As the baby grows within a woman’s womb, the body goes through several changes to accommodate the growing foetus. Back pain is a common occurrence in pregnant women and there are several causes.
Causes of back pain in pregnant women
Hormonal changes-relaxin which helps ligaments to prepare for birth also cause the spine to become a bit more unsteady and pain. Most commonly, the sacro-iliac joint is the most susceptible to pain during pregnancy because that is where the pelvis and spine meet.
Weight gain: The additional weight of the growing foetus means the spine, low back have to accommodate the additional weight.
Muscle diastasis: the muscles in the anterior wall may become separated which then cause the back pain to worsen since they would fail in their reinforced support of the back.
body changes in pregnancy
Posture changes: The centre of gravity changes with pregnancy and it feels natural to compensate for this by adjusting posture and so causing back pain.
Nerve pain: With oedema, weight gain and hormonal changes, there may be narrowing of the canals or spaces where certain nerves pass through. This may lead to tingling or weakness in certain parts of the body usually in the hands or legs. There can also be nerve entrapment during the birth process depending on the placement of the lower limbs during labour. Usually, nerve pain in pregnancy is transient and would resolve once the pregnancy is over.
Treatment of back pain in pregnancy
postural correction can help with back pain in pregnancy
Posture correction goes a long way in ameliorating back pain in pregnancy. Aside education about the causes of back pain during pregnancy, PhysioCraft treatment protocol includes but is not limited to thermotherapy and cryotherapy, soft tissue mobilisation, kinesio-taping, stability exercises and prescription of support garments to name a few.
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