Pregnancy/Postpartum-Related Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
It is estimated that between 50% and 80% of women experience some form of back pain during pregnancy, ranging from mild pain associated with specific activities to more acute pain that can become chronic. Pain most often occurs between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy; however, low back pain can begin as early as 8 to 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. Women with pre-existing lower back problems are at a higher risk for back pain, and the pain can occur earlier in the pregnancy.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY PAIN
There are two common types of back pain in pregnancy: lumbar (lower back) pain and posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis). Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at and above the waist in the center of the back. This type of pain is similar to lower back pain experienced by non-pregnant women and typically increases with prolonged sitting or standing. Tenderness may also be present in the muscles along the spine during pregnancy.
Posterior pelvic pain is four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below the lower back and the waistline. This pain can be felt as low down as the tailbone. Such pregnancy pelvic pain may be experienced on one or both sides. It can extend down into the buttock and upper portion of the back of the thighs. This type of pain does not quickly resolve with rest, and morning stiffness may be present.
Posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy can be brought on or exacerbated by rolling in bed, climbing stairs, sitting and rising from a seated position, bending forward, running and walking, or a job that involves sitting at a computer all day. Unlike many other forms of lower back pain during pregnancy, a previous high level of fitness does not necessarily help prevent posterior pelvic pain while pregnant.
Both pregnancy pelvic pain and lower back pain may be caused by several factors related to changes that naturally occur in your body while pregnant, including changes in weight and center of gravity, muscular imbalances and fatigue, and hormonal surges.
LABOR PAIN DURING PREGNANCY
It is important to note that labor pain is a different type of pain. It is similar to an intense menstrual cramp and has the following characteristics: the pain is persistent, it increases in intensity and frequency over a short period of time, it is not affected by your level of activity. This is not the pregnancy-related low back/pelvic pain Airrosti can have an impact on.
TRADITIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Lower back pain during pregnancy that lasts a long time (several weeks or months) is a predictor for postpartum back pain (pain after birth). For this reason, pregnant women are encouraged to seek appropriate back pain treatment during pregnancy.
Likewise, any postpartum pain that lasts longer than six to eight weeks should be treated in order to avoid chronic back pain or recurring back problems.
Traditionally, pregnant women suffering from back pain had few treatment options due to the significant risks involved with common treatment options for back pain like pharmaceuticals, injections, electrical modalities, and imaging. Most available options involve only partial and temporary relief from the pain, including ice or heat, braces or support devices, some medications to treat inflammation, massage, adjusting sleeping patterns, or making major lifestyle adjustments. None of these options are designed to fully resolve the pain and reduce the risk for chronic issues.
AIRROSTI IS DIFFERENT
We offer a safe and highly effective treatment for pregnancy-related back pain. It’s completely non-invasive, natural, and safe throughout the entire duration of the pregnancy (as well as postpartum). Our treatment is designed to significantly reduce or eliminate the source of your pain in a very short amount of time and help prevent future recurrences.
All Airrosti treatment provided during pregnancy is co-managed with your prenatal care provider. Your Airrosti Provider will work closely with your prenatal care provider to ensure you receive the best, most comprehensive care during your pregnancy.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
TESTIMONIALS
When I first came to Airrosti and met Amanda, I thought she was going to think I am crazy. I'm young and yet I was always in pain, back pain, headaches, ankles, and feet, I mean head to toe literally. I had a baby a few months prior and pregnancy really did a toll on my body, as did nursing. Amanda ...+ show morewas a GODSEND! She listened to each of my complaints on day one and at each of my visits. We came up with a game plan on how to treat and educate me on my body. I am so beyond grateful. I was finally able to wake up without pain and actually get sleep at night. Unfortunately, we have since moved, or else I would love for Amanda to treat me during my second pregnancy.
Tatevic Shakaryan
Nov 2018
I am a new mom and my body sure let me know it! Back pain was a problem after having my baby girl, but it was injured even further upon me picking up a piece of furniture. This caused me to not be able to do anything without feeling pain. My husband was already a patient so I had already felt confid...+ show moreent that this is the place to go to solve my problem! I went and we had a conversation about where my pain area is and what was causing me the pain (“everything I do” I said!) and right then Dr. Gardner has done some work on my muscles that have done wonders in releasing my pain. I followed the program and was quickly discharged with new tools and knowledge on how to handle my body. The treatment program all depends on YOU- Dr. Gardner is there to support you and help guide you to get to where you need to be. If you want fast results and you are determined to be pain-free, she is the one to get you there! I had already referred my friends who are in pain as well.
Kiki K
Nov 2018
I was referred to Airrosti by my OBGYN. I walked into the clinic extremely critical and a non-believer of Physical Therapy. However, I was in my 7th month of a difficult pregnancy with multiple medical concerns and experiencing extreme sciatic nerve pain. I am a working mom of two other children to ...+ show morecare of and I could barely walk! My consultation was uneventful. I was in so much pain, I could not do the exercises Alexis assigned for me to do at home. Dr. O got creative in my second appointment maneuvering and positioning me so as not to harm my big ol' baby belly. I felt a lil' better walking out of the clinic that day, but it felt as though all the pain came back with a vengeance the following morning. I religiously did my assigned exercises regardless. Dr. O attacked a different muscle group on my 3rd appointment. I left a bit sore but feeling a lil' better yet again. I was not hopeful it would last. IT DID! Matter of fact it got better every day. I did not need my last appointment but wanted to go in and offer my huge thanks to the team. I really thought this was a pain I'd have to deal with until delivery. I was so relieved that the pain subsided I was in tears. I am so happy to be able to enjoy the remainder of my pregnancy. Alexis and Dr. O, from me and my family a HUGE THANK YOU for the MAGIC that you do! MY SOFT TISSUE GURUS!
Jamie Timmerman
Nov 2018
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