Spinal cancer is a type of cancer that causes an abnormal growth of tissues and cells within or around your spinal column. The spine contains many bundles of nerves, cells, and tissues that make communication…
Many physical changes occur during pregnancy and after childbirth that contributes to back pain. During pregnancy, the uterus may stretch, weakening the abdominal muscles, altering posture, and putting strain on the back. Extra weight during and after pregnancy causes more work for muscles and increases joint stress. Hormonal changes may loosen joints and ligaments. Additionally, new mothers may inadvertently contribute to back pain by not having good posture while breastfeeding. Taking into account the overall exhaustion and stress of being a new mother can make it difficult to recover from all aches and pain of childbirth, including back pain.
What to Do about Postpartum Back Pain
Back pain tends to get better a few months after delivery, though women may continue to experience pain for longer. New mothers should be able to focus on their child and healing from childbirth, but back pain can make that challenging. It’s essential to keep your doctor aware of your back pain, especially when at-home remedies fail to treat the pain. Here are some at-home remedies to try and relieve back pain.
Gentle Exercise
While moving around when experiencing back pain may seem counterintuitive, specific movements can provide significant relief. Walking is the perfect gentle exercise mothers can start with if they feel back pain. It’s crucial to take it slow and keep the walks short for the first few weeks. When your doctor gives you the green light, pelvic tilts can become part of your daily routine to help ease some back pain. Gradually you can start doing strengthening exercises for your back and abdominal muscles.
Back Care throughout the Day
Back pain can be exacerbated by daily movements and activities without people even realizing that they’re hurting their back. New mothers can make minor adjustments to their daily movements that can help relieve some of their pain:
- Be aware of body position while breastfeeding or nursing
- Always bring the baby to your breast
- Try side-lying while nursing
- Always bend from your knees when picking up objects
- Let someone else lift the heavy stuff
- Soak in a warm tub
- Use a heating pad or cold pack
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (as recommended by your doctor)
Most back pain will go away with time and at-home remedies. However, if the pain remains constant and severe, it’s time to seek a spine specialist.
Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Can Help Mothers with Postpartum Back Pain
Constant back pain can make life challenging, especially as a new mother. At Orthopedic & Laser Spine, our medical team understands how difficult constant back pain can make life and how unique everyone’s back pain is. We are proud to offer award-winning medical care to our patients. Our doctors tailor your treatment to meet your individual needs and get you on the road to recovery and back to your life.
The surgeons at OLSS are leaders in their fields and are dedicated to treating every patient safely and quickly using the least invasive techniques. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today. You can call (855) 853-6542 or fill out our contact form.