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We have worked in healthcare for over 15 years and have learned a great deal about the business of healthcare during this time. We enjoy dealing with all types of people and our passion is to help out in the improvement of their lives. Our interests include Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Herbs, Mila - the world's healthiest wholefood, marketing, networking, internet, writing, coaching, food, sports and travel.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Pregnancy and Back Pain

Approximately one half of all pregnant women have experienced low back pain. As a woman progresses through her pregnancy there are many changes that occur affecting her muscular and skeletal systems. An increase in the hormone Relaxin will increase ligament laxity, making the joints of the spine and limbs more prone to strains. As the uterus grows and weight gains progress, there is a shift in a woman's centre of gravity. Simply, she will feel drawn forward by the weight, which will alter her posture. All of these changes can cause pain for some women.

Pregnancy Related Body Changes

The weight of the abdomen will draw the pelvis into an anterior tilt thus increasing the curve of the low back and drawing the head forward. This can cause muscle tension, nerve irritation and strained joints, throughout the spine.

Irritation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica) can occur for several reasons causing pain to radiate from the buttocks down the legs as far as the feet. This can cause protective tone or cramping in the hamstring and calf muscles.

Due to ligament laxity, the pelvis becomes loose in the front at the junction of the pubic bones and in the back at the sacroiliac joints. If the muscles in the area are not strong enough to support the increasing weight and anterior tilt of the pelvis, these joints will be strained. Hypermobile and locked joints are also possible. Pubic pain is localized. Sacroiliac pain is one sided but can cause pain to radiate to the buttock or the leg.

As the abdominal wall and uterus stretch, the inguinal and round ligaments may be strained causing low abdominal discomfort. Their attachment to the pelvic cavity can cause strain and arching of the low back.

A partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominus muscle can occur down the centre of the abdomen (linea alba) as a result of changes in hormones, increase in mechanical stress and weakness of the abdominal muscles pre-pregnancy.

The pelvic floor muscles and fascia are like a sling which support the pelvic organs. These tissues connect to the sacroiliac ligaments and muscles in the hips. As the pressure and weight of the growing uterus increases, stress from the pelvic floor can be referred to the sacroiliac ligaments and hip joints. Organ prolapse and incontinence can also occur if the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to support the pelvic organs.

Pregnancy and the role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and are able to assess and treat your musculoskeletal needs when you are pregnant. They may teach a combination of stretch and strengthening exercises, use postural re-education and manual therapy techniques and assist with pain control. A physiotherapist is an important part of pre and post natal health.

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3 Comments:

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4:36 AM  
Blogger singapore-physiotherapy said...

Chronic LBP is pain that persists for longer than ??? 6 weeks and recurrent LBP is episodic pain that became painfree for a period of time but the similar symptoms return again and cause low back disorder to the sufferer.

Physiotherapy clinic

4:01 AM  
Blogger singapore-physiotherapy said...

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4:51 AM  

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