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PREGNANCY AND BACK PAIN

 
Over 50% of women experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy. On this page I will discuss the causes of back pain during pregnancy, what you can do to reduce its effects and how osteopathic treatment can help.

PPREGNANCY AND BACK PAIN - CAUSES

 
There are lots of reasons why your back hurts during pregnancy. Some of these, you can’t do anything about. For example:
  • Increased levels or the hormone relaxin: This softens your ligaments to allow the baby to pass through your pelvis which puts more strain on muscles and tendonds making them ache.
  • Your uterus expands: This shifts your centre of gravity forward also putting more strain on your spine. This puts more strain on muscles and ligaments making them ache.

On the positive side, there are issues which you can do something about:

  • Weak abdominal tone: the muscles around your tummy are designed to give some support to the lower back. By doing gentle exercises such as daily walking and doing exercises which engage your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, you can give your aching back some much needed movement and support.
  • Posture: When you are tired and aching it can be all too tempting to slump on a couch and hope that when you get up you will feel better. This rarely works. If you are tired, have a lie down on a properly supportive surface (like your bed). Then, when your batteries are recharged stand / sit up with a straight back.

PREGNANCY AND BACK PAIN - OSTEOPATHY TREATMENT

 
Osteopathy is a very gentle treatment which is safe for pregnant women. Ben Posen Bost osteopath has successfully treated many pregnant women with a range of symptoms like neck, shoulder, back and pelvis pain. When you come for treatment, in addition to the hands on treatment you will also be given advice and exercises to help you manage your symptoms during the pregnancy.

PREGNANCY AND BACK PAIN - SUPPORT PRODUCTS


The clinic carries a range of products, some of which are specifically designed for pregnant women. These include maternity support belts, SI belts, exercise balls (aka swiss balls) and lumbar support rolls. Click back support products for details.


Tags: pregnancy and back pain treatment, osteopath NW6, osteopathy

               
  Ben is the best Osteopath I have been seen by in the 10+ years since I injured my neck, back and shoulders...His knowledge and expertise on pregnancy related issues has been vital to me in the past 9 months especially during my first two trimesters. I would recommend Ben's services to everyone.
(Megan Robb, Project Manager)		 Hampstead Osteopathy
1 Queens Court
224 West End Lane
London, NW6 1UT