BACK PAIN AND PREGNANCY

Darcee SchmidtLogan College of Chiropractic

Who is affected? 50-70% pregnant females report back

pain at some point Those with the most pain tend to have

more trouble with daily activities Typically starts early and progresses

throughout The most common reason was

dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint Those with previous back pain are at a

greater risk

What causes back pain? Sacroiliac joint (SI) Lumbar Spine Hip Sacrum Poor posture Biomechanics

Causes during Pregnancy Hormones Shift in center of gravity Increased weight Posture Stress

Back Pain during Pregnancy

Aka gestational back pain is a significant and common problem

Non-pharmaceutical treatments are the first option Chiropractic Posture changes Accupuncture Physiotherapy Yoga

Wang, SM. (2003). Backaches related to pregnancy: the risk factors, etiologies, treatments and controversial issues. Curr Opin anaesthesiol. June;16(3):269-73

What to avoid Standing long periods of time

Forward bending posture

Lifting heavy objects

Why does it occur? In late pregnancy you have a decreased

range of forward bending Trunk rotation decreases when sitting Bending forward and rotating requires the

greatest effort in pregnant women. Late pregnancy: Stand with hips pushed

backwards and with the trunk and shoulders flexed forward

Increased front to back curve in lumbar spine

How can I avoid pain? Good posture Proper gear Proper lifting Sleep on your side with pillow between

legs Ice or heat EXERCISE Keep weight gain within doctors

regulations Relax Complementary therapies

Exercising during Pregnancy

If you were following an exercise program before becoming pregnant you should be able to continue

If just starting, start slow Listen to your body Don’t exert yourself to exhaustion or

breathlessness Avoid uneven surfaces

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/exerciseguidelines.html

Exercising cont Avoid back exercises in 2nd and 3rd

trimesters Utilize stretching and relaxation before and

after working out Weight train to improve tone

Upper body Avoid over the head lifting

Low impact is preferred Will help body return to

natural state after delivery

http://www.cloudninemarketing.com/healthhealersnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/51.jpg

Yoga and Pregnancy Excellent way for mom to

adapt to her body’s changes

Provides stress relieve and calms the body

Strengthens the body Release tension in hips Increases circulation May establish connection

between mom and baby http://www.eternity-yoga.com/yoga-during-pregnancy.html

Is Yoga Safe? Yes

Expecting moms who practice yoga (meditation, physical postures, and breathing) have fewer preterm labors, higher birth weights, and less complications (such as intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension)

Narendran S, Nagarathna R, Narendran V, Gunasheela S, Nagendra HR (2005). Efficacy of yoga on pregnancy outcome. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. Apr;11(2):237-44

SI belt Studies have shown that,

because all pelvic joints loosen during pregnancy, use of a sacroiliac belt may prevent pain during and after pregnancy

Using a pelvic belt after giving birth decreased pain in 67% of moms

J.M.A Mens, et al 19

Snidjers, et al 1992, Vleeming, et al 1990, Hansen JH 1992

Chiropractic

Webster Technique Restore pelvic balance and function Can be effective and is safe in relieving the

consequences of intrauterine constraint (i.e., malposition/malpresentation) in pregnancy

More chiropractic

Many pregnant femalesshow great relief with other chiropractic techniques (Basic, SOT, Diversified, Thompson, Activator, etc.)

For more information go to www.icpa4kids.com

Acupuncture May help turn a breech baby

May decrease morning sickness

May help induce labor

May help decrease pain Helps maintain balance

Stretching and Strengthening

Stretch your back and muscles

Strengthen your core

What did you learn? Back pain is common in pregnancy Caused by changing biomechanics Many ways to help decrease pain

Exercise SI belt Chiropractic Acupuncture Strengthening and stretching

Questions?