When to See Your Doctor About Your Back Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often a time of joy and celebration. But with the joyful and celebratory events, a mother’s body must also stretch and change to accommodate new life. With all the difficulties and discomforts that come with pregnancy, severe back pain does not need to be one of them. Yet, many pregnant women continue to suffer with persistent back pain because they believe that it is just a part of the overall pregnancy experience. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50 to 70 percent of women experience back pain during pregnancy.
Not all back discomfort requires a physician's care and will resolve itself after giving birth. However, some pregnancy associated back pain can impact day-to-day tasks and prevent individuals from participating in their favorite activities. Even worse, this pain can persist after pregnancy and become debilitating with time. But this does not have to be the case. With proper care, pregnancy associated back pain can be significantly reduced. Under the proper care of the trained physicians at In2it Medical, such as Dr. Chappell, the pain can be treated without surgery or harmful medications.
For those experiencing pregnancy related back pain, here are a few indicators that will determine whether you should seek further medical intervention for your condition.
Severe Pain - Pregnancy has its fair share of discomforts and awkward situations. However, sharp pain in the lower back can be a strong indicator that a physician should be consulted, especially if the pain occurs while doing regular tasks such as bending over, standing up, or laying down. If severe pain in the lower back is recurring, it could be an indication of a more severe problem that could lead to complications in the pregnancy. If you experience severe pain that does not go away or is reoccuring, consult Dr. Chappell at In2it Medica for effective treatments.
Before Taking Medication - If you are considering taking any pain medications, a physician should be consulted. While Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often considered safe for women to take during pregnancy, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are generally not suitable during pregnancy. A physician can often suggest more suitable medications or non-medicated solutions that are better for the health of the baby. Physicians at in2itMedical specialize in providing alternative treatments that do not require potentially harmful medications.
Persistent Rhythmic Cramping Pains - Sometime lower back pain can be felt during contractions or labor pains. Contractions are often felt as cramping that occurs in periodic, rhythmic patterns that intensify over time. While it is common for individuals to experience some false labor pains, known as Braxton Hicks Contractions, if the pain is persistent and rhythmic, coming in waves, it may be a sign of preterm labor. If this is the case, immediately contact your treating physician in order to prevent premature labor from happening.
Painful Urination - If lower back pain is coupled with painful urination, it could be the result of issues associated with the urinary tract. This can range from urinary tract infection to kidney stones. In some cases, it can be caused by ovarian cysts, which form due to pressure from the expansion and pressure of the uterus. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain during urination, especially if blood is found in the urine, consult the OBGYN of Midwife.
Tingling Sensation in the Limbs - It is common during pregnancy for individuals to experience tingling or numbness in the extremities. Often, this is experienced in the morning and is associated with sleep positions. For the most part, these sensations are normal and will decrease after delivery. However, if the symptoms persist or become more severe, it may be cause for concern and warrant consideration by a healthcare professional. Dr. Chappell is trained in providing relief for those discomforts and complications that arise during pregnancy.
Pain Persisting More Than Two Weeks - Pain associated with pregnancy is often a result of the stretching of pelvic ligaments. Loosening of ligaments can even persist postpartum. Pelvic instability can result in back pain, hip pain, and/or pelvic pain. This pain will increase as the pregnancy progresses and more strain is placed on the pelvis. Other factors can impact the severity of back pain during pregnancy. Posture and a shifting of the center of gravity during pregnancy can place unnecessary strain on the back. This is compounded by the weakness connected with pelvic instability and added weight accrued during pregnancy.
At in2itMedical, our trained physicians have developed non-surgical solutions to pregnancy associated pain. One such solution, Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT), improves physiological function and helps sustain the homeostasis of the body during pregnancy. OMT is a hands-on approach to healing, involving the movement of muscles and joints using techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance. This is done so that the physician can properly diagnose the issue. Once the problem is diagnosed, the physician can then treat the problem through the use of manually guided forces applied to the patient.
A study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, showed significant reduction in lower back pain and improved functioning during the third trimester of pregnancy. The study concluded that OMT was a safe and effective alternative to other more invasive procedures. Another study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, suggested that this benefit of less lower back pain extended beyond pregnancy and included lower back pain in postpartum women. Their study showed a significant decrease in the intensity of lower back pain after delivery due to OMT.
With the incredible tools and treatments that are available to assist you, severe back pain doesn’t have to be a part of your pregnancy experience. If you have pain during your pregnancy, do not suffer needlessly—consult a physician today. Dr. Chappell is a pregnancy pain specialist. He focuses on non-surgical treatment options for back pain during pregnancy, using osteopathic manipulation for pregnancy. Located in Pleasant Grove, In2it Medical takes patients Monday through Friday. Dr. Chappell will be able to determine what treatment is best for you. Contact us now at 801-610-7321 or through our website www.in2itmedical.com.
Sources:
PAIN DURING PREGNANCY
https://www.in2itmedical.com/pain-during-pregnancy
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION