Back, pelvic pain, and even sciatica, are common occurrences in pregnancy, affecting an estimated 50-80% of pregnant women. What isn’t common, is a referral to physical therapy for it. Back and pelvic pain during pregnancy are both treatable with physical therapy. During pregnancy, hormones increase the looseness of the joints and decrease the effectiveness of the abdominal musculature. This is further irritated by the increased weight gain, causing increased arching of the back, expansion of the pelvis, and changes in the way you walk. All of these changes can result in pain. There are many ways that physical therapy can help overcome these challenges.

1)      Teach you proper positions – Standing, sitting, walking, and even sleeping in a position of stretch on the spine or any of the joints will cause increased pain. A physical therapist can educate you on various positions to limit the stress on the spine and joints.                                   

2)      Use of supports – A variety of supports exist that can help decrease low back pain. There are SI (sacroiliac) belts, which increase the stability of the pelvis. There are also abdominal supports, which often lift the weight of the baby and help decrease the force on the spine into an arched position. Heel lifts are also helpful in decreasing the drop in the foot, as well as the knee moving backward (knee hyperextension). By controlling the feet and the knees, the low back can remain in a more neutral and less painful position. Physical therapists can work with you to obtain, use, and fit the proper supports.

3)      Proper strengthening – Physical therapists can safely take you through a variety of exercises that will help strengthen the core and surrounding musculature without harming you or the baby. Learn what exercises work best for you as you progress through your pregnancy.

 Physical therapy is a great option for women experiencing pain during pregnancy. It is often overlooked by physicians as an option. Talk to your physician about starting physical therapy if you have ongoing pain during your pregnancy.