Common Causes of Back Pain in Pregnancy

Welcome Guest Author Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. of Better Health Chiropractic, Anchorage Alaska

There are many causes of back pain not associated with pregnancy. There are also obvious back pain causes that are associated with pregnancy. 

The most common type of back pain is lower back pain. However, in pregnancy, it doesn’t always affect the lower back. Sometimes, it is mid back pain, and for some moms, they’ve said to experience back pain from top to bottom. 

There is a natural strain that overtakes the back during pregnancy. A growing belly causes greater levels of back pain for many growing moms. There is already a lot discomfort that goes along with pregnancy, and the added back pain for some moms can bring much frustration. As a top-rated chiropractor for back pain in Alaska, I’ll show you a few ways you can stop back pain in pregnancy.

 

What are some causes of back pain in pregnancy?

• Strained back muscles
• Heavy uterus
• Stretching muscles
• Stress
• Misaligned pelvis
• Weight gain
• Hormone changes

The plus side of back pain while pregnant is that it generally subsides completely shortly before giving birth, and sometimes after. Considering the fact that you didn’t suffer from any already present issues regarding back pain before pregnancy, you can expect it to subside. 

Are there other main areas that will experience pain during pregnancy?

 

Unfortunately, yes!  The hips and pelvis area will more than likely bring some pain also. The hips are beginning to naturally spread to prepare for baby, and the pelvic area is making room for the baby as the baby grows, therefore those growing pains will be felt. 

The closer you get to term, it seems there is more pain/discomfort that is experienced. However, don’t fret because discomfort and pain is a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. If you are ever concerned with the level of pain, or you’re experiencing bleeding, abnormal cramping, or have a history of complications during pregnancy, then you will want to let your doctor know to rule out anything concerning. 

Because most of that pain is normally associated with pregnancy, it shouldn’t alarm you, but in some cases and at certain milestones in the pregnancy, it can signal a bigger issue. 

Keep your doctor visits regular, and if you’re ever concerned and simply want to be sure it’s normal pain for your specific pregnancy experience, go for it! When pregnant, it’s always better safe than sorry. 

Is there anything that I can do to help relieve some of that pain?

According to Pampers, there is a good amount of things that can be done to help prevent some of those pains. That list includes:

• Regular exercise (try and stick to nothing more than what you did before pregnancy, you don’t want to trigger your pregnant body in a negative way by putting too much unfamiliar strain on it)
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Warm baths 
• Good posture
• Heat packs on sore or painful areas
• Use of pregnancy pillows
• Prolonged standing should be avoided
• Support belts 

Our recommended maternity support belt is the BabyBellyBand to help relieve Back Pain? 

One of the ways proven to be effective to help with back pain during pregnancy is the use of a support belt. 

The Baby Belly Band is just that – it’s a supportive belt that many women use during pregnancy.  It helps to support the strained muscular area so that healing can begin.  The Babybellyband has regulated compression support so it not only supports the back but the pelvic/groin areas as well. Using this belly band for support enables a pregnant mom to carry on during pregnancy with an active lifestyle instead of focusing on pain!

94% of women who have used the Baby Belly Band have stated that they feel pain relief, and 75% of women are then able to return back to all normal activities, that’s an amazing survey result! 

During each transition in pregnancy, options vary as to how the band may be worn to help assist with the belly and back. One of those transitions also includes postpartum. 

While you’re pregnant, invest in your body. Your back will thank you! And a healthy back equals a happy mom. 

Many times, pain is overlooked. The fact that stress can and does play a major role in much of the pains some pregnant moms experience is a good sign that your back pain will disappear once you give birth. 

There are a lot of changes happening all at once, and whether married/receiving help or not, there is always some level of anxiety that comes with pregnancy. Some of that pain can be helped with some simple counseling and a little relaxation as you prepare to give birth. 

It’s very important that a pregnant mom be in a safe environment that is healthy and calming to help cut down on the stress that already comes along with pregnancy. 

If you or anyone you know isn’t in a safe environment or needs assistance with some aspect of the pregnancy, be sure to check online for references that will guide you to the help that is needed. 

Will seeing a chiropractor be beneficial in any way?

Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is quite helpful in many ways. Chiropractors are trained to deal with spine and back issues, so they can help to resolve whatever aches and pains that come with pregnancy. 

Some chiropractors specialize in prenatal care and some don’t so be sure to ask so that you know what to expect. 

The pelvic area needs to be properly aligned along with the spine in pregnancy. The proper alignments in those areas, and all the ligaments and joints involved, helps in delivery. It also helps to get baby into the proper position prior to labor and delivery. 

When the muscles begin to stretch, the body sees fit to catch up and keep up with all the changes and the weight shifts because of that. There is also a natural alignment shift that happens. 

 

It’s nothing abnormal, but seeing a chiropractor may help to further lower some of that pain and be sure that the body is balanced. Labor and delivery will thank you for taking the time to be sure those areas are balanced. Many people wonder how much a chiropractor costs, and thankfully, it’s very affordable. If you’re experiencing back pain of any kind, don’t hesitate to see a chiropractor.

Why is maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight important?

A healthy weight while pregnant is important because the less extra weight, the better. With less extra weight, there is less strain that is put upon the back when pregnant.

You already gain weight due to the growing baby, hormonal shifts, and other aspects of pregnancy. Weight gain can cause further pain, so try to keep an eye on weight gain if you’re experiencing back pain. 

Most doctors will let you know when you’re over the average weight that goes along with each stage. It’s very important to continue exercising if you were exercising before pregnancy too. Light walking is always safe. Just be sure not to overdo it with exercise and trigger your body when it doesn’t recognize the strain being put on it. 

Be sure you’re taking your vitamins as instructed, staying hydrated, eating more healthy snacks and lighter meals, and try aiming for starting the pregnancy at a healthy weight. That sets the tone for the rest of the pregnancy and it’s easier to maintain that throughout the term. 

 

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.

Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.