Pregnancy is an extraordinary experience, yet unfortunately it can also bring physical discomforts. One of the most common physical discomforts during pregnancy is upper back pain. As the body changes to accommodate the growing baby and the mother’s hormones fluctuate, many women experience upper back pain in some form or another. It is important for expectant mothers to know that this discomfort is normal and treatable.
Causes: Posture Changes, Weight Gain
Upper back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint for many expecting mothers. Poor posture and weight gain are some of the main culprits behind this type of pain. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that pregnant women can use to help alleviate their discomfort.
When it comes to posture, expectant mothers should be aware of how they position themselves when sitting and standing. Slouching or hunching over can cause tension in the spine, leading to upper back pain. Instead, maintain good posture by keeping your pelvis neutral and engaging your core muscles while standing or sitting tall with your shoulders relaxed and pulled away from the ears.
Weight gain is also a contributing factor to upper back pain during pregnancy due to increased stress on the spine caused by increased body mass.
Symptoms: Tension, Tightness
Upper back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint among expectant mothers, and often causes discomfort. Muscular tension and tightness can be the root cause of upper back pain when pregnant, leading to significant soreness and stiffness in this area. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms associated with tension-induced upper back pain during pregnancy.
The most effective way to address muscular tension and tightness in the upper back is through regular exercise. Low impact exercises such as walking or swimming provide an excellent way to maintain flexibility throughout the body while also providing relief from discomfort related to muscular tension in this area. Additionally, strengthening exercises for the core muscles can help with posture and reduce strain on the muscles of the upper back.
Prevention: Exercises, Good Posture
Preventing upper back pain during pregnancy can be achieved through proper exercise and good posture. At Premier Pain Solutions, we understand that pregnancy can take a toll on your spine and joints, leading to discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. To help mothers-to-be maintain comfort throughout their pregnancies, we have compiled a few tips on how to reduce pressure on the spine and muscles associated with shoulder pain.
Exercising regularly is an essential part of maintaining good posture throughout pregnancy. Low impact exercises such as swimming or walking are great ways to increase mobility without straining your body. Strengthening exercises like planks or crunches will also help build abdominal strength necessary for maintaining proper posture during pregnancy. Additionally, mindful stretching can help alleviate tightness often experienced in the neck and shoulder region due to postural changes associated with carrying a baby in utero.
Treatment: Medication, Ice/Heat Therapy
Back pain North Richland Hills is a common issue for pregnant women, however it can be treated through the help of a back pain doctor. Medication and ice-heat therapy are two ways to reduce the discomfort associated with upper back pain during pregnancy.
An upper back pain doctor can prescribe medication to reduce inflammation in the body and reduce muscle tension. In order to treat pregnancy-related back pain, doctors commonly prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Occasionally, corticosteroid injections around the spine will be recommended for relief of severe muscle tension.#
Ice heat therapy can also provide relief from upper back pain caused during pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing upper back pain during pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor. At Premier Pain Solutions, our team of experienced medical professionals can help diagnose and treat any type of pain related to pregnancy. We understand that pregnancy brings about many physical changes, which can cause discomfort and in some cases, severe pain.
Upper back pain during pregnancy may occur due to the added weight of the baby and changes in posture as the baby grows. Other common causes include muscle strain from lifting heavier objects or prolonged sitting or standing in one position for an extended period of time. It is important to seek medical advice if you feel ongoing or severe upper back pain which does not improve with rest or conservative measures such as using a heat pack or massage.
Conclusion
For any pregnant woman experiencing upper back pain during pregnancy, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Back pain is a common symptom of pregnancy and can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain. In many cases, upper back pain during pregnancy can be preventable or treatable with the help of an experienced back pain doctor.
In order to properly diagnose and treat upper back pain during pregnancy, a physician will need to know the patient’s medical history as well as her current physical condition. After evaluating these factors, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as stretching exercises or even physical therapy in order to reduce pressure on the spine and alleviate pain. In some cases, medication may be prescribed for severe or chronic upper back pains.
