any of this easier. Plus, I'm limited as to what medications I can use, because of this whole "carrying a human being inside me" thing. Don't get me wrong, I'm happier than a pig in poop to be pregnant, so this isn't a complainy sort of thing, rather a "Wah, please help!" sort of thing.
Yesterday, my tailbone was bugging me all day. I took all the legal painkillers, and nothing was working. So, I shmeared a ton of Tiger Balm on it, hoping that would calm it down. I use Tiger Balm all the time, but maybe it's different now because of my hormones or something? Instead of making me feel better, I just laid there feeling like my entire back-end was on FIRE!!!! I couldn't decide if I should try to shower it off, or just stop drop and roll.
Is there another cream or patch (topical) that you recommend? I know they all tend to share a lot of the same ingredients (this one is mostly camphor and menthol) so it may just be ME and they won't work until I'm back to normal. But, if you have any ideas, I'm all ears (and a big flaming butt!)
I use Sore No More, which is made with plant extracts also. If someone has muscles that were really tight and I have to do deep tissue massage, I rub that on after I'm done to help keep things loosened up. Some people get relief from Arnica which you can buy in different forms but I've mostly used it as an essential oil which I've then added to a carrier (jojoba is my preferred massage oil). You could try alternating heat/cold therapy with a water bottle or heating pad for the heat and an ice pack for the cold.
Had you injured your coccyx? Ms. Mod's suggestion of alternating heat and cold sounds like a good one. Sounds like your pregnant body does not like the Tiger Balm. Amazing how the body chemistry changes. One of life's wonderful miracles.
A word of caution about products like Tiger Balm, Sore No More, etc. is that even though they are made with plant extracts they can still irritate your skin especially if you use too much. And, as you and Haunted mentioned, it could be that the change in hormones is affecting how you react to it.
Hip, I think Marsha is offering the best hints....topical analgesic balms(at least the "popular" ones)are camphor, menthol or capsacian(hot pepper)based...a moist heating pad will allow the blood vessels in the area of injury/pain to dilate and allow improved flow to the area, to aid in healing...and if it persists-see a chiropractor...a lot of them will help ease low back pain.....
I know pain. I’ve had success with “Pan Away.” It doesn’t come cheap, but seems to last forever. And it does state that one should consult a physician if pregnant or under a doctor's care.
Watch out for products containing a lot of menthol. (Blue jelly rubs.) Menthol is from peppermint, and peppermint is related pennyroyal which is an abortifacient.
Peppermint is okay in small amounts. In a four ounce bottle, mix no more than 20 drops of each (peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus) essential oil... top up with an unscented body lotion or oil. Blend. Helps with pain.
I make it twice the strength, but then, I am not preggers and don't have a small creature to take care of in me.
So, it's a chronic pain you have had on your coccyx? Have you tried a donut to sit on? Or a coccyx pad? I did a quick research and some suggestions were to lay down/sleep on your left side, chiroprator and preganancy massages.
I don't want to sound indelicate but, have you noticed if there is a bump, lump, 'pimple' in that area? Sometimes the added weight, or the way you sit when you are pregnant puts extra pressure on your tailbone and can cause a pilonidal cyst, also referred to as a pilonidal abscess, pilonidal sinus or sacrococcygeal fistula. You need to get this checked and taken care of ASAP.
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