My Body Is Falling Apart After Two Kids!!

Agree with the chiropractor. Might just need an adjustment. My daughter's back was killing her, (at age 10), and, it turned out her spine was slightly shifted in the pelvic area. 2 visits and she has not had pain since.

Also- as a dancer / dance teacher, I know how important it is for your core muscles to be strong in order to support you properly. Make sure you are doing some abdominal exercises. This will help strengthen your core, and, help support your back. Our bodies are meant to move and groove, so, if you have not been exercising, at least 10 minutes daily, find some time to do it. It is important in order for your body to work the way it should. ;)

Pilates is the best IMO.

Try Pilates too. Strengthening your core muscles will have a lot to do with decreased back pain. I went to a chiropractic center that used Pilates as part of their treatment. It was awesome and I was able to get rid of my back pain.

You need to rebuild your core (specifically, your transverse abdonimis. It gets completely shot during pregnancy, and it's the muscle that basically "corsets" your waist). Afterwards, your back muscles work overtime, which is why you're having spasms and things seem to "hang" in front. (Skin is a different issue entirely. My battle!)

Planks are the quickest fix to stengthenting your core. Others have suggested Pilates, and that will work very well also. In the short term, planks. You'll be amazed how quickly your body responds.

If you're not familiar, get in the upper portion of a pushup position. Make sure that your hips do not sag (keep your body straight, butt SLIGHTLY spiked). Then just hold it for as long as you can. Aim for 20-25 seconds. Work yourself up to 1-2minutes. Do this as many times as you can during the day.
In a a few days, you'll notice that you're standing up straighter, your back pain is lessened and you can sleep better.
Then, start Pilates or whatever you want to do for fitness.

Any continuing issues, see a chiropractor. I'm a very fit person, but "mommy back" is a condition we all have from carrying our kids around. They can help immensely once you build your strength back.

I had alot of problems with my back after my first baby. I eventually went to the chiropractor and learned that because my hips were out, it was causing back pain too. I would try that...I bet it will help.

I have heard it takes 18 months for your body to recover after pregnancy/childbirth but keep in mind I am not a doctor. I hope you feel better soon.

go see an airrosti therapist, they specialize in soft tissue injuries, they can help you with your recovery, and strengthening the muscles. please trust me when i say they can work miracles in just one session, and most cases only take 3-4 sessions total, they also take most insurances.

you can look them up at www.airrosti.com for more info, and locations. I see DR. Smith in Keller, you may also contact me for more info. they will tell you that yoga and pilaties is also good for core strength and conditioning but they will help you heal first!

trust me they can work miracles for muscle injuries!

It will take some time. I am still waiting. I have pain all the time as well. I recommend wearing one of those stomach tamers (girdles) to help relieve the hanging and ease your back pain. Also lay flat on a hard floor and stretch (dead man pose). This will ease the discomfort a little

Whether or not it is normal, you shouldn't be living with back spasms. Your body is definitely signaling to you that it needs help!
I am a Thai Yoga Bodyworker and I help people gain body awareness, ease tension (muscular and otherwise), and gain range of motion. I would love to work with you to find out which muscles are having problems and if any joints are out of alignment.
You can see my website at
www.yogapotential.com

Several moms mentioned Pilates. I strongly agree. I just want to mention that you should really invest in 3-4 private pilates instructions so you are sure you are doing the exercises correctly and get in touch with the muscle groups that we call "the core." Once you have an idea of the exercises, group classes can be great, and easier financially.

if you need a referral to an acupuncturist, or a private Pilates instructor, please message me.

Good luck! You CAN live without back pain!!!

Have you spoken with your OB/GYN and primary care physicians about this as well?

My left hip is out of line after my first pregnancy. I'm supposed to be doing Physical Therapy for it, but I've not yet scheduled the appointments because of my work schedule.

Pregnancy is a major trauma to our bodies, but it sounds like your body hasn't healed from the trauma as normally as others. I wonder if there is either a pelvic alignment issue, an issue with your nerves (truly nervous system instead of anxiety) or something else that happened to coincide with the pregnancies.

I'd have it checked out. I'm not against chiropractic or acupuncture. I'd just get a proper diagnosis from your other physicians first and use chiropractic as one of the tools to help you get well again.

Good luck!

Because of your back spasm issues I would tend to think not "normal" but normal is a relative term. I had two kids and while I don't like what I see the extreme sagging when you stand up and the spasms sound off and after about two year of some dediated work outs including core work, I have almost elminated the "muffin top."
You should definately look into some non-invasive methods to strengthen your tummy (great advice below). If you still aren't seeing the results you would expect, definately look into what surgical options are to remedy. . . . and hey, if tummy tuck is part of that. . . so be it LOL!