Up to 50% of women report feeling back pain during pregnancy. However, the likelihood of a pregnant woman having back pain increases as she gets closer to childbirth. Although common, pregnancy-related back pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. Many pregnant women with back pain may struggle with carrying out various physical tasks, such as standing for extended periods of time and lifting heavy objects. Women who are older, have a high BMI, and have a history of back pain are more susceptible to experiencing back pain.
Of all parts of the spine, the lower back is the most likely to be affected by pain during pregnancy. This is the case because pregnancy leads to more stress being placed on the abdomen, pelvis, and other parts of the body that provide support for the lower back. Furthermore, pregnancy is accompanied by elevated levels of hormones that loosen the ligaments in and around the lower back.
If you are pregnant and experiencing low back pain, there are several safe, yet effective, measures that can be taken to alleviate the pain. These options are briefly described below.
- Exercise
Low-impact exercises such as walking, stretching, swimming and riding a recumbent bike can help with back pain. These activities can strengthen the core, glutes and muscles in the lower body without overloading components of the low back. Of course, proceed with extreme caution and under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
- Complementary Medicine
Massages, acupuncture, and chiropractic care can reduce inflammation in the body by releasing multiple biochemicals involved in regulating inflammatory processes and processing pain signals. In turn, this can decrease the intensity of low back pain.
- Support Devices
The use of pelvic belts and kinesio tape can temporarily stabilize areas that are affected by the weight of the fetus. This increased stability can make it easier to perform daily activities without experiencing severe low back pain.
Dr. DeCaria has worked with many patients experiencing pregnancy-related back pain, as well as post-partum back pain, and creates a personalized, holistic treatment plan in order to restore function and revitalize their lives. Dr. DeCaria is a double-board certified physician in anesthesiology and pain management medicine with extensive training and experience in treating chronic pain. Using a combination of conventional medicine and functional/integrative medicine she can provide a unique approach to conquering your pain. Schedule your appointment with Dr. DeCaria today at the Revitalize Medical Center in Glenview, IL to return to feeling like yourself again!
Disclaimer: Please remember to discuss with your physician prior to starting any treatment.This website (including all pages and blog posts) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. To schedule an appointment at Revitalize Medical Center, please call (847) 834-4018.
References:
- Chen L, Ferreira ML, Beckenkamp PR, Caputo EL, Feng S, Ferreira PH. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Conservative Care for Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2021 Feb 4;101(2):pzaa200. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa200. PMID: 33210717.
- Gutke A, Betten C, Degerskär K, Pousette S, Olsén MF. Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities. Acta ObstetGynecol Scand. 2015 Nov;94(11):1156-67. doi: 10.1111/aogs.12681. Epub 2015 Jun 16. PMID: 26018758.
- Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians; Denberg TD, Barry MJ, Boyd C, Chow RD, Fitterman N, Harris RP, Humphrey LL, Vijan S. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28192789.
- Salari, N., Mohammadi, A., Hemmati, M. et al. The global prevalence of low back pain in pregnancy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 23, 830 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06151-x