Suffering From Back Pain? Understand The Causes
Asheesh Mani
July 05, 2008
Back pain is a very common complaint with pregnant women. It is important to be aware of what causes back pain and when should one seek medical advice? Constant back discomfort can interfere with your daily routine and in many cases, if not taken care of, can lead to complications during delivery and even later.
Are You At An Increased Risk of Developing Backache During Pregnancy?
There are certain factors that increase your chances of developing pain in the back during pregnancy; such as -
Extreme and strenuous physical work
Lifting heavy objects, including taking care of an older child/baby
Already existing backache, prior to conception
Back problems usually tend to worsen in the later part of the day or if you have been standing continuously for a long time. This happens because the muscles get tired by the end of the day and the ligaments get stretched due to the increased body weight.
What Causes Back Discomfort In Pregnant Women?
1. Hormonal changes in a woman´s body are an important backache cause. The increase in pregnancy hormones lead to softening of the ligaments to facilitate childbirth (as the birth canal has to expand and increase in elasticity to provide passage for the baby). The growing fetus also puts strain on the soft abdominal ligaments leading to backache.
2. Another causative agent is lifting heavy objects or strenuous physical exercise. Moreover, if you already have a history of backache, then be cautious as it is going to worsen in the coming months unless proper care is taken.
3. The commonest cause of back pain is related to the dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. This condition can be quite excruciating, but the good news is that you can get treatment for it.
4. Sciatica can be another reason for back discomfort during pregnancy. This is a condition when the sciatic nerves located at the end of the spinal cord get inflamed. Many a time, the bundle of nerves even become impaired leading to pinching pins and needles. You can get relief from sciatic backpain through physical therapy along with gentle exercises.
5. Back pain may also result due to a condition known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Usually occurring towards the end of the first trimester, the symptoms are pain in the pubic area or groin along with severe backache. Exercise help in reducing the discomfort, and in many cases, a pelvic support belt may have to be used.
It is normal to experience some mild back discomfort during the pregnancy tenure. However, make sure that you are alert of the causes leading to back pain. In case it gets unbearable, get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand. Very few women are lucky to escape the discomforts associated with pregnancy back pain. Lot of things can be done to alleviate backache during this time, but before that, you must understand the root cause leading to your back pain in pregnancy.
Are You At An Increased Risk of Developing Backache During Pregnancy?
There are certain factors that increase your chances of developing pain in the back during pregnancy; such as -
Back problems usually tend to worsen in the later part of the day or if you have been standing continuously for a long time. This happens because the muscles get tired by the end of the day and the ligaments get stretched due to the increased body weight.
What Causes Back Discomfort In Pregnant Women?
1. Hormonal changes in a woman´s body are an important backache cause. The increase in pregnancy hormones lead to softening of the ligaments to facilitate childbirth (as the birth canal has to expand and increase in elasticity to provide passage for the baby). The growing fetus also puts strain on the soft abdominal ligaments leading to backache.
2. Another causative agent is lifting heavy objects or strenuous physical exercise. Moreover, if you already have a history of backache, then be cautious as it is going to worsen in the coming months unless proper care is taken.
3. The commonest cause of back pain is related to the dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. This condition can be quite excruciating, but the good news is that you can get treatment for it.
4. Sciatica can be another reason for back discomfort during pregnancy. This is a condition when the sciatic nerves located at the end of the spinal cord get inflamed. Many a time, the bundle of nerves even become impaired leading to pinching pins and needles. You can get relief from sciatic backpain through physical therapy along with gentle exercises.
5. Back pain may also result due to a condition known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Usually occurring towards the end of the first trimester, the symptoms are pain in the pubic area or groin along with severe backache. Exercise help in reducing the discomfort, and in many cases, a pelvic support belt may have to be used.
It is normal to experience some mild back discomfort during the pregnancy tenure. However, make sure that you are alert of the causes leading to back pain. In case it gets unbearable, get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand. Very few women are lucky to escape the discomforts associated with pregnancy back pain. Lot of things can be done to alleviate backache during this time, but before that, you must understand the root cause leading to your back pain in pregnancy.
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