Postpartum back pain is less common than pregnancy back pain. However, regardless of whether you have suffered back pain during pregnancy, postpartum back pain can still be present.
In Sweden, a study was carried out using 817 pregnant women and followed 12 weeks after their delivery. More than 67% of the women experienced back pain directly after delivery, whereas 37% said they had back pain at the follow-up examination. Most of the women who had recovered became pain-free within 6 months.
Factors that correlated to persistent postpartum back pain were the presence of back pain before pregnancy, the presence of back pain during pregnancy, physically heavy work, and even multi-pregnancy. Of these four factors, physically heavy work was found to have the strongest association with persistent back pain at 12 months.
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How does postpartum backache come about? How long will my postpartum back pain last? Back pain after delivery: Home remedies When to see a doctorBack pain after childbirth normally lasts six months, but it can last up to ten years. Lower back pain is most common during tasks that require bodily motions, such as walking, lifting, bending, and/or holding a newborn baby, and it can be eased with rest, exercise, and home remedies. The underlying cause determines the type and severity of pain.
How does postpartum backache come about?Why does your back hurt so much after giving birth? First and foremost, there is no need to be concerned. According to studies, about half of all women experience back discomfort in the first few months after giving birth. So, take a deep breath and consider why this occurs.
1. Your uterus develops during pregnancy, weakening your abdominal muscles and pulling your lower spine forward, putting tension on your back. 2. Your lower back pain after delivery could be the result of poor posture when pregnant. 3. Hormone imbalances may also cause back pain after giving birth.Progesterone and relaxing hormones are released throughout pregnancy to soften the ligaments and joints of the pelvic bone, allowing the baby to come out effortlessly. These hormones stick around for a few more months, causing postpartum back pain.
4. Carrying and lifting a new infant.You’re always leaning over to get your infant out of the crib, car seat, or stroller. These extra motions and reaches can wreak havoc on your posture, resulting in neck and/or back pain.
5. Sitting or reclining for long periods of time can weaken or stiffen the back muscles.By compensating for the surgical damage to the abdominal muscles, the lower back muscles might be damaged by a cesarean section.
During recovery, the work normally performed by the abdominal muscles must be temporarily moved to the lower back and oblique muscles. Minor back pain may result because of this.
6. Muscle strain during the delivery of the baby has a chance of occurring.The lower back muscles are used, along with the pelvic muscles, during vaginal birth and at times, this pushing can cause the muscles or ligaments in the back to strain.
7. Obesity puts additional strain on your back muscles, resulting in chronic pain. 8. Anesthesia’s side effects.The sort of anesthesia you receive prior to a C-section might also cause pain in the days or weeks thereafter. In preparation for surgery, you may be given an epidural or spinal block to numb the area.
An epidural or spinal block can trigger muscular spasms near the spinal cord after birth, which is an issue. After delivery, these spasms might last for weeks or months.
9. Mental back painThis is a form of back pain that continues from the pregnancy back pain, a result of the subconscious beginning a mentally induced pain syndrome.
How long will my postpartum back pain last?The back pain after giving birth usually goes away six months after delivery, when the high hormone levels in the body return to normal. Furthermore, your body recovers from giving birth in a few months, and the back pain gradually fades.
However, due to the physically demanding work that a new mom conducts, the pain might last for up to a year. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of the most effective treatments to relieve lower back pain after delivery.
Back pain after delivery: Home remediesImage from Woman running photo created by schantalao – www.freepik.com
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You don’t have to lie around and endure postpartum back pain! There are some measures you can take to ease the pain (and no we’re not talking about meds).
1. Walking – Set your own pace. Walk for about 10-15 minutes daily. This will even ease your mind up as you relax and enjoy your walk. After a normal delivery or even a C-section, you can begin right away. Yoga is another option for strengthening stressed muscles.
2. Posture – Stand up straight and when you’re nursing, sit up straight.
3. Footstool – Keep a footstool around to keep your feet slightly raised when you’re sitting.
4. Bend your knees – Extremely important when lifting objects or the baby. Such a crouching position will reduce the stress on our back. Keep an eye on how you bend and lift. When lifting a baby, laundry, a stroller, or anything else, start from your knees, not your back.
5. Warm baths – This helps to ease the tension away. Bathe in warm water instead of cold water to avoid straining muscles and exacerbating back discomfort. Warm water baths after birth will help to calm your tight muscles.
6. Hubby Help – That’s right! Get the husband to give you a gentle rubdown. You’ll be surprised how relaxing this can be!
7. Get a massage – Get a massage from a professional if ever possible.
Image from Pexels
8. Maintain normal body weight – After a month following birth, try to get back to your regular weight. Following the pregnancy, it is critical to follow a healthy diet to keep a healthy weight.
9. Start slowly with some gentle postpartum exercises – Pelvic tilts are a good starting point. To regain stomach and back muscle tone, begin exercising shortly after birth. Hip and back flexibility can be restored with ten minutes of stretching exercises on the floor each day.
When to see a doctorBack pain that does not go away with rest or at-home treatments like massage, heat therapy, or light stretching and exercise, as well as discomfort that worsens with time, may necessitate medical attention.
Generally, worrying symptoms should be reported to a doctor, such as new numbness or weakness in the leg(s) or worsening of prior leg pain and numbness symptoms.
While back pain after giving birth is typical and usually goes away within a few weeks, acute pain can signal a neurological condition or even an infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare professional right away:
Your back pain is excruciating, constant, or becoming worse. Your back pain is accompanied by a fever or was caused by trauma. You lose sensation in one or both of your legs, or you become uncoordinated or weak. Your buttocks, groin, or genital area lose sensation (including your bladder or anus). This can make it difficult to pee or have a bowel movement, as well as induce incontinence.If the pain becomes constant and unbearable consult your doctor immediately. Postpartum back pain is not uncommon and you don’t have to suffer in silence!
Being a mother isn’t easy, but don’t let that stop you from savoring this state of endless pleasure! Allow your body to return to normal by exercising patience, maintaining a pleasant attitude, and reducing stress. Remember that you are a powerful person who can overcome any obstacle.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent SingaporeUpdates by Matt Doctor
Additional source:
Spine-Health, WebMD, HCAH, Healthline
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