pregnant pain Archives - Michigan Spine & Pain

Pregnant women may not have heard of the term pelvic girdle pain, but many women have experienced this condition.

The pelvic girdle refers to a ring of bones at the base of the spine. Pelvic girdle pain is felt in the front or back of the pelvis. Other symptoms include pain in the lower back, hips, groin, pubic region, pain in the thighs and knees and clicking or grinding sounds made in the pelvis area, which can be exacerbated with certain movements of the legs and hips. Pain can range from mild pain to severe pain.

Pregnancy can put a great deal of stress on the pelvic girdle, which can cause weakness and instability; as a result 20% of pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain.

The good news: pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is treatable throughout the pregnancy. Even better news: the treatment is safe for the growing baby. Women do not need to suffer needlessly when they experience pelvic girdle pain.

If you experience pelvic girdle pain, contact your health care provider. In the meantime, you should be aware of some typical treatments:

Avoiding movements that seem to contribute to the pain. For instance if moving your legs apart laterally tends to produce clicking or pain, avoid that position. Adapting to this temporary condition may require consultation with a physical therapist with whom you can discuss your regular activities, including exercise. You may also need to discuss sex and sex positions with your physical therapist.
Exercises can also be prescribed which reduce pain, increase flexibility and strength. Swimming is a great exercise, which is easy on all of your joints. In addition, the water temperature and the feeling of weightlessness can be quite therapeutic.
Chiropractic manual therapy is often quite successful in addressing pelvic girdle pain issues.
Acupuncture is another complementary therapy that can bring immediate as well as long term relief.

Looking ahead: most women with pelvic girdle pain are able to have a vaginal birth. In addition, 90% of pregnant women who experience pelvic girdle pain are “cured” once the baby has been delivered. One caveat: future pregnancies have a higher chance of also including pelvic girdle pain.

Previously, we talked about the high incidence of low back pain in pregnant women, especially in the final trimester of pregnancy, and some basic ways to prevent low-back pain. We hope that you will be able to prevent back pain.

If, despite your efforts, back pain arrives, let’s talk about what you can do or how we can help:

Physical therapy: If your back pain is unbearable, we encourage you to make an appointment with our physical therapist. We can recommend exercises for you and watch you practice while you’re in the office. That way, we can be sure your position and movements are safe and appropriate. These exercises can be to prevent pain or for when back pain flares up.
Posture check: When you come into our office, we can also show you the best ways to sit and stand that will allow you to keep back pain at bay.
Pain medication: check with us regarding what drugs are allowed for pregnant women.
Sometimes, applying heat or cold can alleviate back pain. Come see us before starting this regimen. Often several days of cold compresses followed by a few days of heat applied to the low back can bring some relief. Never apply heat to your stomach.
Psychological support: in our offices, we understand that the physical and the mental aspects of pain are interrelated. If you are under stress (and pregnancy, even a well-planned, expected one can be stressful), you may need some counseling to help you through this transition.
Chiropractic adjustment: this procedure can be safe during pregnancy and can really help diminish pain.
Acupuncture: this complementary medical approach, inserting small needles into the skin, also can be a source of relief for many of our patients.
Support Belt: there is not great evidence that these support belts are effective; nevertheless, if it works for you, there’s no danger in trying one on (except the cost of buying one).

Give us a call and let us help you if your lower back pain is more than you can bear.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ANYTIME you are ever concerned that the feeling or sensation you have while pregnant is questionable, call your obstetrician immediately. Pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination may be very serious. If this occurs, contact your obstetrician immediately.

1-800-586-7992

Pregnancy and Pelvic Girdle Pain: No Need to Suffer

Treating Pregnancy Low Back Pain

Real Relief

Real Solutions

Locations

Our Sister Company