It’s not uncommon for women to experience back pain after childbirth. However, the source of the pain is often misdiagnosed and can make performing ordinary daily activities extremely painful.
In up to 30% of people with chronic low back pain, the SI joint is the hidden source of the pain and too often inadequately treated. Childbirth, pregnancy, falls, and lumbar surgery can all lead to debilitating SI joint pain.
Only 10% of people with SI joint pain receive the treatment and relief they need to pursue active and healthy lives.
I had a chance to interview nationally recognized pain management expert Nomen Azeem, MD, FAAPMR Dr. Azeem is president of the Florida Society of Pain and Neuroscience and sits on the organization’s national board and practices at Florida Pain and Spine Specialists.
What factors contribute to back pain during pregnancy?
Unfortunately, back pain and pregnancy may go hand in hand. Back pain can start in early pregnancy due to hormones. Hormones fluctuate and are released throughout your pregnancy for various reasons but one of the main reasons is to prepare your pelvis for delivery. These hormones help loosen the pelvis and are released throughout your entire body which in turn can affect the ligaments and tendons in other parts of your body as well.
As your pregnancy progresses, frontal weight gain which adds stress to your spine and joints as well as shifts your center of gravity dramatically can cause you to sit, walk, and move differently than you are previously accustomed. As your body will compensate for the change, this compensation can stimulate new causes of pain in your low back.
Another cause may be due to the expansion of the pelvis which could cause pain from the SI joint which can present itself as low back pain. In addition, those suffering from low back pain prior to pregnancy may experience a worsening of their low back pain symptoms.
How can pregnant mothers determine the root cause of their pain?
As with any other medical issues during pregnancy, the best course of action is to play it safe. The best way to determine the cause of your pain during pregnancy is to see a specialist. Discuss with your OB-GYN and if recommended seek a qualified Board Certified Interventional Pain Specialist.
What are some questions for pregnant mothers to ask their doctors about back pain?
If you feel any pain you should be able to reach out to your doctor and have a conversation about your options. Some of the most common questions I hear from my pregnant patients are:
1. What stretches and exercises can I do safely during pregnancy?
2. What are some of the reasons to immediately stop activity and call my doctor?
3. What medication is safe to take during pregnancy?
4. Is a massage safe for me?
5. Are injections for pain safe during pregnancy?
What are some of the options for reducing the impact of back pain during pregnancy?
The reality is that most women will experience back pain or joint pain of some sort during pregnancy. However, keeping an active lifestyle during pregnancy is always a big help, and discussing safe techniques to change how you move around for daily activities with your new center of gravity can help minimize back pain.
In some cases, back pain will continue after delivering your baby. After giving birth, you will have more safe options for treatment. If you are still experiencing back pain after birth you should seek a Board Certified Interventional Pain Specialist in order to review treatments for long-term pain relief.
One of the treatments that I have utilized in my patients is the LinQ system (a SI Joint Fusion System). LinQ system is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive long-term solution for low back pain. I personally like the LinQ system because patients get almost immediate relief with a quick outpatient procedure that is covered by most insurances. Also, the LinQ system is safe for breastfeeding mothers because there is no medication involved. I always tell my patients to go to the LinQ website and watch the patient testimonials before deciding if this procedure is right for them.
NEW TREATMENT OPTION
LinQ is a new treatment option to relieve SI joint pain. It is the only minimally invasive procedure that can provide patients with immediate and lasting relief. Before LinQ, the only other available option to patients (and is still an option) involves a lengthy surgery where metal rods are drilled into the patient’s hip bone.
This is how LinQ works.
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