Nov 11 2007
Common Reasons for Pregnancy Back Pain
Pregnancy is a time of life that brings many changes to the body and a number of symptoms to grapple with. One of the symptoms that many women have trouble dealing with, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, is pregnancy back pain. There are many different reasons why pregnancy back pain can occur, and there are also many ways to manage the discomfort. If you are experiencing pregnancy back pain, don’t assume that it simply “goes with the territory” and try to ignore it. Instead, talk to your doctor about options in finding relief from the discomfort.
The Dilemma of the Expanding Belly
The enlarged stomach is one of the first reasons for pregnancy back pain for a couple of different reasons. First, the additional weight can put additional strain on your back, especially your lower back area. That expanding belly can also throw off your center of gravity, causing you to walk and hold yourself differently to accommodate your new shape. This can lead to increased pressure on your lower back, and result in pregnancy back pain. Another problem in pregnancy is that the increase in hormones can lead to laxity of the joints, which will offer less support to the back and lead to discomfort in the area.
There are a number of activities that can aggravate pregnancy back pain. Some of these can be easily avoided during those nine months, and others simply must be tolerated due to a lack of alternatives. Use extra care when twisting and turning, bending over or lifting items, since it is easier for strains and injuries to occur to the back when you are in this condition. Other activities that can contribute to pregnancy back pain are walking, running, using stairs or rolling in bed. While most of these activities cannot be avoided completely, you can exercise additional caution when performing them to avoid additional strain on the back.
Treatment Options
Treatment of pregnancy back pain can include exercises that are appropriate for this stage of life, and an adjustment in some daily activities that can strain the back when you are in this state. You can talk to a healthcare professional about proper techniques for posture and performing daily tasks like housework. Your healthcare professional can also offer hands-on treatments for pregnancy back pain and instruct you on your own pain management strategies. Pregnancy back pain doesn’t have to be an unfortunate byproduct for the next nine months. Talk to your doctor today about methods of pregnancy back pain relief.
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It is so important to realize that back pain during pregnancy CAN be alleviated, even prevented in some cases. Your body is changing, but you can learn to accomodate to your new posture by using proper body mechanics. Some of your muscles are tightening and some are getting weaker as the baby grows. Continuing to exercise during pregnancy (with some precautions) can help with aches and pains, mood, digestion, and help prepare you for delivery. This is such a special time … if you have back pain, get it taken care of!