Back pain related to pregnancy usually occurs between the 20th and the 28th weeks, although it can happen sooner. While common, back pain during pregnancy isn’t inevitable, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Back pain can affect your quality of life and even keep you from going to work. A physical therapist who’s experienced in women’s health, pelvic rehabilitation, and treating back pain in people who are pregnant can help you find relief.
In this article, we’ll share five things you should know about back pain during pregnancy and talk about when you should seek treatment.
Is lower back pain normal in early pregnancy? 5 things to know
Back pain is one of many pregnancy-related symptoms that people experience, along with food cravings, breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, headaches and more. At least 50% of pregnant people experience lower back pain — some studies estimate up to 70%. Seeing a physical therapist during pregnancy can help you manage pain and potentially other symptoms, too. Physical therapy is often covered by insurance, so treatment may be more accessible than you think.
Here are five things you should know about back pain during pregnancy:
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Back pain is common but not inevitable during pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy is usually the result of the body releasing the hormone relaxin. This helps make your joints more flexible for childbirth, but your body starts producing it in the first trimester. It can affect the stability of your spine and pelvis, causing pain. Your PT can provide treatments that help and teach you techniques to relieve pressure and improve your posture for better support in your spine.
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Early pregnancy back pain often stems from hormonal changes, not size
It’s not just the weight of the baby and the physical shifts in your body that cause back pain during pregnancy. The hormones mentioned above make your joints less stable, and your body compensates, making the pain worse. With training, you can create stability and avoid straining the affected muscles.
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Distinguishing between normal discomfort and concerning symptoms
Pregnancy-related back pain usually presents as dull, achy discomfort across the lower back that may feel worse after long periods of standing, sitting or at the end of the day. This is normal and expected. If your pain is severe, sharp or radiates down one or both legs, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should talk with your doctor right away. Other symptoms that may indicate your back pain requires medical attention include fever, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels and pain following trauma.
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Physical therapy offers safe, medication-free relief options
Many pain relief medications, such as NSAIDs, should be avoided during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks. Physical therapy interventions are safe and drug-free. For example, your PT might provide specialized manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, ergonomic supports and activity modification. These approaches focus on maintaining proper alignment, supporting weakened structures and teaching self-management techniques that allow you to stay active.
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Preventive strategies can significantly reduce pregnancy-related back pain
Taking a proactive approach early in pregnancy can help you avoid or reduce back pain throughout your entire pregnancy. Building strength in your core and pelvic floor is particularly important early on. Your PT can assess your specific risk factors and create a custom strategy to create ease and comfort during and after your pregnancy.
Find relief for back pain during pregnancy at Forever Fit
You don’t have to settle for back pain during pregnancy. Whatever stage you’re in, seeing a physical therapist now can help you manage your pain and take control of your wellness. You can even work on ways to make labor easier. Your PT will begin with a thorough assessment and get a good understanding of your goals for your pregnancy and childbirth. Then they’ll work with you to create your personalized treatment plan.
At Forever Fit, it’s our mission to help people enjoy every stage of their life and keep doing the things that make life worth living. Becoming a parent is a special time, and you deserve to feel your best. We get to know our patients on a personal level so we can provide the highest quality treatment. We work to understand the likely causes of your pain so we can help you find lasting relief through natural approaches.
PTs at our Gaithersburg location are especially experienced in treating back pain and pelvic floor disorders. We also have pelvic floor PTs at our Rockville location.
Ready to sign up for your initial appointment with us? Fill out an appointment request form here or give us a call to set up your appointment.