Sore back during pregnancy: causes and treatment

Pregnancy is a period when a woman does not get tired of listening to the changes taking place in her body.The occurrence of pain during this life stage can be both the norm( the result of physiological changes) and the sign of a pathology requiring a doctor's consultation.

Most often, pregnant women complain of having pain in their backs.Usually, these are patients who are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle and women who have had similar problems before the conception of the child.The pain can be of different types: stitching, shooting, aching, cramping, spasmodic, irradiating in the leg, etc.But there are a number of other reasons that cause back pain, and they should be discussed in more detail.

Important: the appearance of back pain( even if they are of a physiological nature) requires a call to specialists, since in this case it is impossible to miss the onset of the development of the disease.

Table of contents: Causes of back pain during pregnancy Treatment of back pain in pregnancy Prevention

Causes of back pain during pregnancy

Back pain is characteristic of the first trimester of pregnancy, which is associated with an increase in the level of progesterone, which has a relaxing effect onLigaments and muscles of the uterus, which shifts the internal organs, shifts the center of gravity.Such pain usually ends by the 20th week of pregnancy.The action of the hormone is physiological in this case, since it prepares the birth canal of a woman for the delivery process, and after them everything gradually comes to normal.

Note : a growing uterus in pregnant women disrupts their balance, which changes the manner of gait and posture: the shoulders are retracted, the neck is bent, because the back is heavier than usual.As a result, the muscles of the lumbar region are constantly strained, which is manifested by pain syndrome.

The physiological causes back pain caused directly by pregnancy and does not have a pronounced negative effect on the health of a woman and her unborn child:

1. Weight gain.With an increase in body weight during the period of gestation, the load on the legs and lumbar region also increases.
2. Softening of ligaments between vertebrae.They relax as a result of relaxation relaxin( hormone), preparing the pregnant woman for childbirth, which causes back pain.In norm they are observed only in the first half of pregnancy.
3. The growing uterus.As it increases, it squeezes the nerve endings and blood vessels that surround the spine.The appearance of these pains is characteristic in the third trimester, when the woman is lying down.
4. Change of the center of gravity.This reason was mentioned above.
5. Long standing in a standing position.Such a load leads to tension in the muscles of the back, changes in posture and pain that pass after rest.
6. Fraud Braxton-Hicks.They are considered physiological, begin with 37 weeks and are a sign that the woman's body is preparing for childbirth.In this case, the uterus from time to time comes into tone, there are aching pain in the abdomen and back( waist).
7. The process of lowering the baby's head. The back pain in this case is the result of the pressure of the fetal head, which drops into the small pelvis and squeezes the nerve endings.It arises on a later date.

Pathological causes of back pain during pregnancy are the result of existing diseases in a future mother.They require mandatory examination of a specialist and treatment.

It can be:

• An attack of urolithiasis( colic).It is manifested by acute pain, localized in the lower back, as well as nausea and urinary problems( rapid urge or urinary retention).
• Pancreatitis . The inflammatory process in the pancreas is characterized by very severe pains, they seem to encircle the pregnant woman.There may also be vomiting, a reduction in blood pressure and constipation.
• Braxton-Hicks fictitious fights until 37 weeks.If they are accompanied by pain and discharge from the vagina - this is an occasion for immediate treatment for medical help.
• Pyelonephritis.The inflammatory process in the kidneys is manifested by fever, back pain, impaired urination and changes in the urine.If the process is chronic, then the temperature may not rise.
• Neurological diseases.Back pain during pregnancy, caused by this pathology, give in the foot, have a shooting character, appear after a long walk.There are with herniated intervertebral discs, radiculitis.
• Myositis.Inflammation of the muscles can develop as a result of prolonged hypothermia and is manifested by shooting pain of an acute character that occurs with any movement.
• The threat of premature birth or miscarriage.These complications can develop at any time, so it is important to seek medical help in a timely manner.The pains are cramping and pulling, localized in the lower back and lower abdomen, may be accompanied by bloody discharge.
• Osteochondrosis and scoliosis.These pathologies are found in 8 out of 10 pregnant women.With them, there are degenerative and dystrophic changes in the discs between the vertebrae, which is accompanied by neurological disorders.Pregnancy in this case is a predisposing factor, especially if a woman wears more than one fetus.The older the woman, the higher the risk of developing or aggravating the disease.It appears unpleasant painful sensations in the back of different intensity.The pain increases with physical activity, changing the position of the body, can give to the buttocks, the entire back.Lumbar osteochondrosis, accompanied by a constant pain syndrome, is an indication for in-patient treatment.

Treatment of back pain in pregnant women

Note: does not require physiological pain in the back of the treatment.Treatment of back pain during pregnancy, accompanying some pathology, should be conducted taking into account their cause.

Therapeutic regimen for various diseases includes:

• Treatment of renal pathology. Infectious inflammation of the kidneys should be treated in a hospital at any time of pregnancy. Ignoring or refusing therapy in this case can cause serious complications and carry a risk to life for both mother and future child.
• Treatment of neurological diseases. In their therapy to eliminate back pain during pregnancy, it is allowed to use pain medications, but only after consultation of the attending physician, as well as wearing a bandage, a corset, and exercise therapy.
• Treatment of urolithiasis.With her it is important to follow a diet and be on a regular basis with a doctor who will prescribe pain medication and antispasmodics.
• Treatment of pancreatitis. It requires immediate hospitalization in surgery, adherence to a strict diet, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and enzyme preparations.If the course of the disease is very severe and accompanied by severe pain in the back, the pregnant is recommended premature delivery( until the end of 36 weeks) or abortion( at the term of up to 12 weeks).
• Elimination of threat of miscarriage.This condition is an indication for compulsory inpatient treatment, where all the necessary measures will be taken to preserve the pregnancy.
• Treatment of myositis.He can be treated at home, after visiting a woman neurologist or therapist.The doctor should prescribe adequate therapy for pregnancy, since most of the warming ointments during this period are prohibited for use.

Pregnant women who have back pain, and there is a risk of their occurrence, should adhere to the general recommendations:

1. Maintain the active life of .This means that a woman should often walk outdoors, perform a set of special exercises for pregnant women, swimming in the pool is allowed.
2. Monitor the body mass of the .Admissible weight gain for the period of pregnancy is 10-12 kg.All that is more - requires correction and compliance with the rules of rational nutrition.
3. Wear comfortable shoes .It is very important to wear the right shoes, without a high heel, to minimize stress on the back.
4. Sleep the time .If there is pain in the back, it is important to sleep properly: in a position on the side with two pillows, one of which is clamped between the legs, the second is padded to the abdomen.Lying on your back, you should put a dense pillow under your waist, this will help relieve tension from the dorsal muscles.Ideal - a dream on a special orthopedic pillow for pregnant women.
5. Keep an eye on the correct posture of the .When pregnancy, especially in later periods, should be taken away the shoulders back and maximally straighten the back during walking and prolonged standing.
6. Wear a bandage .Wearing a bandage during pregnancy allows you to keep your back healthy and reduce pain.
7. Monitor your movements .It is especially important to beware of sudden movements, that is, do not bend sharply, do not lift weights, slowly turn your torso.If you need something to lift from the floor, you should first squat, take an object, and then get up.
8. Pass the physiotherapeutic procedures and massage .They are performed only on the preliminary recommendation of the doctor in the presence of evidence.
9. Stick to the correct position while sitting . It is best to sit pregnant woman on a chair with a hard back with a pillow under the waist.Soft sofas and armchairs are not suitable for this.
10. Eat right and fully .Eat foods that are high in calcium( dairy products, greens, fish, nuts, meat).

Important: back pain will help eliminate exercise for pregnant women.They should be performed regularly to strengthen the abdominal muscles and thighs.

Prevention

The goal of prevention of back pain in a future mother is a healthy and active lifestyle, both during pregnancy and before its onset.That's why you should not give up fitness, moderate physical activity every day, because they will help prevent diseases that cause back pain.

Reinforcing gymnastics should be started as soon as possible.Training the necessary muscle groups will minimize the likelihood of developing a pain syndrome in the back during pregnancy.Adequate physical training is also a guarantee of safe deliveries.It is important to monitor your posture, walk, not slouching, to sit correctly from the first months of pregnancy.It is also necessary to avoid stressful situations, as nervous shocks exacerbate any chronic diseases and provoke pain attacks.

A set of special exercises that are designed specifically for pregnant women, and aimed at strengthening the pelvic and back muscles, you can see in the video below.

Video:

Betsik Julia, obstetrician-gynecologist