More Pregnant women are starting to visit osteopaths for back pain or ache, hip pain and pelvic pain. Importantly, osteopaths can help treat Back pain, sciatic pain, hip pain or pelvic pain (we call it pelvic girdle pain). Osteopaths also treat neck pain and headaches which pregnant women can suffer from also.
Recent research shows Pregnant women often report pain and discomfort in these area:
– Back pain (39.5%),
– Sciatic pain (22.1%),
– Hip or Pelvic pain (20.9%);
– Reflux/Heartburn (34.7%)
– Nausea (32.9%)
As a Woman’s pregnancy progresses her body has obvious changes:
Centre of gravity changes on her body due to growth of breasts and baby. Growth of breasts can cause more upper back pain because of the increased strain on the Thoracic spine. (these changes will return to normal post birth.
In the pelvic region and pubic symphysis, the hormone relaxin causes ligaments to relax. In the pelvic region this is to help the area to widen and become more flexible for birth. However, before birth occurs some women experience significant pain and disability in this area, as well as in their low back. (This laxity/flexibility will return to normal after a while post birth)
– She carries around more weight (approx. 12-15kg), causing strain on muscles and joints.
– Her breasts become larger to get ready for breast feeding, again this can lead to upper back pain.
– Her uterus and abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing baby.
– She has an increase in her Lumbar lordosis (sway lower back), which is one of the reasons for lower back pain.
– Increased strain on her muscles and joints (can lead to aches and pains, especially in the hips)
Osteopaths help to gently ease the tight muscles and help move the joints. Osteopathy can provide a great treatment regime to manage pregnancy along with your health care providers.
Middle Park Osteopaths love treating everyone, especially pregnant mothers.
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This post was written by Dr Kate Locke.
You can find out more about Kate here or book an appointment here.