Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

• Low Back Pain (LBP) present from the first trimester
• Hip or thigh pain, which may become more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses
• Increased pain when sitting, standing, coughing, sneezing, walking, or during bowel movements
• Back or neck pain
• Aching pains at night
• Sharp or stabbing pain in or around the pelvic girdle

Pregnancy-related back pain is a common condition experienced by expectant mothers. In fact, up to 90% of women will encounter low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy due to the increased mechanical stresses placed on the hips and lower back. This condition can be both uncomfortable and painful. Considering the significant physical changes occurring in a woman’s body during this time, it’s no surprise that many mothers experience discomfort. Factors such as weight gain, changes in the centre of gravity, and increased hormone levels that relax the ligaments around the lower back and pelvis all contribute to pregnancy-related back pain.

Typically, a pregnant woman will gain approximately 12 kg during pregnancy, which consists of roughly 3 kg for the baby, 3 kg for the placenta, and 6 kg for the mother herself.

How Do Chiropractors Treat Pregnancy-Related Back Pain?

The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic are well-equipped to treat expectant mothers experiencing low back and pelvic pain throughout their pregnancies. Pregnant patients are treated with modified Cox® Flexion-Distraction therapy, with them positioned safely in a side-lying position on the treatment table. This approach can be utilised from the beginning of the second trimester up until term. Modified Cox® Technic is gentle, safe, and effective for all expectant mothers, providing relief from the pressure on the spine and pelvis caused by the mechanical strain of pregnancy.

Our Cox® Certified Chiropractors can support expectant mothers through their pre- and post-partum journeys. Once the strain on the spine and pelvis has been alleviated, our Chiropractors will also prescribe simple, safe, and non-strenuous exercises designed to help stabilise these areas and prevent further stress, strain, and pain.

REFERENCES

(1)   Gudavalli, MR., Olding, K., Joachim, G., Cox, JM. Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Postsurgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. J Chiropractic Med. 2016 Jun; 15(2): 121–128. Published online 2016 May 25. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.004