Pregnancy Related Back Pain


Background

Between 50 to 70% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. As the uterus and baby grow, the mother’s center of gravity moves forward increasing the demands at the low back in order to decrease chances of slumping forward. This change in posture results in tightness at the chest and increase in tension and stress of the muscles of the neck, shoulder, and back.

Reasons vary from person to person but the following are common reasons for the increase in back pain:

  • Increase in hormones
  • Change in center of gravity due to changes in body mass
  • Increase in weight
  • Changing posture
  • Added Stress

How Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care Can Help

Of the above reason for increase in pain, physical therapy and chiropractic care can address most of them. Your physical therapist or chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach to address your specific needs. These specialists can address posture, joint alignment, muscle strength, flexibility, and nerve involvement. Additionally, they can give you specific exercises in order to strengthening the hip, back, and core to decrease pain and fatigue. Exercise can prepare the body for labor and assist with post-pregnancy recovery.