Oh Baby: Pregnancy & Low back Pain

It’s been reported that nearly 50% of all women experience back pain during pregnancy. So what causes this pain? Adapting to structural changes of pregnancy and the change of weight distribution affect the lumbar spine and pelvis, and are thought to contribute to pain and muscle spasms.

As the baby grows, the sacrum (a large wedge shaped vertebra/bone at the inferior end of the spine) and the pelvis tilt anteriorly. This causes a greater curve to the natural lordotic curve of the lumbar spine and increases the activity of the iliopsoas muscle. To compensate for a lack of balance in the shift of the center of gravity, the piriformis muscle remains contracted.

Throughout the course of gestation and predominantly in the third trimester, hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and relaxin contribute to pelvic hypermobility and creates a decrease in spinal stabilization. Chiropractic care and myofascial relaxation of the muscles involved is a safe and effective way to greatly reduce pain and tension.