Managing Back Pains During Pregnancy

As exciting and fascinating the time may be, one gets a spoiler or two during her pregnancy. Back pain is one amongst them. It is the commonest side effect during pregnancy and can cause a lot of stress. The pain sometimes stretches to rib cage, shoulder blades, mid-back and even groin area. This occurs due to the expansion of abdominal muscles which, during the time, are incapable of keeping the spine stable. It further causes the posture consequently causing back pain.

It is mainly attributed to the improper balance of the body affecting flexibility as well as muscle strength which results in poor postural habits. Muscles need to be strong so as to support body and also be flexible at the same time to provide convenient skeletal movements without any obstructions. When the abdominal areas are weakened, lower back becomes vulnerable to injuries due to the fact that it isn`t provided enough support for strenuous activities.

Other factors that cause back pain during pregnancy are a substantial increase in a woman`s hormones that gives a boost to the elasticity of soft-tissues such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and the changes in posture as the baby grows. If these pains should be managed well, they can make the mother more prone to develop problems related to spine, rib cage or pelvis.

During pregnancy, a woman must pay attention to her posture – slouching and bending too many times add to the back pain. For every activity, from as simple as sitting on the couch to climbing the stairs, there is a correct and incorrect manner to perform which reduces or elevates the amount of strain on the body. If everything is done right, one can reduce the back pains.

Consulting a doctor for each concern and finding out the right posture can help in effectively managing the pain and other symptoms as well. Also, one can try simple steps, but only after getting a nod from her doctor:

• Improving posture, stretching and strengthen muscles under supervision of an expert
• Increasing blood circulation and tissue mobility through massages 
• Allowing plenty of joint movement for relieving pain
• Using therapeutic belts for support

The mother should always have a positive attitude towards pregnancy and relevant issues. She must keep in mind that her body is changing as the baby is growing so she must not lose patience and prepare herself for the birth of the body. She should prep herself mentally, emotionally and physically for the challenges that lie ahead and take good care of her body.

Why is back pain prevalent during pregnancy and can it be treated?

Half of women report having back pain at some point during pregnancy. The pain can be lumbar or sacroiliac. The pain may also be present only at night. Back pain is thought to be due to multiple factors, which include shifting of the center of gravity caused by the enlarging uterus, increased joint laxity due to an increase in relaxin, stretching of the ligaments (which are pain-sensitive structures), and pregnancy-related circulatory changes.

Treatment is heat and ice, acetaminophen, massage, proper posturing, good support shoes, and a good exercise program for strength and conditioning. Pregnant women may also relieve back pain by placing one foot on a stool when standing for long periods of time and placing a pillow between the legs when lying down.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, Lacciardone et al studied the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain during pregnancy. No statistically significant differences were achieved between treatment and control groups; however, back pain decreased in the usual obstetric care and osteopathic manipulative treatment group, remained unchanged in the usual obstetric care and sham ultrasound treatment group, and increased in the usual obstetric care only group.