I have two very large herniations in my low back and was told I needed a fusion at the age of 18. I am now 30 and have not had it done and have survived one pregnancy, working on another.

Towards the end of my pregnancy my back went completely out for two weeks. The only things that helped were yoga stretches and massage. I had to find a therapist that was NOT afraid to do a little localized deep tissue work on a pregnanct woman though. The massage was not pleasant, but it worked.

This time I am hoping less weight gain, a lower starting weight and yoga will help. I also already purchased a massage package to start in the middle of the second tri to prevent it if I can.

I really feel for you and hope it gets better. My back actually started bothering me earlier today. I think I injured it squatting yesterday and it reminded me of how hard it will be later when I get bigger, I am only 12 weeks now.

Good luck! Here are a couple of poses that can be modified for the pregnant belly, plus it has good advice. The childs pose can be done with the knees wide so the belly can rest inbetween the legs. This will help "open" things up too.

http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/top-6-yoga-poses-for-back-pain-slideshow/

edited to add that ice helps tremendously!!! I ice for 15 minutes, then heat for 15. Ice reduced the inflammation. Good luck!

I'm 23 weeks and started to feel lower and mid back pain. I asked my midwife & she confirmed that's it's normal. She didn't suggest anything that you already haven't tried. if I've been real active it's sharp pains, other wise it's just achy after a long day of carrying around the extra weight. Sometimes when my husband rubs my back it helps ...but like you said, it's temp.