Low Back Pain and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it comes with its fair share of physical challenges. One of the most common discomforts experienced by expectant mothers is low back pain. From a pelvic floor physical therapy perspective, there are unique insights and tailored approaches to help you navigate this phase with greater comfort and well-being.
Understanding the Connection
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy, these muscles undergo significant changes due to the increasing weight and hormonal shifts, which can contribute to low back pain.
Not all low back pain, even all preganacy related back pain, is from the same source!
Get assessed to treat the root cause of YOUR symptoms.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
1. Assessment and Individualized Treatment:
A qualified pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the specific challenges you're facing. This evaluation MUST include more than just looking at your pelvic floor muscle but take into account the enitre system.
2. Education and Body Awareness:
Understanding your own body is crucial. If you do not know how to feel a muscle, how do we know we are stretching or strengthing the correct things? Understanding the body and building a foundation to enure you feel the correct muscles working is crucial.
3. Exercises Advice:
Exercise is HIGHLY recommend throughoutevery stage of preganacy, all the way up to you due date. Keeping you moving will be crucial to managing any symptoms you ahve associated with pregnancy. FInding the exercsies that are right for your body and your needs is crucial.
4. Postural Alignment:
Addressing posture is a key aspect of managing low back pain. A therapist can provide guidance on maintaining proper alignment throughout your pregnancy.
5. Manual Techniques:
Hands-on techniques may be employed to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas, providing relief from discomfort.
6. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques:
Learning how to control your breath and relax your pelvic floor can be immensely helpful in managing pain and preparing for labor.
7. Preparation for Labor and Delivery:
Pelvic floor physical therapy can equip you with techniques to help during labor, ensuring optimal positioning and muscle engagement.
Self-Care Techniques
In addition to professional guidance, there are self-care practices you can incorporate into your daily routine:
Pelvic Floor and Deep Core Activation: Understanding how to maintain connection to your abdomainal muscles and use then with a gorwing baby infornt of you to help offlaod the plevic floor with the increase weight it has to uphold.
Mindful Movement: Engage in activities like shifitng into your hips promote flexibility and alleviate tension. We loose mobiltiy into rotation as we develope a “pregnancy waddle”. The hips need to rotate to decrease load on the lower back..
Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support overall physical health, including the pelvic floor. It is espeiaclly cruitical to maintain as you exercise throughout your pregnancy.
Regular Rest and Sleep: Prioritize getting adequate rest to allow your body to recover and rejuvenate.
Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
Open communication with your healthcare provider and pelvic floor physical therapist is essential. They can monitor your progress, adjust treatment plans, and provide guidance based on your evolving needs.
When to Seek Immediate Care
While pelvic floor physical therapy is highly beneficial, there are instances where you should seek prompt medical attention:
Severe or Sudden Pain: If you experience intense or sudden pain in your lower back or pelvic region, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Bleeding or Unusual Discharge: Any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge should be reported to your healthcare provider.
Bladder or Bowel Changes: Significant changes in urinary or bowel habits should be addressed promptly.
Remember, your body is undergoing an incredible transformation. With the right support, including pelvic floor physical therapy, you can navigate this phase of your journey with strength and comfort, setting the stage for a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.
