According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Treatment, in excess than 50% of expecting women report low back pain at some point during their term; some studies have discovered the incidence to be as high as 70%. "The incidence of low back pain in expectant women is well over double the incidence of back pain in those who are not expectant in the equivalent age group," says orthopaedic surgeon John G. Peters, MD, medical director of Medtronic, Inc., the world's leading spinal device corporation.
According to the American Pregnancy Organization, women most commonly report low back pain later in their pregnancies, as the baby grows bigger and heavier; nonetheless, some women also start feeling low back pain early in their term. Women who may be most at danger for developing back pain throughout their pregnancies are those who are heavy (though studies are inconclusive on this), or who experienced back pain prior to becoming expecting. Women who lack flexibility and strength in their back and abdominal muscles and those carrying in excess than one baby also may be in excess susceptible.
There are a number of reasons you can develop back pain during pregnancy. "It's a multifactorial issue," Dr. Peters says. "Hormonal alterations in soft tissue and even bone tissue play a part, along with changes in heaviness, spinal alignment, and activity level."
The hormones that are released during pregnancy allow joints and ligaments in the pelvic area to become in excess pliant and loose, in preparation for the birthing process, Dr. Peters explains. The downside of this softening is that it can affect the natural support your back normally receives, particularly as the mass of your baby increases.
A growing baby also causes your center of gravity to transfer. Abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, making it in excess difficult to maintain good posture and further challenging your natural spinal alignment. "In the third trimester, for example, the forward flexion of the hips brings the pelvis and sacrum forward as well, contributing to a 'swayback' effect in the lumbar spine," Dr. Peters says. "Increasing breast tissue can also accentuate this move in spinal realignment. Some of these tissue and mechanical alignment alterations are good for the frame, in order to distribute mass gain to the middle of the body where, structurally, it's the strongest. But in a woman whose structure is weak where stress is magnified, low back pain can be the result."
Common patterns of pregnancy-related back pain involve pain in the lower back, or lumbar spine, and pain that feels like it's centered even lower in the body, in the back, or posterior, of the pelvic area. If pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve or presses on a spinal disc, pain may extend through the hips, buttocks and legs.
How Can I Stop Back Pain During My Pregnancy?
* First, maintain a sensible activity level and - under your doctor's management - incorporate exercises that gently stretch and strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. "Keep moving!" advises Dr. Peters. "The ability and motivation to remain active is very important during this time."
* If you spend your days behind a desk, take advantage of opportunities to get up and stretch your legs - and back - while getting your work done. "Don't stay at your desk," Dr. Peters says. "Early in your pregnancy, talk about with your employer the ways in which you might be able to use a little in excess autonomy in how you carry out your job, if at all possible."
* Maintaining good posture as your body changes is also important. As your center of gravity shifts forward, minimize the strain on your lower back by standing as straight as possible, keeping your shoulders back and your buttocks tucked under. When sitting, keep your feet slightly elevated, if possible. Choose a chair that supports your back - use a small pillow if necessary - and change positions commonly.
* Be mindful of frame mechanics. If you need to pick something up, don't bend over and lift using your back. Instead, squat using your knees, keeping your back straight as you lift. Avoid positions that require bending or twisting. Listen to your body - if something hurts, don't do it!
* Don't be a slave to fashion. If you're hooked on high-heeled shoes, kick the addiction - at least for a few months. Cute "sensible shoes" do exist - just look for low heels and good arch support. Your clothing can also be back-friendly - look for maternity pants with a low, supportive waistband. Later in your pregnancy, you may want to use a support belt under your lower abdomen.
If you are experiencing pregnancy-related back pain, discuss with with your medical doctor and follow his or her suggestions as to what's right for you. In addition to the above preventive measures, commonly prescribed therapies for easing pregnancy-related back pain can include:
* Hot or cold remedy, in the form of a warm bath, a hot water bottle, or an ice pack.
* Physical remedy specifically designed to address the needs of your changing frame as your pregnancy progresses.
* Anti-inflammatory/analgesic medications, as recommended by your physician. Acetaminophen has been shown to be safe for expecting women; others, including aspirin and ibuprofen, are not.
* Complementary treatments such as chiropractic care, massage remedy, and acupuncture. Although these therapies have not been proven effective for treating low back pain, they may provide some relief for pregnancy-related discomfort, and perhaps some stress relief as well. confer with with your medical doctor first, nevertheless, to ensure there is no underlying spinal condition causing the pain.
"Women dealing with low back pain throughout their pregnancies do have choices," Dr. Peters says. "But please, do not pursue a treatment therapy without the approval of your obstetrician."
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