Back pain in pregnancy is extremely common, and incorporates neck (cervical) pain, mid back (thoracic) pain, and lower back (lumbar) pain. It can range from mild acute pain associated with certain and specific activities, or it can be pain that becomes chronic and doesn’t go away. Back pain during pregnancy can start as early as 8 – 12 weeks into pregnancy, or may become present further into the pregnancy in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Previous episodes of back pain may put a woman at higher risk of developing back pain during pregnancy, but there are women who experience back pain only when pregnant.
Causes of back pain in pregnancy:
- Growth of baby and breasts, causing a shift in your centre of balance and an increased curvature of your spine
- Changes to your ligaments and joints caused by the Relaxin hormone
- Stretching of the abdominal muscles at the front, and subsequent tightening of the back muscles to compensate
- Weight gain
- Sustained postures, and poor positioning (e.g. work, household, other children, lifestyle, hobbies)
- Repeated activities, caring for other small children
- Emotional stress and tension
- Associated Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and sciatica
- Inactivity
There are many things you can do to alleviate back pain in pregnancy. Most women find that the pain disappears within a few weeks of giving birth, although for some women, the pain can persist for many months, especially whilst adjusting to caring for a newborn infant.
Physiotherapy for Back Pain:
- Full assessment of the whole spine, pelvis, arms and legs
- Activity modification
- Postural assessment, and correction
- Manual therapy as indicated (e.g gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, fascial release and stretching)
- Advice on effective positioning, lifting, carrying etc
- Advice on how to exercise safely, from walking to exercise classes or gym based activity
- Teach specific exercises for strengthening, stabilising and stretching
- Pain management and other therapeutic options
- Discussion of equipment, maternity support belts, walking aids as required
- Advice on positions and best practice for labour and delivery
