Pregnancy & Low Back Pain Treatment: Up To 70% Experience Lower Back Pain

An expectant mother is ecstatic about being able to carry her unborn child for nine months. To feel that nurturing, loving, feeling brings an unparalleled amount of happiness to a woman. And then, the other shoe drops and some of the side effects of pregnancy set in, back pain being one of the most uncomfortable and most common.

There is a wide variance of reporting when it comes to low back pain in pregnancy, however somewhere between 50-70% of expectant mothers suffer from low back pain at some point while they are pregnant. Some women report low back pain from the onset of the pregnancy, while others report it only in the third trimester. Low back pain may be caused by many factors: hormones are being released during pregnancy allowing ligaments to soften in the pelvic area, the center of gravity shifts forward, weight gain from being pregnant, bad posture due to an ever-changing body, and, of course, stress.

Women who experience low back pain before they become pregnant are more likely to experience low back pain when they are expecting. Mother and doctor must decide what back pain is ‘normal’ and what pain is cause for concern. A dull, constant aching could possibly be a sign of preterm labor. Severe low back pain is always a cause for concern and should result in seeing a health care provider. An expecting mother may no longer be feeling euphoria at this point, but we have good news: Even though low back pain might be unavoidable, there are ways to treat (and hopefully get rid of) it!

Low Back Pain Treatment Accounts For 85% Of Chiropractic Visits During Pregnancy

Research studies show that about 85% of women seeking chiropractic care during their pregnancy reported relief of low back pain. Chiropractic care is a great solution for low back pain due to most expecting mothers wanting to avoid pharmaceuticals when possible. Let’s consider this: if a mother to be is able to avoid taking Tylenol, wouldn’t that be a positive situation for mom and baby?

An expectant mother must let her chiropractic doctor know about her pregnancy, because there will likely be some revisions in the treatment methods. It has been reported in studies that there is a significantly less likelihood of experiencing low back pain during labor if the mother is a chiropractic care recipient. At this point, most mothers are probably thinking, “Less pain? Sign me up!” Of course, those of us who are knowledgeable regarding the many benefits of chiropractic care already know that a properly aligned spine is essential; however, others may not realize that chiropractic is a safe option for pain relief and overall well being for pregnant women. The referrals are on the rise from the medical community. There are also a few other natural options for relieving back pain (all of which can be done in conjunction with chiropractic care).

3 Low Back Pain Treatment Tips During Pregnancy

Low Back Pain Treatment Tip #1: Protect Your Posture
Your center of gravity shifts forward during pregnancy, and to avoid falling forward, you will typically compensate by leaning backwards – which increases the lordotic curve in your lower back. This causes stress and strain on the muscles and joints is in your lower back and contribute heavily to back pain during pregnancy. Therefore a simple, yet very effective low back pain treatment during pregnancy is to protect your posture. Here are a few tips:

1. Standing too long is the kiss of death – and can lead to, accelerate, intensify lower back pain, especially in pregnancy. Being mindful of taking breaks while walking, shopping, or working around the house – as simple as it sounds, can be an effective low back pain treatment.
2. Lying on your back or side and gently bring your knees towards your chest alleviates lower back pain by reducing the lordotic curve and taking the stress and strain off the muscles and joints in your lower back.
3. The computer age brings with it a tremendous amount of sitting. Ensure that your lower back is protected while sitting. A simple tip is placing a pillow behind your lower back. Also, placing a foot stool by your feet can also decrease the strain on your back.

Low Back Pain Treatment Tip #2: Sacrifice The Style
As hard as it may be, sacrificing (slightly) on style by reducing the height of your heels can help tremendously in reducing lower back pain during pregnancy. It is also important to maintain your foot’s arch with a support or orthotic. Ask your doctor for suggestions on the proper orthotic style for your body type.

Low Back Pain Treatment Tip #3: Take The TLC!
Massage therapy can be an effective low back pain treatment during pregnancy. This pain relieving technique is not only healing and healthy, but it’s also soothing for a pregnant woman. Anything that soothes her mind and body is a plus, because it is very important to keep the stress levels at a minimum. Stress can be a concern with pregnancy, so it is advisable to find stress reducers; massage therapy is a fun solution! Of course, always make certain your professional massage therapist is well trained in the massage of expectant moms, as there are some maneuvers that are not advisable with pregnancy.

Chiropractic care is an effective low back pain treatment because doctors of chiropractic specialize in caring for the muscles, joints and nerves of your spine. You my want to consider chiropractic care for your low back pain treatment if you or someone you know is experiencing pain during pregnancy – there’s no reason to suffer any longer.