Transcript Back Pain and Pregnancy

Darcee Schmidt
Logan College of Chiropractic
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50-70% pregnant females report back pain at
some point
Those with the most pain tend to have more
trouble with daily activities
Typically starts early and progresses
throughout
The most common reason was dysfunction of
the sacroiliac joint
Those with previous back pain are at a greater
risk
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Sacroiliac joint (SI)
Lumbar Spine
Hip
Sacrum
Poor posture
Biomechanics
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Hormones
Shift in center of gravity
Increased weight
Posture
Stress
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Aka gestational back pain is a significant and
common problem
Non-pharmaceutical treatments are the first
option
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Chiropractic
Posture changes
Accupuncture
Physiotherapy
Yoga
Wang, SM. (2003). Backaches related to pregnancy: the risk factors, etiologies, treatments and
controversial issues. Curr Opin anaesthesiol. June;16(3):269-73
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Standing long periods of time
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Forward bending posture
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Lifting heavy objects
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In late pregnancy you have a decreased range
of forward bending
Trunk rotation decreases when sitting
Bending forward and rotating requires the
greatest effort in pregnant women.
Late pregnancy: Stand with hips pushed
backwards and with the trunk and shoulders
flexed forward
Increased front to back curve in lumbar spine
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Good posture
Proper gear
Proper lifting
Sleep on your side with pillow between legs
Ice or heat
EXERCISE
Keep weight gain within doctors regulations
Relax
Complementary therapies
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If you were following an exercise program
before becoming pregnant you should be able
to continue
If just starting, start slow
Listen to your body
Don’t exert yourself to exhaustion or
breathlessness
Avoid uneven surfaces
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/exe
rciseguidelines.html
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Avoid back exercises in 2nd and 3rd trimesters
Utilize stretching and relaxation before and
after working out
Weight train to improve tone
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Upper body
Avoid over the head lifting
Low impact is preferred
Will help body return to
natural state after delivery
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http://www.cloudninemarketing.com/healthhealersnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/51.jpg
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Excellent way for mom to
adapt to her body’s changes
Provides stress relieve and
calms the body
Strengthens the body
Release tension in hips
Increases circulation
May establish connection
between mom and baby
http://www.eternity-yoga.com/yoga-during-pregnancy.html
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Yes
Expecting moms who practice yoga
(meditation, physical postures, and breathing)
have fewer preterm labors, higher birth
weights, and less complications (such as
intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy
induced hypertension)
Narendran S, Nagarathna R, Narendran V, Gunasheela S, Nagendra HR (2005). Efficacy of yoga on
pregnancy outcome. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. Apr;11(2):237-44
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Studies have shown that,
because all pelvic joints loosen
during pregnancy, use of a
sacroiliac belt may prevent pain
during and after pregnancy
Using a pelvic belt after giving
birth decreased pain in 67% of
moms
J.M.A Mens, et al 19
Snidjers, et al 1992, Vleeming, et al 1990, Hansen JH 1992
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Webster Technique
Restore pelvic balance and function
 Can be effective and is safe in relieving the
consequences of intrauterine constraint (i.e.,
malposition/malpresentation) in pregnancy
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Many pregnant females
show great relief with
other chiropractic
techniques (Basic, SOT,
Diversified, Thompson,
Activator, etc.)
For more information go to www.icpa4kids.com
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May help turn a breech baby
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May decrease morning sickness
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May help induce labor
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May help decrease pain
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Helps maintain balance
Stretch your back and muscles
Strengthen your core
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Back pain is common in pregnancy
Caused by changing biomechanics
Many ways to help decrease pain
Exercise
 SI belt
 Chiropractic
 Acupuncture
 Strengthening and stretching
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