Treating Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can come along with a number of side effects that can interfere with your daily life. During the second half of your pregnancy, rest is important to help you avoid common back pain that is likely to occur during pregnancy. However, if you do experience back pain during pregnancy, we offer safe and conservative treatments to relieve the strain while keeping you and baby safe. 

Back Pain During Pregnancy

An incredibly common side effect of pregnancy is back pain. In fact, back pain during pregnancy affects up to 80% of women. The pain can range from being mild-to-severe. For some women, this back pain only comes on with certain activities during pregnancy. However, for other women, the pain can become chronic. For 10% of those women who suffer from back pain during pregnancy, it can become severe enough to interfere with their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. 

Studies have shown that back pain during pregnancy is most likely to occur starting around five months pregnant, although for some women it can begin as early as two months. Women that already suffer from back pain outside of pregnancy are more likely to develop low back issues early on during pregnancy. 

Why Back Pain During Pregnancy Occurs

The body immensely changes as the pregnancy progresses. The enlargement of the uterus alone is enough to lead to muscle pain or pressure on key nerves. Back pain during pregnancy is most often caused by:

• The 30 pounds or more gained during pregnancy.
• Stooping and other poor posture changes due to the extra weight.
• Loosening of spinal ligaments due to hormonal changes.
• Separation of muscles in the pelvis and abdominal to accommodate the growing fetus.
• Excessive exercise or time spent on the feet due to work and other activities. 

What Back Pain During Pregnancy Feels Like

When the issue is solely caused by pregnancy, the pain is likely to be mild-to-moderate and localized to one region of the back. Most of our pregnant patients report:

• Lumbar pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Irritation deep in the pelvis or through the groin and rear.
• Aching along the spine or in the legs and shoulders.
• Loss of flexibility and stiffness that makes it hard to bend or twist. 

Treating Back Pain During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experiencing back pain, there are things you can try at home to alleviate minor pain. Mayo Clinic recommends:

• Practice good posture. As your baby grows, your center of gravity will change. To avoid falling, your body compensates by leaning back. However, this can strain the muscles in your low back and contribute to your pain. Try to stand and sit straight and tall, keeping your chest high and shoulder back and relaxed. When standing, refrain from locking your knees.
• Wear the right gear. Wearing low-heeled, not flat, shoes with good arch support can help alleviate some of your back pain. Avoid wearing high heels that will further mess with your balance and cause you to fall. A maternity support belt is another good way to support the body and promote good posture. 
• Lift properly. Don’t lift with your back. Instead, squat down and lift with your legs — and don’t lift heavy. Ask for help when you need it. 
• Sleep on your side. For back pain while pregnant, try not to sleep on your back. Keep one or both knees bent and lay on your side. Pregnancy support pillows are a great way to support your bent knees and hold your body in the correct position. 

Professional Treatment for Back Pain During Pregnancy

It can be risky for a woman to take painkillers while pregnant because many drugs can affect the fetus. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we offer alternative treatments that can help relieve your pain in a safe, yet effective, way: 

• Exercise plans that help you properly alternate rest and activity for a stronger spine.
• Chiropractic manipulation to restore the proper alignment of your back.
• Recommendations for application of heat or cold to ease the pain.
• Massage that can help relax and release the stress of managing your pregnancy. 

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are pregnant and suffering from back pain that just isn’t going away, make an appointment to come into Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. Our team will treat you in a safe, effective way that will relieve your back pain while keeping your baby safe.