Lower back pain during pregnancy is widely accepted as a consequence of pregnancy by many women and physicians. The prevalence of backaches during pregnancy ranges between 35%-61%. By understanding the primary reasons why back pain occurs during pregnancy, as well as effective treatments, women will be able to independently manage their symptoms during pregnancy.
There are several possible reasons why back pain occurs when a female is expecting a baby. Some of the most common factors include the following:
- Weight Gain: The weight of a growing baby and uterus puts excess pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
- Postural Changes: Pregnancy shifts a female’s center of gravity. Gradually, the body will adjust it’s posture and the way it moves. This may result in back pain or strain.
- Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the female body produces a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin causes the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to loosen in preparation for the birthing process. The hormone can also cause spinal ligaments to loosen which leads to back and core instability thus pain.
- Muscle Separation: As the uterus expands, abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis muscles) may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain due to weakness in the core musculature.
- Stress: Emotional stress may lead to muscle tension in the back. The muscle tightness may be felt as back pain or back spasms.
Ideally, the best method of preventing back pain during pregnancy is to be physically fit, active and not overweight prior to conception. Strong abdominal muscles and a flexible frame will also help prevent general aches and pains which may occur during pregnancy. Participating in strengthening exercises, using heat or water to ease back discomfort and maintaining good posture are a few highly effective forms of treatment for back discomfort during pregnancy.
Lower back pain during pregnancy can be severely debilitating for some women. Physical therapy can provide help and support to this group of women. Call Live in Motion Physical Therapy will any questions or to set up an appointment with one of our women’s health therapists.
About the Author: Krista Becker, PT, MPT
Krista is a western North Dakota native. She holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Mary. For the last 12 years, her career has focused on outpatient orthopedics and geriatrics with a special interest and additional training in women’s health.
All providers at Live in Motion strive to help patients recover lost function and maintain an active lifestyle. The goal is to help patients to do this without needing medications, having to visit their doctor routinely or contemplate surgical intervention.