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Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to avoiding aches and pains at various times in life, the trick is to maintain a good level of physical fitness through exercise and nutrition. There are some instances when you can really be at a disadvantage when it comes to pain, specifically back pain, and this is during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a natural and beautiful state, despite the mood swings, but the physical strain of carrying all that extra weight, particularly in the last months of pregnancy, can certainly take a toll on your lower back. While it can be tempting to treat lower back pain during pregnancy just like any other ailment, and to try to beat it using simple bed rest, this is rarely an effective method. Not to worry- there are a few straightforward ways to combat lower back pain during pregnancy, and to even stop it before it happens.
Lower Back Pain and Physical Fitness
An amazing 50% to 80% of women experience some form of back pain during pregnancy, and this varies from fleeting moments of discomfort to pain that can make it difficult to function. Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience severe lower back pain during pregnancy, and so maintaining a healthy weight prior to and during your pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to avoid severe lower back pain.
Pregnancy doesn’t mean that you need to give up exercise, but you need to moderate your methods to accommodate your impending baby. Your healthcare professional can advise you on the best forms of exercise for various stages of pregnancy. It also helps to be limber, as this also prevents lower back pain during pregnancy and can even help with the birth, so you might want to consider a low impact yoga program specifically for pregnant women.
Solving Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
Given that lower back pain is exceptionally common during pregnancy, particularly the second half, a bit of back pain is to be expected, and is nothing to be alarmed about. If the lower back pain should become chronic, then it’s very wise to consult your healthcare professional. Be wary about self-medicating, since a number of types of pain relief medication are unsuitable for pregnant women, particularly anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen. A number of conventional methods might also be helpful, such as a hot or cold compress applied to the lower back. Some women also turn to eastern remedies and find acupuncture an effective method for managing pain, but ask for a referral to an acupuncturist who specializes in pregnancy.
After giving birth, your body will adjust to carrying less weight, and the strain on your lower back will usually disappear. In some cases, the pregnancy weight can affect your spine and vertebrae in such a way that means the pain lingers post birth. If you find yourself having trouble with pain management and injury relief, once again turn to your health care professional, who can refer you to a chiropractor who will help you return to a pain free life.
In some cases, other methods of pain relief can be necessary, and Radiofrequency Ablation can be an effective non-surgical intervention, wherein high frequency electrical currents are directed to the affected area. It’s far more pleasant than it might sound, and in most cases, the relief is often immediate. You could also record your lower back pain into a pregnancy journal, perhaps to read to your child when they become a teenager and don’t show you the respect you deserve!