During the course of pregnancy 50-80% of women experience some form of pregnancy related back pain. As your uterus expands your core muscles are stretched, weakened and have difficulty stabilizing your posture. This causes you to slouch and put strain on your back. Also the extra weight your carrying shifts your center of gravity forward and puts stress on your back, feet, ankles and knees.
Pregnancy related low back pain is felt around the spine around waist level and may radiate to your legs. It tends to be worse at the end of the day because standing or sitting for long periods of time and lifting items makes it worse.
Posterior Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pain in the buttocks and back of the thighs. It is often triggered by twisting, climbing stairs and positions in which you’re bent at the waist.
Tips to Help Alleviate Pregnancy Back Pain
1) Pregnancy Chiropractic
Women who receive Chiropractic report less pain during pregnancy and labour. Chiropractic is a safe, effective drug free way to relieve pain. It helps decrease pressure on your joints, muscles and nerves of your spine and pelvis.
2) Pregnancy Massage Therapy
After your 1st trimester, pre-natal Massage Therapy can relieve low back pain, upper back pain and headaches.
Also post-natal Massages can decrease soreness in your upper back, shoulder and neck from holding a baby.
3) Pregnancy Exercises
Regular exercise strengthens your muscles and boosts flexibility. Safe exercises during pregnancy include walking, swimming, and stationary cycling.
To improve your posture during pregnancy, make sure to stand up straight! Many pregnant women slump their shoulders and arch their back as their belly grows which puts strain on the spine. Try keeping your shoulders back.
5) Pregnancy Sleeping Positions
Try and sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This reduces the pressure of the uterus on your blood vessels and enhances blood flow to both mother and child.
Ask your RMT and Chiropractor for the possibility of pregnancy pillows that will suit your needs best.
Pregnancy Back Pain Treatment in East Vancouver
If you need help with your pregnancy back pain, get an assessment from our Vancouver Chiropractors or Massage Therapists! Call the Backs in Action Clinic at 604-876-9977 or email info@backsinaction.ca for to book your appointment today!
If you suffer from oedema, leg pain, or swelling in the legs or ankles while pregnant or following pregnancy, ask about our maternity compression leggings and tights.
We are located steps away from the Commercial Broadway Skytrain Station and easily accessible from Burnaby and Downtown Vancouver! Let us help you ease your pregnancy back pain and get you back into action today!
