Relieve Pregnancy-Related Back Pain with Osteopathic Care

Pregnancy is a remarkable and life-changing experience, but it can also bring about various challenges, one of which is low back pain. Research suggests that around 50% of pregnant women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. It’s crucial to understand that this discomfort should not be ignored as a normal part of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available, such as osteopathy, that can provide relief and support for expectant mothers. In this article, we will explore how osteopathy can be a safe and beneficial approach to alleviating back pain during pregnancy.

Understanding the Causes of Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes that can contribute to low back pain. Some common causes include:

• Postural Changes: As your body adapts to accommodate the growing fetus, your center of gravity shifts forward, and the curvature of your lower spine increases. This places additional strain on the pelvis and lumbar spine, potentially leading to discomfort.
• New or Re-occurring Injuries: Everyday activities like stepping off a curb, lifting objects, or a fall can cause or aggravate back pain during pregnancy. Previous injuries to the lower back or pelvis can also resurface due to the added stress on the body.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormones released during pregnancy, such as relaxin, can make ligaments and the sacroiliac joints more lax. This decreased stability can contribute to back pain.
• Circulation Changes: The growing fetus can put pressure on the vena cava, leading to venous congestion in the lumbar and pelvic areas, particularly noticeable at night.
• Psychological Stress: Stress and anxiety, whether stemming from home or work, can exacerbate back pain. It’s important to address these factors as they can impact the overall experience of pain and hinder recovery.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

When experiencing back pain during pregnancy, seeking an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. An in-person consultation with a healthcare provider, such as an osteopath, allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition. Relying on a phone diagnosis can lead to misinterpretations and added stress. Diagnostic tools like MRI scans may be utilized if necessary, while X-rays are generally avoided due to exposure to radiation.

Osteopathy: A Safe and Gentle Approach to Alleviating Back Pain

Osteopathic treatment is a non-invasive, drug-free, and holistic approach that can effectively address low back pain and pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women. Osteopaths specialise in understanding the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with overall health.

Here’s How Osteopathy Can Benefit Pregnant Women

• Holistic Assessment: Osteopaths begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and conducting a hands-on examination of your spine. This comprehensive approach helps identify the underlying causes of your pain and tailors a treatment plan specific to your needs.
• Hands-On Techniques: Osteopaths utilise a range of gentle manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching, spinal manipulation, muscle energy techniques, and exercises tailored to your condition. These techniques aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore balance within your body.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: Osteopaths focus on identifying and treating not only the symptoms but also the root causes of your pain. By addressing imbalances and dysfunctions in other areas of the body, they can provide comprehensive relief and support for your back pain.
• Avoidance of Medications: Osteopathic treatment aims to minimise or eliminate the need for pain relief medication during pregnancy. However, if necessary, always consult your healthcare provider or GP before taking any medications.

Recovery and Post-Delivery Care

The duration of recovery from back pain during pregnancy varies for each individual. However, with proper osteopathic care, most women experience significant improvement after a few treatments. It’s important to prioritise your spinal health even after delivery. We highly recommend a post-delivery spinal check-up to address any underlying issues, support breastfeeding, promote pelvic floor and core strength development, and ensure your overall well-being.

If you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer needlessly. Osteopathic care offers a safe, gentle, and effective solution to alleviate your discomfort. By addressing the underlying causes of your pain and utilising hands-on techniques, osteopaths can help restore your well-being and enhance your pregnancy experience.  Taking a proactive step towards seeking help from a qualified osteopath can make a significant difference in your pregnancy journey.

If you are struggling with Back Pain during your pregnancy – Our Osteopaths are here to provide the compassionate support you deserve throughout your pregnancy.

Contact our Osteopaths at Better Health Osteopathy in Christchurch today. Call 027 755 5700 or book online.