As pregnancy progresses, it’s not uncommon for expectant mothers to begin experiencing back pain as their bodies change. However, understanding what triggers the pain and possible ways to alleviate it can greatly benefit mothers-to-be and help them find the upper or lower back pain relief they are looking for.

WHAT TRIGGERS BACK PAIN IN PREGNANCY?

A pregnant woman’s body goes through many drastic changes in a short period of time. These changes may enable her to carry her child safely, but they do little to make her feel comfortable or pain-free. Back pain during pregnancy is triggered by a number of changes the body undergoes:

• WEIGHT GAIN.
  Typically, a woman can gain anywhere from 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. The back has to compensate for the extra weight it’s carrying around, causing discomfort and pain.

• PHYSICAL AND HORMONAL CHANGES.
  As a woman’s body prepares for childbirth, hormones are released into the body that enable joints and ligaments to loosen and become more pliable. This may cause some discomfort and pain. In addition, a woman’s expanding uterus may cause her rectal abdominis muscles, which run parallel to each other on the right and the left from the pubic bone to the ribcage, may separate at the center, making the pain worse.

• CHANGING POSTURE.
  A pregnant woman’s center of gravity moves to the front. To compensate, a woman may adjust her posture to even things out, but that may not always help. In fact, the strain may cause more pain and discomfort.

WHAT TO DO FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF?

Fortunately, although there are many reasons for being in pain, there are also many alternatives for pregnant women to experience back pain relief. Whether the focus is on lower back or upper back pain relief, here are some tips that can help the expectant mother enjoy her pregnancy pain-free:

• KEEP GOOD POSTURE.
  That means standing as straight and tall as possible, sitting in chairs with good support and keeping shoulders and knees relaxed.

• USE PREGNANCY OR BODY PILLOWS TO KEEP A GOOD POSTURE WHILE SLEEPING
  . Pregnant women should lie on their side with knees bent for minimal stress to the back.

• WEAR LOW-HEELED SHOES
  to maintain good posture and balance, as well as maintaining good support.

• REGULAR MASSAGES
  can help ease the tension in the back and alleviate pain. Other forms of treatments, such as chiropractic care, can bring further back pain relief.

• STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
  . Depending on a doctor’s recommendation, expecting women can engage in physical activity to strengthen their back and help alleviate discomfort.

Regardless of how a woman finds back pain relief, it’s important to recognize when to see a professional. If you or a loved one experiences chronic pain while pregnant, talk to your doctor for the best approach for a pain management plan.

Studies have shown that over one-third of obese Americans suffer from musculoskeletal joint and back pain. While there are many possible reasons for this, experts agree that there is a direct correlation between excess weight and how a person is affected by pain. For many who carry extra weight, back pain relief may be more difficult to achieve.

EXCESS WEIGHT AND PAIN RELIEF

There are many red flags connecting excess weight to issues with pain and pain management.

• Excess weight, particularly in the midsection of the body, shifts a body’s center of gravity forward and leads to poor posture, creating strain on the back muscles.

• Overweight patients are also at a greater risk of suffering from conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs and pinched nerves.

• Damage to the spine, particularly to the discs and vertebrae, can result from carrying extra weight.

• The strain on the joints from excess weight can lead to a greater risk of osteoarthritis.

Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle leads to weight gain, which can make pre-existing pain much worse. Studies show that overweight individuals have a greater risk of complications from back surgery.

WEIGHT LOSS FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF

A healthy weight loss regimen is a good place to start when seeking upper or lower back pain relief in overweight individuals. A doctor-supervised weight loss program that includes a well-balanced diet is advisable for patients wanting to achieve weight loss. In overweight patients, losing 10% of their weight can make a difference in relieving pressure from the joints, spine and lower back.

Many people suffering from chronic back pain are under the impression they will be less likely to hurt their back if they limit the amount of activity or exercise they participate in. However, regular activity helps with lower and upper back pain relief as well as other types of chronic pain. Physical activity activates the exchange of nutrients between spinal discs, keeping the spine healthy.

Low-impact activities such as walking or water aerobics are highly effective ways to get started on an exercise regimen. They help to burn calories, aid in weight loss and remain gentle on the joints, spine and lower back. For more information about back pain relief treatment options.

Can bad weather make pain relief impossible? You may have come across someone who declared his sinus headache or joint pain was an indicator bad weather was imminent. According to many doctors, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, or rain is on the horizon, patients are able to predict the changes with relative accuracy.

THEORIES ABOUT WEATHER

While research has been conducted, the current results are too mixed to definitively prove or disprove these claims.

One theory correlates barometric air pressure to chronic pain. Barometric air pressure is how “heavy” or “thick” the air feels. When the pressure is high, it presses against our bodies and prevents joints and tissue from expanding. When the pressure drops, which happens before a storm or wet weather conditions, the lack of pressure on our joints and tissues allows them to become inflamed more easily.

Another theory asserts that nerves become more sensitive due to injury, swelling, scarring or adhesions. As a result, it may appear that changes in weather, or cold weather have a negative effect on chronic pain.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN

Whatever the real reasons, sometimes patients erroneously believe that moving to warmer climates may provide them with some chronic pain relief. While a warmer climate may be helpful, the root cause of their chronic pain won’t go away. It’s important for patients to learn how to manage their chronic pain effectively, regardless of weather.

Following a pain management plan that works for the patient is an important part of pain relief. Remaining active is another crucial piece of chronic pain relief. Being mindful of their emotional or mental state and tackling issues of depression or anxiety, in time can be extremely helpful in maintaining a good frame of mind so pain can be properly managed. These are just some of the many steps you can take for pain relief, regardless of the weather changes!