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Article: Back Pain during Pregnancy

(November 2007) More than half of all pregnant women suffer from moderate to severe back pain during their 9 month term, and then possibly for months afterward. Pregnant women are prone to backaches and back pain for a number of reasons. Primarily, the extra weight of the baby and change in their body’s center of gravity produces abnormal stress on soft tissue structures of the low back, pelvis and hips. In addition, there are major hormonal changes that affect the laxity (flexibility) of the joints and ligaments of the body.

With the growth of the fetus, a women’s center of gravity shifts forward. This results in a change in the posture and movement patterns that may often lead to back pain because muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint surfaces are being over stretched or over compressed. The hormone, “relaxin” is produced by the pregnant mother’s body and is an important and necessary part of pregnancy because it causes the ligaments of a woman’s pelvis to soften and joints to loosen in preparation for the baby’s passage through the birth canal. Relaxin does not confine its effects just to the pelvis. Generally, all the joints of a woman’s body become more flexible. This potential hyperflexibility is added to the shifting weight dynamics, and the resultant stress on the structures of the back often times produces back pain.

Exercise is usually a very important aspect of health during pregnancy by maintaining muscular strength, coordination and stamina. Walking, swimming, and specific abdominal and back exercises, are excellent forms of low-impact exercise for pregnant women with and without back pain. Avoiding standing for longer periods and frequently changing sitting position can be helpful. Of course, adequate rest and sleep are important in maintaining growth and repair cycles, particularly important to the pregnant woman. Seeking the advice of an expert trained in biomechanics, posture, flexibility and strength during pregnancy is important.

Correct posture and good body mechanics also play an important role maintaining health. “Good” posture balances physical stress and allows the body to adapt to the demands of walking, sitting, and even sleeping more effectively. The use of braces, pillows and orthotics may be useful in maintaining balanced posture during various activities, and can be recommended by a health care professional trained in these implements, like a chiropractor. Chiropractors are specialists trained in all aspects of biomechanics and adept at the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions that result in back pain during pregnancy. Many MDs, OBGYNs and midwives are now recognizing that coordinating their patient’s care with a doctor of chiropractic during pregnancy is a safe, drug-free, and effective way helping their patients.

Of course, there may be other causes for back pain during pregnancy. In some cases urinary infection can also result in back pain amongst pregnant women. Severe pregnancy back pain if accompanied by other symptoms during early pregnancy should not be ignored, as it may be a pointer to a more severe problem. Always consult your doctors, like your OBGYN and chiropractor, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

About the Author: Loren Rees, D.C., N.M.T. is a Doctor of Chiropractic and certified Neuromuscular Therapist in Hingham, Massachusetts. He has over 13 years experience in complimentary alternative healthcare treating all manner of neuro-musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. He is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society. Please contact him directly through his website: www.reeschiropractic.com.