Pregnancy is a normal state of health and wellbeing. However, back pain is common during pregnancy. 50-80% of women experience this during their pregnancy and 25% of women continue to experience lower back pain for more than 3 months after delivery (Wu et al, 2004).
Whilst this is most common in the second half of pregnancy, back pain during the early stages is not uncommon. You may find that as your baby grows the area of discomfort may change and sensations you feel might be described as ‘dull’, ‘stabbing’, ‘shooting’ or ‘burning’ (Kanakaris et al, 2011).
In the latter stages of pregnancy, often these causes are mechanical due to a change in one’s posture and centre of gravity. This, combined with hormonal changes, can make the body more susceptible to strains and aches.
Why is it painful?
As the baby begins to occupy more space within the womb, pelvis and abdomen, an increase in pressure develops around the pubic symphysis and abdomen. There is also a compression of the normal abdominal organs.
Increased levels of the hormone ‘relaxin’ soften the body’s ligaments in preparation for delivery. Abdominal changes result in an increased curve of the spine, putting more stress and strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.
What other muscular symptoms may I experience?
- Sacroiliac joint strain – these are some of the major joints of the pelvis and can react to the body’s changes during pregnancy.
- Mid-back and rib pain – this may be caused by changes of the position of the spine and ribs, as well as pressure from the growing baby and can quite often cause shortness of breath and exertion.
- Neck pain and headaches – may be a result of postural changes during pregnancy in addition to the stress, tension and anxiety of life changes.
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) – this is the joint at the front of the pelvis which can be irritated by a sudden weight increase as well as stress of muscular attachment and the hormonal influence.
Why should I seek treatment?
It is often contraindicated or inappropriate to take come medications during pregnancy. Therefore, seeking a safer alternative such as manual therapy or osteopathy is worthwhile.
What can I do to help alleviate my symptoms?
There are a number of simple lifestyle changes which may help alleviate one’s symptoms:
- Posture – try to maintain as upright a posture as possible.
- Exercise – walking, swimming, Pilates and yoga will all help to maintain strength of the back and abdomen to assist your pregnancy and labour.
- Stress management – learning to relax and unwind are important for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
- Treatment – the NHS recommend osteopathy and manual therapy as an effective form of treatment for mechanical lower back pain during and after pregnancy.
Why do I continue to get back pain after giving birth?
Not only has the body gone through enormous physical changes during pregnancy and the labour process, also once the baby has been born the daily routine changes. Activities such as breastfeeding, lifting, carrying and changing the baby can place more demands on the mother’s body.
How can an osteopath help?
As highly trained musculoskeletal professionals, they are able to observe the individual’s posture, tone and texture of their muscles and understand how it effects the tensegrity of the body.
Osteopathic manual treatment is gentle and safe for pregnant women and helps to establish the cause and advice to manage these symptoms during and after pregnancy.
