Pregnancy & Postpartum-Related Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Back pain during pregnancy is an extremely common issue for women of all ages. The pain can range from a mild pain during specific activities or a longer lasting pain that lasts days or weeks. Most commonly back pain begins between the 5th and 7th month of pregnancy however, it may begin sooner and last beyond delivery.

WHAT CAUSES PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM BACK PAIN?

There are two types of back pain related to pregnancy & postpartum: Lumbar (low back pain) and pelvic pain (hip pain).

  • Lumbar pain during pregnancy generally stays central in your low back above your hip bones. Activities like bending, lifting, squatting and sitting & standing for long periods of time typically make this type of pain worse.

  • Pelvic pain generally happens lower than lumbar spine pain. You may feel this in your hips and waistline and may happen on one or both sides. Common places this pain presents itself if into your buttock and down the back of your thighs. This type of pain tends to happen in the morning creating stiffness and trouble getting going, and may not get better with rest.

Both conditions may be caused by several factors related to changes that occur naturally to the body during this time. These factors include:

  • Weight fluctuations

  • Posture

  • Changes in musculoskeletal structure

  • Fatigue

  • Hormonal changes

Pubic Symphysis Pain

Your pubic symphysis is a joint that holds your hips together in the front. A common complaint we encounter from our pregnant patients is tenderness around their pubic symphysis. Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction can be associated with low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. This condition occurs when your hips become imbalanced and can cause pelvic stiffness and pain.

TREATMENTS FOR PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM BACK PAIN

Any pregnancy-related pain present for longer than 6-8 weeks should be treated to prevent chronic back pain or recurring back problems. Letting pain during pregnancy develop into chronic back pain is one of the leading predictors for postpartum back pain.

Traditionally, pregnant women suffering from back pain are limited in their options for treatments. Common therapies like pharmaceuticals, imaging tests, and injections pose significant risks to a pregnant mom. Other options like braces & supports, Ince & heat, medications, massage, and adjusting lifestyle & sleeping patterns only provide partial and temporary relief from back pain.

HOW PROACTIVE HEALTH CAN HELP:

PREGNANCY/POSTPARTUM-RELATED BACK PAIN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PAIN RELIEF

Proactive Health offers a comprehensive answer for low back and hip pain. Our providers spend the time needed to get to know you, your problem, and will develop a plan to get you out of pain and back to living your life. Our main treatments for pregnancy related back pain are hands on manual therapy combined with targeted rehab exercises focused on restoring proper function to your spine, hips, and overall body. We strive to provide you with the tools and resources to manage your pain, so you can get back to living your active, awesome life!

Our doctors co-manage your care with your prenatal care provider to ensure you recieve the most comprehensive care possible.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing Pregnancy & Postpartum-related back pain, call us at (423)779-3295 or click the button below to get started.