Chiropractic and Pregnancy Related Back Pain
The body of a pregnant woman goes through many changes. One of those changes can be the onset of back pain. Up to ten percent of pregnant women who suffer from back pain have deemed the level of discomfort severe enough to disrupt their daily routines. However, there are steps that the mother-to-be can take to protect themselves from back pain.
Causes of Pregnancy-related Back Pain.
Weight Gain: The average pregnant woman gains 30 pounds or more while pregnant. The added weight puts extra stress on the back, feet, ankles and knees. In addition, as the baby grows, the core abdominal muscles become stretched. The stretching of the core abdominal muscles can affect the body's posture and stability compared to pre-pregnancy.
Hormones: Starting in the third trimester, a hormone called "relaxin" increases in production. Relaxin aids in loosening joints allowing the pelvis to accommodate the enlarging uterus. However, the loosening of joints often forces the muscles located in the back and pelvis to work overtime to keep the body in an upright and balanced posture, leading to back pain.
How to Minimize Back Pain
Exercise: Staying active with exercise can go a long way to increase muscle support for an aching back. Remember though, a health care practitioner should always be consulted before starting a new exercise regimen. Exercises such as low-impact cardiovascular activities, like swimming, walking, or stationary cycling, can help relieve pain and maintain a therapeutic fitness level.
Sleep position: Trying to sleep on the left side helps reduce the pressure on the uterus and the large blood vessels in the abdomen, optimizing blood flow to both the mother-to-be and the baby.
Pillow position: Placing a pillow between the knees can take the pressure off the lower back when sleeping on the left side.
Support your body: Support becomes crucial with the additional weight gain during pregnancy. Some suggestions are to use a lumbar support pillow in your chair at home or work and to wear flat, supportive shoes. If working in a sedentary type of job, be sure to take a few minutes to walk around each hour.
Take Breaks: Implement frequent mini breaks to elevate your feet. These mini breaks allow the restoration of energy and give your back a chance to relax.
By understanding the causes of back pain and implementing the suggestions above, hopefully relief from pregnancy-related back pain can be achieved.
If you or someone you know is experiencing back pain due to pregnancy, Dr. Vollrath can help. Contact Core Chiropractic Centre today.
