Back pain can occur when you are pregnant because your joints are loosening, hormones are preparing for your labor and your pelvis is experiencing the pressure of carrying a child. Back pain is experienced by many women and it may cause them to have a hard pregnancy.
Pain in the lower back can be aggravated by sitting for a long period of time, standing, lifting, pushing and in general moving in any direction when pregnant. It often occurs in the beginning of a pregnancy, but is more common in the second and third trimester. The fetus is developing and gaining weight, and your uterus is shifting and growing.
Back pain in pregnancy, feels like a dull ache, that nags and never ends. The pain can be excruciating. It affects women who have had prior pregnancies, weak backs or are very young. The pain can often stem from a joint, known as the sacroiliac joint, which is located at the point where the pelvis attaches to the spine. The day begins stiff and then pain grows or nags throughout the rest of the day.
What Causes My Back Pain?
Spinal issues may be experienced as a result of weight gain. Usually during pregnancy the weight gain varies at around 35 pounds or more. The spine and the joints become extremely stressed, which is what is causes you to feel pain. The child in the uterus, is also contributing to this pain because of the pressure exerted on the pelvis and blood vessels.
Signs of Back Pain
- Dull, throbbing ache
- Continuously having to shift your body in order to feel comfortable
- A pain in the pelvis
As your uterus expands, you may find yourself moving and adjusting your posture. In fact, it may provide immediate relief but can cause more pain and strain in the long run. While experiencing the joys of pregnancy your body will also produce a great amount of hormonal changes. The body produces relaxin, a hormone that causes your joints to loosen, and allow you to birth a child. The hormone that loosens the joints, also causes the ligaments in the zone to loosen and thus lead to a lost center of gravity and increased pain. Muscles will begin to separate as you enter the final stages of pregnancy. The abdominal muscles separate in some cases and this may cause a increase in back pain. Excess stress may also cause back pain to increase.
Recap of the Causes of Back Pain
- Hormonal changes loosen the joints
- Stress on the body causes increased pressure
- Weight gain
- Muscle strain
Back Pain Specialists
Back pain specialists can help alleviate the pain in your back and ensure that you will be able to move more freely. Yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, low impact workouts, and breathing exercises are some common recommendations. Most pregnant women think this is something they must endure. Fortunately, back pain specialists are there to ensure that you have an experience free from pain.
Most people purchase special pillows, take tylenol or shift positions, which seems to temporarily relieve the symptoms, but will ultimately only worsen the pain. The only way to ensure that back pain is relieved is to seek the help of a medical professional.
Types of Back Pain Specialists
- Chiropractors
- Acupuncturists
- Massage Therapists
The good news is that from all of the pain and suffering, comes the pure pleasure of having a baby. Not all pregnant women have issues with back pain, but it is unmistakable if you are suffering from it. The best bet to relieve pain is to consult a chiropractor who will immediately start you on a regime that will help you and your back feel better in no time.
Melissa Cameron, is a full-time writer, and mom always concerned with health issues. This article was produced especially for back pain sufferers with the guidance of Dr. Otto, the best Chiropractor in Appleton who specializes in Chiropratic care.
