Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

Treating Pregnancy Back Pain

17 March 2021 by Joann Dunn

Pregnancy has a significant impact on just above every part of your body, including your back. Whether it is the strain of the extra weight or a pain management treatment, such as an epidural, with pregnancy there comes a risk of long-term back pain. Fortunately, there are back pain treatment options that can help in this scenario.

The Hormonal Link

Hormones play a large role in the back pain many people experience during pregnancy and post-partum. To prepare for delivery, the body releases hormones that loosen the ligaments to make them more flexible for the passage of the baby through the canal. Unfortunately, the ligaments in the birth canal are not only targeted; this process occurs all over the body. Oftentimes, the added flexibility in the ligaments in the back makes them more susceptible to discomfort.

Early Treatment

You cannot alter the way in which your body releases hormones or the strain the extra weight of the baby puts on your back. Yet, you can make your back pain treatment options more effective by starting early. For instance, sometimes, pregnancy back pain is exacerbated due to poor posture. An early realignment treatment that involves techniques that help to correct your posture can prevent the pain from becoming worse and adding to your discomfort. 

Alternative Options

Keep in mind that should you decide to breastfeed, your post-pregnancy back pain treatment options may not involve the use of prescription medications. When you breastfeed, everything you consume can be passed onto your feeding child, and since some medications can be harmful to developing infants, you may need to avoid them. Pain treatment options such as massage therapy, stretching, and exercise methods may be safer during this period. A healthcare provider can tell you what is best.

Lifestyle Factors

It is also a good idea to consider some lifestyle changes to aid in the treatment of your back pain. First, minimize any additional strain on your back, such as heavy lifting. Cut down on anything that can make your pain worse. Second, consume more inflammation-reducing foods. Unhealthy options, such as processed foods, can increase the risk of inflammation, which can put more pressure on your already sore back muscles, and therefore cause you greater pain.

If you experience back pain post-pregnancy, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional so that you can have your pain assessed and an effective treatment plan prescribed. 

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