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Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and unfortunately, back pain during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints. You may notice an ache across your lower back, discomfort after standing or walking, or pain when rolling over in bed or getting up from a chair.
While some discomfort can be expected as your body changes, you don’t necessarily have to simply put up with it.
Understanding why your back hurts can help you take steps to stay comfortable, mobile and active throughout your pregnancy.
Why Is Back Pain So Common During Pregnancy?
Your body changes considerably as your baby grows. Your centre of gravity gradually shifts forward, your abdominal muscles stretch, and the physical demands placed on your lower back and pelvis increase.
Pregnancy hormones also increase the flexibility of ligaments around the pelvis. These changes are important for pregnancy and childbirth, but they can also affect how your joints, muscles and spine handle everyday activities.
As a result, movements that never bothered you before pregnancy may begin to cause discomfort.
Common factors contributing to back pain during pregnancy include:
- Changes in posture as your abdomen grows
- Increased strain on the lower back and pelvis
- Stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles
- Changes in ligament flexibility
- Muscle tension or fatigue
- Previous episodes of low back pain
- Changes in sleeping positions
- Prolonged sitting or standing
Back pain may become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses, although it can occur at any stage.
Is It Back Pain or Pelvic Girdle Pain?
Not every ache around the lower back during pregnancy comes from exactly the same area.
Some women experience pain primarily in the lumbar spine. Others develop pelvic girdle pain, which may be felt around the sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis, the buttocks, hips or pubic region.
You may particularly notice pelvic discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, getting in or out of a vehicle, or rolling over in bed.
Because different problems can produce similar symptoms, an assessment can help determine where your pain is coming from and what may be contributing to it.
What Can Help Back Pain During Pregnancy?
For many women, simple changes can make pregnancy-related back pain more manageable.
Keep moving. Unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise, regular physical activity such as walking can help maintain strength and mobility.
Change positions regularly. Sitting or standing in one position for long periods can aggravate an already sensitive lower back.
Pay attention to lifting. Bend through your hips and knees rather than repeatedly bending through your lower back, especially as your pregnancy progresses.
Use supportive sleeping positions. Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees and additional support under your abdomen may reduce strain and improve comfort.
Maintain your strength. Appropriate exercises for the hips, core and back can help your body adapt to the changing demands of pregnancy. Speak with your prenatal healthcare provider before starting or significantly changing an exercise program.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Back Pain During Pregnancy?
If your pain persists or is limiting your normal activities, chiropractic care during pregnancy may be one conservative option to consider.
In my Edmonton clinic, I assess the spine, pelvis, muscles and movement patterns to determine what may be contributing to a patient’s back pain. Treatment is individualized to the stage of pregnancy, examination findings and the patient’s comfort.
Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments or joint mobilization, soft-tissue techniques, exercises and advice about movement and posture.
Research into chiropractic and other manual therapies for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain continues to develop. Some studies report favourable results, but the overall evidence is still limited. For that reason, I believe treatment should be individualized and used as part of an appropriate overall approach to managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain.
You can also read Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy? for more information about chiropractic care while pregnant.
When Should Back Pain During Pregnancy Be Checked?
Most pregnancy-related back pain comes from the nerves, muscles, and joints of the spine. However, back pain should not automatically be assumed to be coming from your spine.
Contact your prenatal healthcare provider if you have severe or persistent pain or if your back pain occurs with symptoms such as fever, burning with urination, vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, leaking fluid, significant weakness or other unusual symptoms.
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a problem requiring medical or obstetric assessment.
Get Your Pregnancy Back Pain Assessed in Edmonton
Pregnancy places new demands on your back and pelvis, but pain doesn’t have to prevent you from staying active and enjoying your pregnancy.
At Collins Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, I have more than 30 years of experience providing chiropractic care to families, including women during pregnancy. I’ll assess your back and pelvis, explain what may be contributing to your symptoms, and determine whether chiropractic care and appropriate exercises may help.
If you’re experiencing back pain during pregnancy in Edmonton, book an appointment today to have your back assessed and find out what you can do to stay comfortable and active throughout your pregnancy.
About Dr. Dean Collins
Dr. Dean Collins has been helping Edmonton patients improve their health through chiropractic care since 1998. With over 30 years of clinical experience, he has worked with patients of all ages, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain healthier, more active lives. At Collins Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, Dr. Collins focuses on identifying the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction while providing personalized care, education, and practical strategies to support long-term health and wellness.
Learn more about Dr. Collins or book an appointment today.
For more information on how chiropractic care could help you, your family, or friend read our complete guide to chiropractic care.
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