Ashton Hanson, physical therapist, works on a patient at Teton Therapy in Cheyenne.
Back pain or discomfort is a common result of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that can cause stress and tension in different muscles. Doing exercises that increase muscle strength in the hips, back, and abdomen are great for preparation for your pregnancy. By improving your lower back strength during pregnancy, you are preparing your body for delivery and improve recovery after the delivery.
What causes low back pain during pregnancy?
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- Weight Gain: Women typically gain 25-35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. This weight is shifted to the front of the body, leaving the spine to support the weight. With all of this weight on the spine, low back pain will begin to develop.
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- Posture Changes: A change in the mothers center of gravity affects her posture, which causes the muscles to work harder. As the uterus and baby continue to grow, your center of gravity moves forward. This shift puts more force on your muscles that are needed for everyday support, causing you to slump forward. Over time this poor alignment creates muscle tightness and stress on the lower back.
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- Hormone Changes: During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin. This allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
- Stress: Pregnancy can be stressful physically and emotionally. Your body, your emotions, and the life of your family are all changing. These new additions are amazing and welcoming, but they can add new stresses to your life. Feeling stressed is common during pregnancy. But too much stress can make you uncomfortable. This stress can cause tension in your muscles, which can cause back pain and spasms.
Kacey Rand, therapy technician, works with a patient at Teton Therapy in Cheyenne.
What treatments are used for low back pain during pregnancy?
Physical Therapy is an effective treatment for low back pain during pregnancy. A physical therapist may work on things like improving posture, joint alignment, strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility. In addition to improving low back pain during a pregnancy, exercise that increase muscle strength in the hips, back, and abdomen can prepare the body for delivery and improve recovery after delivery.
Pregnancy Cushion & Headrest
This cushion and headset are designed to provide support and adapt to any stage of pregnancy. It is ideal for women who are pregnant and suffering from low back pain. If you’re struggling with your comfort, this pillow may give you the kind of relaxation your body needs. This provides spaces, not just for your face and stomach, but your breasts, as well. And considering how much you grow and how sore you can become during pregnancy, this pregnancy cushion can be a lifesaver!
Success Story
“I didn’t realize when I started therapy just how impactful it would be. I came to it thinking my pain was just a negative symptom of pregnancy. Relief from these issues has made activity easy again! The exercises are low impact, simple, and can be replicated at home. I can keep them up on my own after the pregnancy to improve the mobility of my hips and low back. I am thrilled with the care I have received from Teton Therapy!”
-Zarah O. in Cheyenne
If you want to learn more or have any questions about how physical therapy can help with your pregnancy and low back pain (or any pain), contact us! We love to see you and your loved ones happy and healthy!
