Pregnancy is a wonderful, miraculous time, but it isn’t without issues; after all, you’re growing a person inside of your body, and that’s bound to take its toll.
Back pain is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy – in fact, it is estimated that a whopping 50% of women will experience back pain either during, or in the months after, pregnancy. Why is this? Firstly, there are the hormonal changes that your body goes through; relaxin, the hormone that is released during pregnancy to prepare your joints and ligaments for childbirth, can increase your risk of suffering from inflammation and joint misalignment – in short, back pain. Additionally, the weight that you gain during pregnancy, and may hold on to in the weeks after childbirth, can also place pressure on your joints and muscles, while your expanding uterus will stretch and weaken your abdominal muscles and change your posture; it’s no wonder so many women experience such issues. The important thing to remember is that postpartum back pain is completely normal and can be treated in the majority of cases.
Alleviating and curing postpartum back pain
While back pain is common during pregnancy, it can also linger long after your labor; poor posture during nursing, and forgetting to pay attention to the way you sit, stand, or pick up heavier items can all contribute to that nagging pain you may be experiencing. It’s easily done, particularly if you’ve got another person relying on your every move.
You may now understand a little more about why your back hurts, but what can you do about it? Luckily, there are a few things that you could be doing right now, including gentle exercises such as walking and swimming, applying heat or cooling packs, strengthening and repetitive movements such as yoga, enjoying a warm bath, treating yourself to a massage to relieve symptoms, and good nutrition, to help your body heal. It is also imperative to consult a healthcare professional if you’re considering medication; not all medicine is suitable if you’re nursing, for example. Maintaining good posture is essential during pregnancy and childbirth, so find a comfortable way to nurse, carry your child, and conduct your daily routine.
If none of the above methods seem to be working to control your pain or ease your symptoms, you may like to seek professional guidance – particularly if you’re experiencing pain beyond the first few months when you’d expect your joints, muscles, and ligaments to be approaching their pre-pregnancy positioning and condition. Physical therapy can help to improve posture, exercise your joints and muscles, and build up your body’s strength, while chiropractic care, such as that provided by HealthQuest Chiropractic, is often helpful when the pain gets too much; a trained chiropractor can identify the core issues surrounding your back pain, and suggest the best course of action.
Not all pregnancies are plain sailing, and the after-affects can sometimes be more painful than labor. If you’re suffering with back pain, know that you’re not alone and that help is on hand; you’ll be enjoying those first precious moments in no time at all.
