"I am 22 weeks and 3 days pregnant, I've hurt my back, can I take something like Tylenol or Advil?"

It is safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy. It is actually recommended as the preferred product for pain relief during pregnancy. However, ibuprofen (Advil) should be avoided after the 20th week of pregnancy, as well as other anti-inflammatory medications like Naproxen (Aleve). It is best to avoid using over-the-counter muscle relaxants like methocarbamol (Robax) due to the lack of data on their safety during pregnancy. If you need a topical product for pain relief, a cream containing triethanolamine salicylate (Myoflex) would be a good option. It is important to minimize absorption by not applying it on warm skin, massaging excessively, using it on large areas, or applying it for an extended period. Other non-medication methods like massage, ice application, rest, and relaxation can also help relieve pain during pregnancy. If the pain persists or does not improve after trying these methods for more than a week, it is advisable to consult a physician. Physiotherapy could also be beneficial in some cases.