MANAGEMENT OF POST PARTUM BACK PAIN

MANAGEMENT OF POST PARTUM BACK PAIN

A reader sent this question last week: Please I want to know the cause and remedy of back and waist pain. The back ache started after the delivery of my first child, after the birth of my second the pain increased. Now it's almost 6 months and it is affecting me seriously, I'm careful in doing certain chores. Please help!

A postpartum period begins immediately after the birth of a child and extends for about six weeks, as the mother's body, including hormone levels and uterus size, returns to a non-pregnant state. Post partum back ache therefore means back ache experienced by mother after delivery. Many of the physical changes that can cause low back pain during pregnancy may contribute to back ache now.

CAUSES

·         The body releases progesterone and relaxin hormones during pregnancy to loosen the ligaments and joints of the pelvic bone to help the baby come out with ease the weak ligaments and muscles lead to back pain. These hormones stay raised for a few months after delivery.

·         As the uterus expands during pregnancy, it weakens the abdominal muscles and pulls the lower spine forward, putting pressure on the lower back muscles.

·         Being overweight puts extra pressure on the back. The delivery process stresses the lower back, and it takes time to recover.

·         Bending frequently for lifting the baby or for something else results in back pain.

·         If you had back pain before and during pregnancy, it is likely to continue postpartum as well.

·         Having a wrong posture, especially while breastfeeding, can strain the muscles, causing backache.

·         Also, while giving birth you may have used muscles you don't normally use, so you could feel those effects for some time, especially if you had a long or difficult labour.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

·         And the overall exhaustion and stress of taking care of a newborn 24/7 can also make it harder to recover from all aches and pains after childbirth, including back pain.

SYMPTOMS

Back pain usually gets better within a few months after delivery, though some women will continue to have pain for much longer. Those with back ache before or during pregnancy are likely to have back ache after pregnancy, especially if it was severe or began relatively early in pregnancy. Being overweight also increases the risk of chronic back pain.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

• Stand – and sit – up straight.
• Pay attention to your body position when feeding your baby, whether you're nursing or bottle-feeding. Choose a comfortable chair with armrests, and use lots of pillows to give extra support to your back and arms. If you're breastfeeding, consider buying a breastfeeding pillow that goes around your middle. Also try using a footstool to keep your feet slightly raised off the floor.

• Learn to position yourself properly while nursing, and always bring your baby to your breast, rather than the other way around. Also try different breastfeeding positions. Always bend from your knees, and pick up objects (and children) from a crouching position to minimize the stress on your back.
• Take rest as much as possible as strenuous physical activities will aggravate your pain.
• Avoid wearing high-heel footwear for a few months after delivery.
• Avoid carrying the baby on one hip for a longer time because it puts constant pressure on the back muscles. Use a front pack to carry your baby.
• Avoid stretching your arms while picking your baby. Instead, get closer to your baby and then lift.
• Sleep in a comfortable position and use pillows for support.
• While placing your child in the back seat of the car do not bend or stretch your arms. Instead, kneel down on the back seat and place your baby in the car seat.
• Taking analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don't take more than recommended.
• Try transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Some people report that using one of these small, inexpensive devices temporarily relieves their low back pain.
•  Physical therapy (Physiotherapy):  A physical therapist can teach you exercises to relieve or prevent low back pain. Note: If you have had a C-section, then wait for at least six weeks before you start with this exercise.

CONCLUSION
Most times the back pain resolves itself after a few month post delivery. But, you must call a doctor if: The pain is severe and gets worse gradually; It is accompanied by a fever; Pain is caused by trauma such as a fall; There is numbness in one or both the legs; You suddenly feel uncoordinated; If the back pain persists even after six months.