significantly reduce the consistent back pain I used to suffer

Andrea instantly makes you feel at ease

you have improved my quality of life by drastically reducing the number of migraines I get

to find myself running again in anything other than my dreams is truly amazing

What causes Back Pain in Pregnancy?

It is thought that 70-80% of women suffer with back pain during pregnancy. It is important to diagnose what is causing the back pain. Causes of back pain in pregnancy are:

  • Pelvic Girdle Painand Pubic Symphysis Disorder: a difference in hormone levels during pregnancy (increased Relaxin) can cause ligaments to become more relaxed, leading to less ligament stability. Relaxin is designed to soften the pelvis to allow the baby out through the pelvis, however it can lead to problems. Pregnant women often suffer with pain in the Sacroiliac Joints, as the ligaments that normally support this joint become weaker. This leads to pelvic misalignment and uneven stresses and strains on the muscles and surrounding joints. The gluteal muscles in the buttocks can become tight, and trigger points (a tight “knot” in the muscle) produce pain that can travel down the leg.
  • Mechanical– Pregnancy can change your posture, increasing the lumbar lordosis (natural curve) of your spine and putting more pressure on your thoracic spine, neck and shoulders. So it is not uncommon for pregnant women to suffer with neck/shoulder pain and headaches, as well as low back pain.

    What can I do to help my back pain during pregnancy?

  • Exercise: even as little as 45mins of exercise per week has an effect of decreasing back pain in pregnancy, but it is thought more beneficial to exercise regularly. Gentle walking may help, and aqua aerobics is also popular. Exercises which help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as Pilates are very beneficial. Pilates will help to correct postural problems too. Always inform your Pilates instructor that you are pregnant
  • Wear good footwear: Your feet are the foundation for the rest of your body, so it is important to wear good quality shoes with additional arch support (ligament instability causes problems not only in the low back, but other areas of the body too. The ligaments in the feet can become weak, causing pain in the arches or metatarsals.) Orthotics may be beneficial.
  • Sacroiliac belts such as the Serola belt can give good pain relief.
  • Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, which will help to support your low back. Avoid sitting for too long (over 30minutes) and always try to keep your hips higher than your knees.
  • Chiropractic treatment: if you have tried the above tips and are still getting back problems, then book an appointment with the Chiropractor.
    During the consultation, a thorough Case History is taken, gaining all the information which helps to diagnose what is causing the problem. After the Case History, a Physical Examination, including orthopaedic and neurological tests is performed. Following this you will be given a Report of Findings where your diagnosis is discussed, and the chiropractor will explain how treatment will help you. There is always the opportunity for you to ask questions. If it is safe to do so, you will have a treatment on the first visit. Often, a gentle technique called SOT is used to correct any pelvic misalignments. Spinal adjustments are used when indicated, as well as doing relaxing soft tissue work and dry needling (also known as medical accupuncture). Accupuncture needles can provide wonderful pain relief for women suffering with back pain during pregnancy.Chiropractors give advice on posture and can recommend specific back exercises to help ease the pain and improve flexibility. We also offer lifestyle and nutritional advice to help speed up the healing process.

    If you would like to make an appointment for treatment, or would like to chat about your problem then please call Soonius Chiropractic on 07855 822 538