Pregnancy, Physiotherapy, and Back Pain


Vancouver physiotherapy offers relief for those suffering from back pain or low-back pain. Whether it is a dull pain or chronic muscle tension, back pain during pregnancy is a serious concern. It can lead to difficulties with balance and may cause discomfort while breastfeeding later on.

If you are suffering from pregnancy back pain, consult a Vancouver physiotherapy center for help.



Pregnancy Back Pain


Eight out of 10 pregnant women suffer from low-back pain and chronic muscle tension during pregnancy. However, the severity of pain does vary from person to person. While some women may just suffer from dull pain, others can encounter devastating discomfort that can hinder their daily chores and steal the joy of being pregnant.

This pain usually starts disappearing three months after child-birth and, with proper care, such as that provided by a Vancouver physiotherapy clinic, can be avoided in future pregnancies.



Causative Factors


Increase in the uterus size and hormonal changes are two of the main factors that contribute to the low-back pain during pregnancy. Due to the expanding uterus, the body’s center of balance shifts causing the abdominal muscles to weaken. The increase in abdominal size also leads to change in posture that can strain the back causing severe discomfort.


After the birth, low-back pain and chronic muscle tension can persist. This may lead to difficulties caring for the new child and can cause discomfort while breastfeeding.



Types of Pregnancy Back Pain


According to experts, there are generally two types of low-back pain during pregnancy - lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain. Both types can create great discomfort and cause a pregnant woman to have difficulty maintaining her balance. 


In pregnant women, occurrence of pelvic pain is more common than lumber pain. The location of pelvic pain is lower than lumber pain, and patients may feel this pain in the inner buttocks, on one or both the sides. Posterior pelvic pain may also be felt in the back of the thighs.


Activities that can aggravate posterior pelvic pain include frequent turning in the bed, walking, climbing stairs, deep bending, and strained seating postures. If you have difficulty with any of these activities, visiting a physiotherapy clinic in downtown Vancouver can help.



Treatment


Pregnant women who are suffering from persistent lower back strain are often referred to physiotherapy. Treatment such as this will help the woman to strengthen her back and oblique muscles, thereby improving posture. Stretching and improving muscle strength will also provide relief from the pain.


During Vancouver physiotherapy, your therapist will first identify the specific problem area and then develop a customized exercise routine to help you recover and attain relief from the problematic discomfort.


Sessions with a Vancouver physiotherapy professional can also help women prepare for a pregnancy free from back pain. By following a regulated stretching and strengthening plan, women will be able to decrease the risk of pregnancy back pain. This preventative measure is particularly recommended for women who are very small in stature or those who have had similar problems in past pregnancies.