Pregnancy and Back Pain

Back pain is usually caused by the extra weight they carry from the baby. Most of this concern is caused by how the nervous system and the body have to adjust under stress.

It is very important to recognize how neurological issues contribute to ADHD to provide proper care.

Pregnancy Back Pain Causes

• Altered Spinal Mechanics and Nerve Root Compression: During pregnancy, the expanding uterus causes the centre of gravity to move forward, which also causes the lower back to arch too much. Changing a person’s posture increases the amount of pressure on the spine’s discs and joints. As such, it may result in the spinal nerve roots being positively pressed or irritated as they come out of the spine, which can give rise to pain in the lower back or in other body parts, and this pain can spread down the buttocks and legs like sciatica.

• Hormonal Laxity and Joint Instability: Relaxin, which is produced in large amounts during pregnancy, loosens and softens the ligaments all over the body, especially near the pelvis. Even though it helps with childbirth, the laxity can make the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis more prone to abnormal movement. That unstable position may cause those peripheral nerves serving these areas to get irritated and this irritation can lead to joint pain and muscles tightening, causing further compression of nerve endings.

• Direct Uterine Compression of Nerves and Blood Vessels: The increasing size of the uterus may put pressure on the lumbosacral plexus and other nerves found in the pelvis. The compression may result in pain or loss of feeling or it can feel like a burning sensation. Blood vessel compression may also decrease the blood reaching certain parts of the body which can make the patient feel more pain and may also disturb nearby nerves.

• Exacerbation of Pre-existing: Those pre-existing problems, such as disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, might grow worse because of pregnancy’s added impact on the back. Such problems occur at either the spinal cord or the nerve roots and pregnancy may make these conditions more severe by pressing on the nerves even more.

Pregnancy Back Pain Solutions

Dealing with pregnancy back pain calls for considering various things, including neurological matters.

• Targeted Exercise and Core Strengthening: Do yoga, Pilates, or exercises that therapists give you to help strengthen both the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. A strong core offers important support to the spine and helps reduce pressure on the nerves running through it.

• Posture Correction and Body Mechanics: Always remember to have a proper posture while you stand, sit, or lift things. Back and neck pain can be reduced by sleeping and sitting with the help of supportive pillows.

• Supportive Devices: This type of belt can keep the pelvis and sacroiliac joints stable, reduce the impact of relaxin and soothe irritated nerves.

• Nerve Gliding Exercises: A physical therapist may offer exercises that can improve your nerves’ functioning and protect them from being crowded.

• Manual Therapy: Gentle movements, massage, or soft tissue techniques handled by a professional therapist can ease the pressure on nerves and help improve the position of individual joints.

Conclusion

While regular back pain usually comes from sore muscles, pregnancy back pain quite often has to do with nerves as well. If expectant mothers know about the impact of altered spinal mechanics, hormones, nerve pinching, and past conditions, they can benefit from the input of healthcare providers for effective and comfortable solutions during pregnancy.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist