Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Back Pain

How can you prevent or minimize back pain during pregnancy?

Back pain may not be preventd completely, but there are things that you can do to reduce the severity or frequency. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the back pain you are experiencing :
  • Use exercises approved by your health care provider that support and help strengthen the back and abdomen.
  • Squat to pick up something versus bending over.
  • Avoid high heels and other shoes that do not provide adequate support.
  • Avoid sleeping on your back.
  • Wear a support belt under your lower abdomen.
  • Make sure your back is aligned using a chiropractor.
  • Get plenty of rest. Elevating your feet is also good for your back.

How can you treat back pain during pregnancy?

There are a number of things you can do to treat back pain during pregnancy. Some of the steps you take to avoid back pain may alco be used to treat current back pain. Here aree some other common intervebtions :

  • Ice or heat
  • Braces or support devices
  • Sleep on your left side and use a support pillow under your knees
  • Medications used to treat inflammation
  • Use a licensed health care professional such as a chiropractor or massage therapist

When to contact your health care provider?

Experiencing back pain itself is usually not a reason to contact your health care provider, but there are situations where contacting your provider is necessary. You want to contact your health care provider if you are experiencing any of the following :

  • Severe back pain
  • Increasingly severe or abrupt-onset of back pain
  • Rhythmic cramping pains; this could be a sign of preterm labor