Back Pain During Pregnancy

Addressing Back Pain During Pregnancy

Although quite common, back pain during pregnancy should not be considered as part of the procedure. To make your pregnancy comfortable and facilitate delivery, back pain should always be managed and treated throughout pregnancy.

Lower back pain during pregnancy that persists longer (several weeks or months) is an indication of postpartum back pain - pain after childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women are encouraged to pursue proper treatment for pregnancy-related backache.

Similarly, any postpartum pain that persists longer than six to eight weeks must be treated to avoid chronic back pain or recurrent back problems after pregnancy.

Types of Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

The given below are the 2 common types of back pain in pregnancy:

1. Lumbar or Lower Back Pain: 

Lumbar pain in pregnancy usually occurs in the center of the back and above the waist. This pregnancy-related back pain may or may not be accompanied by pain radiating to your leg or foot.

2. Posterior Pelvic Pain:

During pregnancy, posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis) is four times more common than lumbar pain. It is a deep pain that is felt down and on the side at the midline and/or below the midline on either side over the tailbone. This pelvic pregnancy pain can occur on one or both sides.

Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy

Common changes during pregnancy that lead to back pain include:

• Weight Gain: Pregnancy can cause you to gain a quarter of your weight which puts more strain on your spine and other support structures.
• Center of Gravity Change: In addition to weight gain, weight is usually carried anterior (front) as well as posterior (back). This change in your center of gravity creates:
• Muscular imbalance
• Muscle fatigue faster than usual 
• Hormonal Fluctuations (estrogen & relaxin): Pregnancy-related hormones can create problems by causing laxity in joints, especially in the pelvis. These hormonal fluctuations, along with weight gain and center of gravity change, all lead to reduced joint support.

Treatments for Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

Maintaining optimal functioning levels and reducing discomfort throughout the pregnancy are the main goals of treating pregnancy-related back pain.

The healthcare professional may use several treatments for pregnancy-related backache, including the following instructions:

• Maintain proper posture during pregnancy
• Self-help techniques for mobilization and pain management throughout the pregnancy
• A home workout plan that is suitable for your stage of pregnancy
• Specific body mechanics for daily activities – like job, housework, sleeping
• Hands-on-treatment such as gentle mobilization, stabilization workout, and soft tissue work - determined by the doctor's evaluation.