Pregnancy related low back pain is a common complaint that occurs in 60-70% of pregnancies. (1)
This type of low back pain can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is more common in the 2nd to 3rd trimester as the uterus and baby grows adding additional weight and hence necessary postural changes occur.Low back pain can be felt in the low back (lumbar spine) region, the pelvis, the glutes (buttocks), plus possibly down into the back of the thigh and calfs. Hence, it can affect pregnant women’s quality of life and sleep and may cause an inability to work.
The causes of low back pain during pregnancy can be due to a combination of physical, hormonal, circulatory and psychosocial (anxiety, believes) factors.
Physically - During pregnancy the body changes and adapts in many ways to accommodate the increase in weight and the different distribution of load through the body. The body’s centre of gravity is shifted forward so with more weight at the front of the body the pelvis tilts forward and to compensate the head and shoulders shift back. This generally increases the inner curve of the lower spine (lumbar lordosis) and hence there is greater stress and compression through the lower back. The abdominal muscles also stretch, owing to the expanding uterus, and they can become tired and loose their ability to support the torso. So again there is greater onus on the lower back to support the torso.
Hormones - the change in hormones occur immediately when pregnant and some women do experience low back pain in their 1st trimester (before the increase in weight) that could possibly be caused by hormone changes creating inflammation and hence pain. The hormone relaxin increases through pregnancy which causes a softening of collagen ( the structural protein of our soft tissues) and ligaments. The ligaments around the sacro-illiac joints (at the top back of the pelvis) can be a common area of pain.
The good news is Massage Therapy is a safe during pregnancy and can be useful to relieve low back pain, ease movement and helpful for stress and tension relief and well-being.
A study in 2016 explored the effect of deep tissue massage for low back pain in women, which included twice a week deep tissue massage for 2-months and found it decreased pain and improved functionality of the pregnant participants. (2)
A study in 2016 explored the effect of deep tissue massage for low back pain in women, which included twice a week deep tissue massage for 2-months and found it decreased pain and improved functionality of the pregnant participants. (2)
I completed my Pregnancy & Post-Natal Massage training over 9 years ago, it is a special time to treat someone and requires a specialist approach.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage during pregnancy is safe to have on the right part of the body at the right time. Generally both Mum-to-be and I, as the Therapist, err on the side of caution through the first trimester and don’t advise massage treatment, although there is no science linking Massage with any complications.
I like to allow a 90 minute treatment pre-birth as I find this allows time to treat the whole body and to relax. Massage can be very effectively delivered to the low back, and other body areas, in a side-lying position.
Continuation into Post-Natal Massage (and this obviously doesn’t need to be after 6 weeks, it could be 6 months, 1 year post birth) is important too, a chance for the body and mind to recover and repair, to ease and mobilise joint pain and scar tissue and recent research studies have shown that Massage may improve soft tissue healing rates too. It also allows time to precious time to rest.
As always any queries please get in touch.
I like to allow a 90 minute treatment pre-birth as I find this allows time to treat the whole body and to relax. Massage can be very effectively delivered to the low back, and other body areas, in a side-lying position.
Continuation into Post-Natal Massage (and this obviously doesn’t need to be after 6 weeks, it could be 6 months, 1 year post birth) is important too, a chance for the body and mind to recover and repair, to ease and mobilise joint pain and scar tissue and recent research studies have shown that Massage may improve soft tissue healing rates too. It also allows time to precious time to rest.
As always any queries please get in touch.
(2) Romanowski M., Spiritovic M. Deep tissue massage and its effect on low back pain and functional capacity of pregnant Women-a case study. Journal of Novel Physiotherapies. 2016;6(03).