Pregnancy Back Pain
Article by Zoe Russell
How To Manage Pregnancy Back Pain
The good news is, your baby is growing, which is what should be happening, but it can still be tough on your back. You’ve got lots of company – many pregnant women experience back pain, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy.
You should know that there are things you can do to minimise your back pain.
Causes Of Back Pain In Pregnant Women
Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint or SIJ, in the lumbar spine or at the joint between the two halves of the pelvic rim known as the pubic symphysis.
There are many possible reasons why it happens. Here are some of the more likely causes:
Hormone Changes
During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and thus the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain, particularly if before pregnancy, you had some weakness of the muscles supporting this region.
Muscle Separation
As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles (the rectus abdominis muscles or six-pack muscles), which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the centre seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
Weight Gain
During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain weight. The spine has to support that weight. That can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing foetus and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
Posture Changes
Pregnancy shifts your centre of gravity. As a result, you may gradually – even without noticing – adjust your posture and the way you move. This postural change may result in back pain or strain.
Stress
Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, expressing itself as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.
Treatments For Back Pain In Pregnancy
There is good news! Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain would likely ease gradually before giving birth.
Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:
Improve Your Posture
Slouching strains your spine. So using proper posture when working, sitting, or sleeping is a good move. For example, sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees will take the stress off your back. When sitting at a desk, place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support; rest your feet on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders back.
Wearing a support belt may also help. Your physiotherapist is the best person to advise you if this is likely to be beneficial for you.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist is an expert when it comes to assessing and managing your pregnancy-related back pain. After a thorough assessment, there is a lot that physiotherapists can do to help you with your pregnancy-related back pain. In most cases, they can help you with improving your joint position and control.
Your physiotherapist will devise a specialised program tailored to your needs and the stage of your pregnancy.
Physiotherapy treatment may include any of the following, depending on your specific needs:
- Massage
- Joint Mobilisation
- Kinesio Taping
- Heat or Ice
- Joint mobility and stability exercises
- Posture education
- Pregnancy support prescription
- Yoga or pilates based exercises.
Exercise
Regular general exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility – which may ease the stress on your spine.
Safe exercises for most pregnant women include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Stationary Cycling
It is best to discuss your pre-pregnancy and current exercise regime with your physiotherapist, who can recommend the best exercises for your needs to strengthen your back and abdomen.
Maternity Belt
Some women benefit from a supportive maternity back brace specially designed for pregnant women. Ask your physiotherapist if one would be suitable for you.
More details are available here: Maternity Belt
Heat and Cold
Applying heat and cold to your back may help. Be careful not to apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.
Common SIJ & Buttock Pain Sources
The following conditions may cause buttock pain or SIJ issues.
Joint Injuries
Pregnancy-Related Pain
Muscle-Related Injuries
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Poor Hip Core Control
- Core Stability Deficiency
- DOMSÂ -Â Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Lateral Hip Pain
Nerve-Related Injuries
Bone-Related Injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Stress Fracture (Pelvis or Sacrum)
Article by John Miller
SIJ & Buttock Pain Treatment Guidelines?
While SIJ and buttock pain treatment will vary depending on your specific diagnosis, your physiotherapist will have the following aims.
PHASE I - SIJ Pain Relief & Joint Protection
Pain Relief
While pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed for acute SIJ dysfunction, they will not address the actual cause of SIJ pain. A healthcare practitioner who has a comprehensive understanding of the biomechanics and muscular control of your SIJ, pelvis and hip complex should thoroughly assess chronic cases of SIJ dysfunction. Managing your sacroiliac pain is the main reason that most people seek treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In truth, it was the final symptom that you developed and should be the first symptom to improve in most cases. If this is the case, the prevention of a recurrence becomes your priority.
You can often achieve natural short-term pain relief using ice or heat packs applied to your SIJ's.
Reduce Inflammation
You are managing your inflammation. Sacroiliac joint inflammation is best eased via ice therapy and techniques or exercises that unload the inflammed structures. Your doctor may recommend a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Some seronegative arthritis conditions can predispose you to sacroiliitis. Your doctor can arrange special blood tests to assist in diagnosis in these conditions. Prolonged morning stiffness is a common complaint. See Ankylosing Spondylitis.
SIJ Protection & Support
Sacroiliac joint instability occasionally requires additional passive support until your muscles successfully control the joint. Supportive taping is often beneficial during the initial pain reduction phase.
SIJ Stability Belt
You may manage longer-term instability with a sacroiliac joint stabilisation belt. However, an exercise protocol to specifically address your SIJ issue usually is more effective.
If you have any questions, please seek the advice of your SIJ physiotherapist.
PHASE II - Restoring Normal ROM and Strength. Early Hip Core Exercises.
As your SIJ pain and inflammation settle, your physiotherapist will turn their attention to restoring your normal pelvic joint alignment and normalising the dynamic muscle control that affects the SI Joints.
Your physiotherapist may commence you on a lower abdominal core stability program to facilitate your important muscles that dynamically control and stabilise your lower back and pelvis. They will also implement a similar activation and strength program that addresses your deep gluteal muscles. These muscles are sometimes referred to as your hip core muscles. Your physiotherapist will assess your muscle recruitment pattern and prescribe the best exercises for your specific needs.
PHASE III - Restoring Full Function
Your physiotherapist will turn their attention to restoring your normal pelvic alignment and maintaining sacroiliac joint range of motion during more functionally stressful positions. They will also work on your muscle power, proprioception, balance and gait (walking pattern). Depending on your chosen sport or activities of daily living, your physiotherapist will aim to restore your SIJ function to allow you to return to your desired activities safely.
Everyone has different demands for their sacroiliac joints that determine what specific treatment goals you need to achieve. For some, it is simply to walk around the block. Others may wish to run a marathon. Your physiotherapist will tailor your sacroiliac joint rehabilitation to help you achieve your own functional goals.
PHASE IV - Preventing a Recurrence
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction does tend to return if a thorough muscle control program is not undertaken. The main reason it is thought to be chronic and specific muscle weakness. Your physiotherapist will assist you in identifying the best exercises for you to continue indefinitely or periodically.
In addition to your muscle control, your physiotherapist will assess your SIJ, spine, hip and lower limb biomechanics and correct any deficits that may predispose you to SIJ pain and dysfunction. Fine-tuning and maintenance of your sacroiliac joint stability and function are best achieved by addressing deficiencies and learning self-management techniques. Your SIJ physiotherapist will guide you.
More information: SIJ Pain & Dysfunction
Common Causes of Hip & Groin Pain
General Information
Hip Joint Pain
- Hip Arthritis - Hip Osteoarthritis
- Hip Labral Tear
- Hip Pointer
- Femoroacetabular Impingement - FAI
- Perthes Disease
- Slipped Femoral Capital Epiphysis
- Stress Fracture
- Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Lateral Hip Pain
Adductor-Related Groin Pain
Pubic-Related Groin Pain
Inguinal-Related Groin Pain
- Inguinal hernia
- Sportsman's hernia
Iliopsoas-Related Groin Pain
- Hip Flexor Strain
Other Muscle-Related Pain
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Muscle Pain -Muscle Strain
- Poor Hip Core
- DOMSÂ -Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Cramps
- Core Stability Deficiency
Systemic Diseases
Referred Sources
Hip Surgery
Hip & Groin Products & FAQs
Common Sources of Spinal Pain & Injury
Spine Regions
- Neck Pain - Cervical Spine
- Upper Back Pain - Thoracic Spine
- Lower Back Pain - Lumbar Spine
- Sacroiliac Pain - SIJ
Joint Injuries
Muscle-related Injuries
Bone-related Injuries
- Scheuermann’s Disease
- Scoliosis
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolysis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoporosis
- Rib Stress Fracture
Disc-related Injuries
Nerve-related / Referred Pain
Systemic Diseases
General Information
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What is Physiotherapy Treatment?
Physiotherapists help people affected by illness, injury or disability through exercise, manual joint therapy, soft tissue techniques, education and advice. Physiotherapists maintain physical health, allow patients to manage pain and prevent disease for people of all ages. Physiotherapists help encourage pain relief, injury recovery, enabling people to stay playing a sport, working or performing daily living activities while assisting them to remain functionally independent.
There is a multitude of different physiotherapy treatment approaches.
Acute & Sub-Acute Injury Management
Hands-On Physiotherapy Techniques
Your physiotherapist's training includes hands-on physiotherapy techniques such as:
- Joint Mobilisation (gentle joint gliding techniques)
- Joint Manipulation
- Physiotherapy Instrument Mobilisation (PIM)
- Minimal Energy Techniques (METs)
- Massage
- Soft Tissue Techniques
Your physiotherapist has skilled training. Physiotherapy techniques have expanded over the past few decades. They have researched, upskilled and educated themselves in a spectrum of allied health skills. These skills include techniques shared with other healthcare practitioners. Professions include exercise physiologists, remedial massage therapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, kinesiologists, chiropractors and occupational therapists, to name a few.
Physiotherapy Taping
Your physiotherapist is a highly skilled professional who utilises strapping and taping techniques to prevent and assist injuries or pain relief and function.
Alternatively, your physiotherapist may recommend a supportive brace.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Many physiotherapists have acquired additional training in acupuncture and dry needling to assist pain relief and muscle function.
Physiotherapy Exercises
Physiotherapists have been trained in the use of exercise therapy to strengthen your muscles and improve your function. Physiotherapy exercises use evidence-based protocols where possible as an effective way that you can solve or prevent pain and injury. Your physiotherapist is highly skilled in prescribing the "best exercises" for you and the most appropriate "exercise dose" for you, depending on your rehabilitation status. Your physiotherapist will incorporate essential pilates, yoga and exercise physiology components to provide you with the best result. They may even use Real-Time Ultrasound Physiotherapy so that you can watch your muscles contract on a screen as you correctly retrain them.
- Muscle Stretching
- Core Exercises
- Strengthening Exercises
- Neurodynamics
- Balance Exercises
- Proprioception Exercises
- Real-Time Ultrasound Physiotherapy
- Swiss Ball Exercises
Biomechanical Analysis
Biomechanical assessment, observation and diagnostic skills are paramount to the best treatment. Your physiotherapist is a highly skilled health professional. They possess superb diagnostic skills to detect and ultimately avoid musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Poor technique or posture is one of the most common sources of a repeat injury.
Hydrotherapy
Aquatic water exercises are an effective method to provide low bodyweight exercises.
Sports Physiotherapy
Sports physio requires an extra level of knowledge and physiotherapy to assist injury recovery, prevent injury and improve performance. For the best advice, consult a Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist.
Vestibular Physiotherapy
Women's Health
Women's Health Physiotherapy is a particular interest group of therapies.
Workplace Physiotherapy
Not only can your physiotherapist assist you in sport, but they can also help you at work. Ergonomics looks at the best postures and workstations set up for your body at work or home. Whether it be lifting technique improvement, education programs or workstation setups, your physiotherapist can help you.
Electrotherapy
Plus Much More
Your physiotherapist is a highly skilled body mechanic. A physiotherapist has particular interests in certain injuries or specific conditions. For advice regarding your problem, please get in touch with your PhysioWorks team.
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Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape has a comprehensive array of therapeutic benefits. Because kinesiology taping can usually be left on for several days or up to a week, these therapeutic benefits are available to the injured area 24 hours a day, significantly accelerating the healing process from trauma, injuries and inflammatory conditions.
Benefits of Kinesiology Taping
Pain Relief via Structural Support for Weak or Injured Body Parts
Kinesiology tape is a flexible elastic tape that moves with your body. The supple elasticity provides supports to your body parts without the tape slipping.
By supporting your body part, kinesiology tape can provide you with pain relief and muscular support to help control body parts affected by muscle inhibition.
Muscle Support
Kinesiology tape potentially assists your muscle strength via physical assistance. It also provides tactile feedback through the skin, e.g. proprioception boost. This phenomenon may help both the non-disabled athlete to enhance their performance and hypotonic, e.g. children with low muscle tone.
Swelling Reduction
Kinesiology provides a passive lift to your skin via its elastic properties. This vacuum effect allows your lymphatic and venous drainage systems to drain and swollen or bruised tissue quicker than without the kinesiology tape.
It is also thought that this same principle can assist the removal of exercise byproducts like lactic acid that may contribute to post-exercise soreness, e.g. delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
More info: Strapping & Supportive Taping
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is an effective and efficient technique for the treatment of muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction. Dry needling or intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique that Dr Chan Gunn developed. Dry needling is a beneficial method to relax overactive muscles.
In simple terms, the treatment involves the needling of a muscle's trigger points without injecting any substance. Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles are the basis of dry needling. It should not be confused with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique of acupuncture. However, since both dry needling and acupuncture utilise the same filament needles, the confusion is understandable.
In his IMS approach, Dr Chan Gunn and Dr Fischer, in his segmental approach to Dry Needling, strongly advocate the importance of clearing trigger points in both peripheral and spinal areas.
Dry needling trained health practitioners use dry needling daily for the treatment of muscular pain and dysfunction.
What Conditions Could Acupuncture or Dry Needling Help?
Acupuncture or dry needling may be considered by your healthcare professional after their thorough assessment in the following conditions:
Private Health Fund Rebates
Most private health funds offer rebates on acupuncture or dry needling treatments as a component of your physiotherapy or acupuncture consultation.
More Info
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Back, Elbow, Exercise Equipment, Foot, Hand & Wrist, Knee, Resistance Band, Shoulder
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Back, Exercise Balls, Exercise Equipment, Knee, Shoulder
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When Should You Commence Physiotherapy?
In severe cases, it is best to commence physiotherapy as soon as possible. However, it does vary from case to case. Your physiotherapist has some nifty tricks to improve your pain straight away.
If you are not sure what to do, please call us for advice. We’ll happily guide you in your time of need. Often a bit of reassurance is all that you will need.
How Much Treatment Will You Need?
After assessing your injury, your physiotherapist will discuss the injury severity with you and estimate the number of treatments needed. No two injuries are ever the same.
Your treatment will include techniques and exercises to regain your:
- joint, ligament and soft tissue mobility
- muscle strength, power and speed
- balance and proprioception
- prevention tips
- performance improvement.
What If You Delay Treatment?
Research tells us that symptoms lasting longer than three months become habitual and are much harder to solve. This can lead to nastier conditions. The sooner you get on top of your symptoms the better your outcome.
All injuries are different and little variations can make a big improvement to your recovery rate. Stiff joints or muscles may need some range of movement exercises. Other injuries may require massage or very specific strengthening exercises.
Seek professional guidance promptly for your best outcome.
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Back, Elbow, Exercise Equipment, Foot, Hand & Wrist, Knee, Resistance Band, Shoulder
Resistance Bands Pre-Packed 1.5m
$6.90 – $38.70 -
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Back, Exercise Balls, Exercise Equipment, Knee, Shoulder
Exercise Ball – 300kg Antiburst
$30.00 – $48.00 -
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