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Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
It's no surprise that your back might start aching during pregnancy. After all, your center of gravity is shifting, and your body is producing hormones that loosen your joints and ligaments. Women with pre-existing lower back pain problems are at an increased risk for back pain which can occur earlier in their pregnancy. Here are some causes that affect the support your back needs and ways to limit pain as your pregnancy progresses.
Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy
More than half of all pregnant women will experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. The good news is that there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort.
There are several possible causes of back pain during pregnancy. One is the extra weight you’re carrying around. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, which can put a strain on your back and cause pain. This shift in your center of gravity can cause to you start slouching or hunching over in an effort to try and compensate for the extra weight in front of you. This can cause pain in your lower back.
Another common cause of back pain during pregnancy is a condition called sciatica. Sciatica is a result of the compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs. This can cause shooting pains in your lower back or legs.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort of back pain during pregnancy. Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve back pain.
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. These changes can put a lot of strain on your back and cause pain. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain during pregnancy:
Increased Weight Causing Back Pain In Pregnancy
Expecting mothers often experience back pain as their weight increases during pregnancy. For some women, the back pain is mild and goes away after a few weeks. However, for others, the back pain can be severe and last throughout the pregnancy.
There are several reasons why increased weight can cause back pain in pregnancy. First, the extra weight puts strain on the lower back muscles and ligaments. Second, the growing uterus can shift a woman’s center of gravity, putting additional strain on her back. Lastly, hormonal changes during pregnancy can loosen the joints and relax the muscles in the pelvis, which can lead to instability in the spine and cause back pain.
Fortunately, there are several things that pregnant women can do to ease their back pain. First, they should avoid high heels and shoes with no support.
Postural Changes Causing Low Back Pain
It’s no secret that posture plays a big role in how our bodies feel. Poor posture can lead to all sorts of problems, including low back pain. There are a few different postural changes that can cause low back pain.
First, let’s talk about slouching. When we slouch, our spine isn’t in its natural alignment. This can put a lot of strain on the muscles and ligaments in our back, which can lead to pain. Second, sitting for long periods of time can also cause low back pain. This is because sitting puts our spine in an unnatural position and puts a lot of pressure on our lower back muscles. Third, carrying too much weight can also lead to low back pain. This is because when we carry extra weight, it puts more strain on our spine and muscles.
During pregnancy, the growing uterus puts extra pressure on the spine and pelvis. This can cause a change in posture, which can lead to low back pain. Additionally, as the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts. This can also cause changes in posture and lead to low back pain.
How Relaxin Can Cause Posterior Pelvic Pain
Relaxin is a hormone released during pregnancy that allows for the relaxing of the ligaments and joints in the pelvis so that the uterus and baby grow as well as during delivery, the baby can pass through the birth canal. While relaxin is essential for a successful delivery, it can also cause posterior pelvic pain.
When the ligaments and joints in the pelvis are relaxed, they become less stable. This can increase the risk for back, hips, and pelvic area as well as in one or both sides of the legs. The pain may be worse when you walk or stand for long periods of time.
There are several ways to help ease posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy. First, try wearing a supportive maternity belt around your hips. This will help take some of the pressure off of your lower back and pelvis. Second, avoid high heels and other shoes that put strain on your feet and legs. Third, practice good posture by keeping your shoulders back and your head up.
Lower Back Pain Leading To Sciatica
Lower back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy. However, when the pain extends into the sciatic nerve and exits from the lumbar portion of your spine, it can become quite debilitating. Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back all the way down your legs.
During pregnancy, the growing baby puts pressure on the mother’s pelvis and lower back. This can lead to pain in the lower back and buttocks. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. This can cause severe pain that radiates down the leg.
For most women, sciatica will go away after giving birth. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to ease the pain. Try placing a heating pad on your lower back for 15-20 minutes at a time. You can also wear comfortable shoes and avoid standing for long periods of time. Gentle stretching and massage can help to loosen tight muscles and ease the pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, your doctor may prescribe medication or suggest physical therapy.
How To Help Prevent Low Back Pain During Pregnancy
Around 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience low back pain during the prenatal period. For some, the pain is mild and goes away on its own. But for others, the pain can be more severe and last longer.
There are several things you can do to help prevent or relieve low back pain during pregnancy:
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Chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy and can help ease back pain and help reduce the number of pain medicines you need to use to manage acute pain. Specific chiropractic techniques such as the Webster Technique is designed specifically for the needs of pregnant individuals.
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Wear comfortable shoes with good support. Avoid high heels if possible.
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When sitting, use a chair that you can support your back in. Try not to slouch or sit for long periods of time in the same position.
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When lifting something, bend at your knees, not your waist. Avoid lifting heavy objects altogether if possible while you're pregnant. Lifting and carrying means more work for your lower lumbar spine and doing this often can affect the support of your back.
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Use heat and cold compresses when you experience lumbar pain during pregnancy.
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Exercise regularly and stay active throughout your pregnancy.
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If you're still experiencing low back pain during your pregnancy after trying the above steps or you're looking for a personalized plan, schedule an appointment with Base Camp Health now.
Care at Base Camp Health
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At Base Camp Health, we specialize in helping women who are experiencing pain in pregnancy through gentle, specific, and holistic chiropractic care. Our chiropractors utilize the Webster Technique to allow for the ideal positions for your body during pregnancy to help decrease the discomforts that are common during pregnancy. Schedule a time for our doctors to come to you in the comfort of your own home today.