Chronic back pain during pregnancy is quite common. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women experience back pain. However, you should not just accept the pain as part of pregnancy. It's important to treat your pregnancy back pain to reduce discomfort and prevent recurring back problems.
The Facts
Chronic back pain often occurs between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, according to Spine-Health.com. But it can begin early, particularly if you have preexisting low back problems.
The two most common types are lumbar (low back) pain and posterior pelvic pain. Lumbar pain occurs around your waist in the middle of the back, and it increases if you remain in the same position for a prolonged amount of time. Posterior pelvic pain is in the back of your pelvis and is much more common. You may feel it below and at the sides of your waistline or on either side of your tailbone. The pain is usually brought on when you do such things as lifting, bending forward, sitting and rising, rolling in bed and walking.
Treatment
To ease chronic back pain during pregnancy, sleep on your side, not on your back. Use ice packs on the pain site. Try soaking in a warm bath or applying a heating pad. It may help to alternate heat and ice treatments. Also, try taking a pain-relieving medication, if your doctor or midwife approves. Acetaminophen may be safe to take during pregnancy, but other pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended.
Visit a health care professional such as a chiropractor, who can help with your pain by adjusting or manipulating the alignment of your pelvis. Also, try having a professional massage. A massage therapist will work out some of the tension in your lower back muscles, which can help relieve some of your pain.
Prevention
You can take steps to reduce the severity of chronic back pain. With your health care provider's recommendation, do some stretching and strengthening exercises for your back and abdomen to help prevent back pain. For example, to strengthen your abdominal muscles, do a a pelvic tilt exercise. Lie on your back and bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor. Feel the space in between your lower back and the floor. Move your pelvis to flatten your back to the floor. You can also do the pelvic tilt while on your hands or knees, standing or sitting. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Maintain good posture. Your center of gravity will shift forward when you are pregnant, which can strain the muscles in your back. Stand up straight, tuck your trunk under, and pull your shoulders down and back. Support your back when sitting; elevate your feet and place a pillow behind your lower back. When lifting, squat down and lift with your legs instead of bending over.
Warning
If you are experiencing severe back pain, contact your doctor. A low, dull pain in your back can be a sign of preterm labor. If you have concerns about your chronic back pain, seek medical attention right away.
