Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it can also bring about various challenges, one of which is lower back pain. Many expecting mothers experience discomfort and pain in their lower backs during pregnancy. This discomfort can be attributed to several factors, including musculoskeletal changes in the body, the increasing weight of the baby, and hormonal shifts. In this post, we will explore a few common pregnancy-related disorders – Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Round Ligament Pain – as well as discuss how symptoms can be referred from the spine to these areas. We'll also provide guidance on effective home exercises, specifically standing extension exercises, to help pregnant women find relief between visits to our chiropractic office.
A Few Causes Of Pregnancy-Related Lower Back Pain:
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Pelvic Girdle Pain is a group of conditions that cause discomfort and pain in the pelvic area, lower back, and hips. This can include symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or sacroiliac joint pain (SI joint pain). One reason this can occur is due to the increased relaxin hormone release throughout pregnancy, which softens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. While this is beneficial, this can lead to instability and pain in the pelvic region. PGP can be due to referred pain from the spinal joints as decreased mobility can exacerbate the condition. An evaluation we perform in the office will help determine if we have a mobility issue, stability issue, or potentially both contributing to the symptoms of PGP.
Round Ligament Pain: Round Ligament Pain is characterized by sharp, shooting pains in the lower abdomen or groin area. These pains occur as the uterus expands and the round ligaments that support it stretch and contract. The pain can sometimes radiate to the lower back, making it uncomfortable for pregnant women. Spinal mobility issues can also refer similar symptoms into the lower abdomen or groin area. An exam can help determine the referral source of one's symptoms
Referred Pain from the Spine:
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes that can affect spinal mobility and stability. As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts, leading to changes in posture. This can add strain the lower back and contribute to the development of PGP and the exacerbation of round ligament pain. Additionally, hormonal changes can affect the stability of the pelvic joints, making them more susceptible to mobility and stability disorders.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Painful Conditions During Pregnancy:
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide much-needed relief from lower back pain. Our skilled chiropractors treat pregnancy-related discomfort on a daily basis and can perform gentle adjustments to correct spinal mobility issues discovered and improve pelvic stability in-office and with exercises provided for self-treatment. By addressing the root causes of lower back pain, chiropractic care can effectively reduce the intensity and frequency of discomfort during pregnancy.
We Almost Always Recommend And Provide Home Exercises for Self-Treatment:
We understand that you may want to find relief between chiropractic visits. Standing extension exercises can be an excellent way to manage lower back pain at home. Here's a simple routine to try:
Standing Extension Exercise:*
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Place your hands on your lower back for support.
Gently arch your back, looking up towards the ceiling or sky.
Hold the stretch for 1-2 seconds, then relax back to a neutral position.
Repeat the stretch for 10 repetitions. We typically dose this around 5 sets daily
This exercise helps relieve tension in the lower back, promoting mobility, flexibility, and reducing pain. Always listen to your body and stop any exercise if you experience discomfort.
Pregnancy-related lower back pain, whether it's spine-referred pain, PGP, or round ligament pain, can be a struggle as pregnancy reaches full term. However, with proper chiropractic care and home exercises such as the standing extension stretches provided above, you can find relief and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy journey. Our chiropractic office in Marathon is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you experience this journey with as little discomfort as possible. We are happy to work with your team of providers and provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lower back pain during pregnancy can have various causes and may require a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Chiropractic care and home exercises, such as the standing extension exercise mentioned in this post, should not be attempted without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional before initiating any new healthcare regimen or making decisions regarding your health. If you are experiencing pregnancy-related lower back pain, please schedule an appointment with our office or consult with your obstetrician or healthcare provider for a proper assessment and guidance on managing your condition safely and effectively.
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