Moms on the Move

LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain is said to affect 80 percent of all Americans at some time in their life. It is recognized that 50-90 percent of all pregnant women will experience low back pain during and after their pregnancy. Everyday activities become more difficult with pregnancy. If there is pain associated with movement women may become less active which aggravates the problem. Some women are affected so severely that it interferes with daily activities and may require time off work.

The causes of back pain during pregnancy are typically associated with the following biomechanical changes: increased lordosis (curve in the low back), changes in the center of gravity, additional weight, hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue.

The first line of defense in the treatment for low back pain during pregnancy consists of education regarding the musculoskeletal changes in the body. The emphasis is placed on the important role of the back, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles. These particular muscle groups undergo many changes during pregnancy and the treatment is based on maintaining ideal posture, strength and flexibility.

The therapists at RehabAuthority use many tools to accommodate pregnant women. The common treatments for low back pain may include exercises utilizing a physioball and resistance bands, manual therapy techniques, soft tissue mobilization, and a full postural assessment. Tools such as the physioball and resistance bands are inexpensive and can be used to maintain gains while the pregnancy progresses.

NECK PAIN

Neck pain, during and after pregnancy, can be as debilitating as low back pain. Neck pain is commonly associated with postural changes in the body. Women are much more susceptible to a forward head and rounded shoulder posture. Such postures stress the neck and upper back muscles often leading to pain, headaches, and connective tissue dysfunction.
For the treatment of neck pain, the experts at RehabAuthority begin with education. The education revolves around the importance of posture and maintaining appropriate strength in the neck and upper back musculature. Neck problems are often quite easy to treat simply by improving posture and the resting positions of the muscles.

SACROILIAC PAIN

Sacroiliac pain (SI pain), also called Posterior Pelvic Pain (PPP), is another common complaint during pregnancy. The sacroiliac joint is located at the junction of the sacrum and the ilium. The cause of pain in this particular area is likely due to changes in hormone levels. During pregnancy a hormone known as relaxin is released into the body and is responsible for softening ligaments. Women will experience hypermobility in their joints because of the hormonal changes.

The prevalence of sacroiliac pain is more common than low back pain during pregnancy. It is often described as a deep, sharp or stabbing pain along the sacrum and into the buttock and can radiate into the groin. The pain does not typically radiate down the leg below the knee, and can be experienced on one or both sides. Activities that typically provoke symptoms are: rolling in bed, getting in/out of bed, sitting, rising, climbing stairs, bending, lifting and twisting.
twisting.

The treatment for SI/PPP typically includes a light-weight stabilization brace, strengthening exercises, alignment exercises and activity modification.

POST C-SECTION REHABILITATION

A caesarian section (c-section) is the single most common operation performed in the United States. Unfortunately, a c-section can lead to some functional limitations or impairments such as: post-surgical pain and discomfort, development of adhesions at the incision site, faulty posture, pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal weakness and general functional restrictions.

A c-section is often unplanned but required, and may be deemed necessary after a lengthy labor and trial of pushing. Therefore, the pelvic floor muscles and tissues have not been immune to the stresses of labor. The rehabilitation after a c-section will be similar to that of a vaginal delivery; however, a c-section is a major abdominal surgery and will require post-surgical rehabilitation.

Post c-section rehabilitation includes many different aspects. The physical therapists at RehabAuthority work to decrease incision pain, enhance incision circulation, correct posture, prevent injury, promote lumbar stabilization, and develop abdominal strength.

EXERCISE

The recommendation of exercise for pregnant women varies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends exercise only for women with no maternal or fetal risk factors. The guidelines indicate that low level, cardiovascular exercise three times per week is beneficial. Precautions are given indicating that pregnant women should not exercise to fatigue, should maintain proper nutrition and hydration, and should not begin a new exercise regimen during pregnancy. The therapists at RehabAuthority will be able to guide appropriate exercise during this unique time.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women can present a unique challenge to the medical field. Although pregnancy is a time of many changes in the body, it is considered a time of wellness. The Moms on the Move Program at RehabAuthority is designed to address these unique changes to ensure that this is a time of true wellness. Our physical therapists are equipped with the knowledge to understand the relationship between injury and tissue healing during the pregnancy process.

RehabAuthority offers the physical therapy solutions such as back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain in Boise and throughout Idaho.