What to Know About UCS & Postpartum-related Back Pain

What to Know About UCS & Postpartum-related Back Pain
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After several long months of being pregnant, your baby is now here! Along the way, you may have suffered from lower back pain from carrying the extra weight of your baby and bodily changes, which is not unusual. However, after giving birth, you may notice that you’re now suffering from upper back pain.

Postpartum-related back pain can cause much discomfort, stemming from or leading to postural changes, and may even result in chronic, musculoskeletal conditions, such as Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS). Continue reading to learn how the two are connected, and what you can do to help relieve postpartum-related back pain.

How Postpartum Back Pain Can Lead to UCS

Postpartum-related back pain can be the result of several factors, with one of the most common being posture. Taking care of a child requires feeding them, carrying them, as well as bending over to change or play with them. All of these can result in “mom posture,” in which your shoulders are rounded, your head is jutted forward, and your pelvic tilt is forward.

From a more technical standpoint, this hunched posture may result in the development of Upper Cross Syndrome. UCS is a muscular imbalance condition that can be caused by prolonged periods of poor posture. This happens because the serratus and lower trapezius muscles in your back become weak from not being utilized, and your pectoral and neck muscles tighten to compensate for the weight and functions of your upper body. This often happens when snuggling or carrying your newborn, your back muscles are stretched while your chest muscles are compensating to hold the weight. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain, as well as joint dysfunction, and can lead to a reduced range of motion in the affected areas. In addition, UCS can lead to possible spinal damage from pressure on your vertebrae.

Exercises for Postpartum Back Pain

While being preventative is always the best plan when it comes to your health and body, taking action when your pain begins is the next step. If you are suffering from postpartum-related back pain/Upper Cross Syndrome, try these stretches below to help alleviate and reduce the pain!

*Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling, or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.

Airrosti: Putting Postpartum Pain in the Past

You should always seek medical treatment if you are suffering from pain. Back pain or conditions that are left untreated have the potential to develop into chronic, severe conditions that could impair your way of life/health and prevent you from taking care of or playing with your little ones.

If you have recently given birth and are beginning to suffer from postpartum-related back pain, schedule an appointment with Airrosti, in-clinic or remotely. Our Providers will create a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your condition or injury. In addition, you will also be provided education on your injury, and how to mitigate pain at home and prevent future episodes.

Call (800) 404-6050 for more information.


Read our Medical Disclaimer here.

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