Pregnancy is a miracle in and of itself; however, that doesn’t mean that the entire process is painless. For most women, the excitement of bringing a child into the world overpowers any discomfort. That is not the case for everyone though. Some women find themselves in quite a bit of pain while pregnant. One of the most common causes of pain in women who are pregnant is backache. Other causes of pain and discomfort include:
- Acne
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Heartburn
- Swollen Joints
- Migraines
Regardless, back pain tops this list as a common cause of pain among women that are pregnant. The back pain that most pregnant women experience is due to ligaments loosening up in preparation of giving birth. The posture strain that carrying a baby can cause only intensifies discomfort most women feel in their backs. More often than not, the back pain will be more intense and feel worse at night than during the day.
While back pain may plague many women, there are ways to find back pain relief during pregnancy. Some ways to find relief are simple and can be achieved quickly. Others require more preparation and the occasional office visit. Below we’ve outlined five ways to find back pain relief during pregnancy.
Five Ways to Find Back Pain Relief During Pregnancy
- Prenatal Yoga
There is no denying that yoga has become a very popular form of exercise and meditation over the last 10 years. The movement-based practice improves strength and flexibility when practiced and is one of the top techniques that women turn to when looking for pain relief. Prenatal yoga has the power to improve posture and get the physical body ready to undergo the birthing process. It also can help women overcome emotional stress through breathing exercises. Prenatal yoga has become a top choice among pregnant women who are in need of back pain relief or a variety of other discomforts during pregnancy including: muscle soreness, joint pain, and problems with nerves.
- Acupuncture
Another Asian technique for pain relief is acupuncture. While acupuncture is not medically proven to work there have been studies done that show a direct correlation between back pain relief during pregnancy and acupuncture. During an acupuncture session, very thin needles are inserted into pressure points that are connected to physical and emotional health systems. Those who believe in the practice of acupuncture believe that it removes blockages that are interfering with the body’s energy. Contact your doctor prior to undergoing acupuncture. It is important to consult your doctor and ensure that acupuncture is going to be right for you prior to undergoing a session.
- Chiropractic Care
Most people consider chiropractors to only assist with joint paint, but they are very well versed in relieving back pain. Using some of the same techniques such as joint manipulation and soft tissue work, chiropractors can bring relief to back pain. Pregnant women who undergo chiropractic care often find relief from tight muscles, compressed nerves, and misaligned joints.
- Prenatal Massage
If a pregnant woman experiencing back pain visits a certified prenatal massage therapist, they will often find back pain relief quickly. This is true of back pain that’s a result of clenched muscles in a certain area of the back irritating a nerve. In particular, the sciatic nerve often causes back pain in women and prenatal massages will help relieve that pain. The most common approach to prenatal massage is Swedish massage because it uses long strokes that are smooth and rarely aggravates joints.
- Avoiding Strenuous Activity
One of the best ways to find relief for back pain is to avoid causing it in the first place. As a woman gets further and further along in her pregnancy, it is pertinent that she limits her level of activity. If a pregnant woman avoids strenuous activity then she is less likely to experience moderate to severe back pain. Avoiding heavy lifting and standing for prolonged periods of time will significantly help cut down on back pain. Women can also rest often with their legs elevated and this will often relieve back pain, as well.
These are just a few of the many ways that women can relieve back pain during pregnancy.
Some minor changes can also improve the severity of back pain during pregnancy. Minor changes include: practicing good posture, wearing low heeled shoes with arch support, and sleeping on a side instead of the back. However, some back pain – especially severe and sudden back pain – can be an indicator of a larger health issue and should be reviewed and treated by a doctor.
If you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, and suffering from back pain – contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY. Dr. Grossfeld has over 15 years of medical experience and can help relieve back pain and discomfort. Contact the office today at 502-212-2663 to discuss your pain and schedule an appointment.
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