Back Pain in Pregnancy
Content
Dr. A.MOHAN KRISHNA
M.S.ORTHO, MCh ORTH(U.K)
Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon , Trauma, Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty Surgeon Apollo hospitals, Jubilee hills, Hyderabad Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at
www.healthyjointclub.com
PREGNANCY & LOW BACK PAIN
INCIDENCE
Most common orthopaedic complaint
50% to 80% of pregnant women suffer
FACTORS
Postural
HORMONAL
Changes causes low back pain in pregnancy
HORMONAL FACTORS
Hormone called RELAXIN During Pregnancy
Loosens all joints and ligaments in body. Pelvic ligaments stretch & makes room for growing baby & helps during delivery also. Laxity of the ligaments which support the spine results in the instability which can cause back pain.
POSTURE
Forward bending of lower spine & compensatory bending of upper spine
Abdomen shifts forwards & downwards
Altered Biomechanics of spine & strain to back muscles
TYPES OF LOW BACK PAIN
LUMBAR PAIN
POSTERIOR PELVIC PAIN
LUMBAR PAIN
Similar to back pain as seen in non pregnant women
Caused by sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Pain located above the waist line
POSTERIOR PELVIC PAIN
Common pain in pregnant women
Pain at back of pelvis, below the waist line , across the buttocks & near the tail bone
Aggravated by bending twisting, climbing stairs
MANAGEMENT
Limit your activities
Local heat/cold application
Initial Management
Basic analgesics like paracetomol
PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE
As Pregnancy progresses Center of gravity shifts forwards
Strain to back muscles & back pain results
To avoid following back compensatory leaning of back occurs
Shoulder & upper back relaxed Good chair to support the back
Stand up right & tall
Hold your chest high
RIGHT GEAR
Low heeled shoes with good arch support
Maternity pants with low & supportive waist bands
Soft / firm pillows & mattresses
LIFT SMART
Let your legs do the work Hold the load close to your body
Move straight up and down
Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees
SLEEP SMART
1. Sleep on your side 2. Keep one or both knees bent 3. Can also keep pillow between your knees or under abdomen
1. Full length body pillow
EXERCISES: Do the exercises with
advice from your physician
M.S.ORTHO, MCh ORTH(U.K)
Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon , Trauma, Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty Surgeon Apollo hospitals, Jubilee hills, Hyderabad Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at
www.healthyjointclub.com
PREGNANCY & LOW BACK PAIN
INCIDENCE
Most common orthopaedic complaint
50% to 80% of pregnant women suffer
FACTORS
Postural
HORMONAL
Changes causes low back pain in pregnancy
HORMONAL FACTORS
Hormone called RELAXIN During Pregnancy
Loosens all joints and ligaments in body. Pelvic ligaments stretch & makes room for growing baby & helps during delivery also. Laxity of the ligaments which support the spine results in the instability which can cause back pain.
POSTURE
Forward bending of lower spine & compensatory bending of upper spine
Abdomen shifts forwards & downwards
Altered Biomechanics of spine & strain to back muscles
TYPES OF LOW BACK PAIN
LUMBAR PAIN
POSTERIOR PELVIC PAIN
LUMBAR PAIN
Similar to back pain as seen in non pregnant women
Caused by sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Pain located above the waist line
POSTERIOR PELVIC PAIN
Common pain in pregnant women
Pain at back of pelvis, below the waist line , across the buttocks & near the tail bone
Aggravated by bending twisting, climbing stairs
MANAGEMENT
Limit your activities
Local heat/cold application
Initial Management
Basic analgesics like paracetomol
PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE
As Pregnancy progresses Center of gravity shifts forwards
Strain to back muscles & back pain results
To avoid following back compensatory leaning of back occurs
Shoulder & upper back relaxed Good chair to support the back
Stand up right & tall
Hold your chest high
RIGHT GEAR
Low heeled shoes with good arch support
Maternity pants with low & supportive waist bands
Soft / firm pillows & mattresses
LIFT SMART
Let your legs do the work Hold the load close to your body
Move straight up and down
Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees
SLEEP SMART
1. Sleep on your side 2. Keep one or both knees bent 3. Can also keep pillow between your knees or under abdomen
1. Full length body pillow
EXERCISES: Do the exercises with
advice from your physician
