While pregnant, have you ever reached down to pick something up off the floor, and then as you stand up, you feel a sharp ache of pain through your back? You may be surprised to learn that back pain during pregnancy is relatively common to experience. It’s estimated that anywhere from 50% to 70% of pregnant women go through back pain at some point during the term of their pregnancy.

If this sounds like something you’re going through, take a moment to read through some of the information below. We’ll discuss some of the reasons why back pain can occur and how treatments, like those found at physical therapy, may be able to help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by back pain.

Why is back pain so common during pregnancy?

Back pain during pregnancy is usually a standard experience for pregnant women. This may not be true in all cases, but it’s relatively common to go through during pregnancy. Here are a couple of reasons why a person might feel back pain when carrying their baby:

• Change in center of gravity — One of the common reasons for back pain during pregnancy is because of a change in the person’s center of gravity. As the baby grows, the weight in the body shifts forward.
• Sudden changes in hormones — Another reason why someone might experience pain during their pregnancy is because of an influx in hormones. Some of the hormones released during pregnancy help loosen the tissue and joints in the body to accommodate the growth of the baby. When the joints and tissue are altered by hormones, it can also affect the back, causing pain.

Some more examples of problems that can cause back pain during pregnancy include increased body weight, poor posture and pelvic floor weakness. Whatever the cause of your pain may be, it’s important that you seek out treatment for it. Qualified professionals, like physical therapists, have the ability to determine the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan.

What are some ways physical therapy can help women address their back pain during pregnancy?

Physical therapy is an effective treatment method for a variety of conditions, including pregnancy. Physical therapists are highly trained specialists who can help patients address their pain and work to minimize it as much as possible for improved quality of life.

There are a few different ways that physical therapists can help women address their back pain during pregnancy. They can help improve posture, use joint mobilization, improve balance, strengthen the pelvic floor and build up the strength of the muscles in the back. Regular, gentle exercise during pregnancy can significantly benefit both the baby and the mother.

Let Lattimore PT help you get the right physical therapy care for your back pain during pregnancy

Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network first got its start in 1992. John and Cindy Shuman, husband and wife, first launched their own physical therapy practice with the aim to improve the quality of life of each member of their community. Since 1992, Lattimore PT has opened nearly 30 locations across New York.

Our team of talented physical therapists spread across the state is dedicated to understanding the treatment that works best for you. We specialize in taking a hands-on, interactive approach with each of our patients to provide them with the best care possible. We love to see our patients thrive, which is why we’ll do as much as we can to help get them to that point. The physical therapists at each of our Lattimore locations take pride in their work and do their best to come to the clinic each day with a smiling face. We aim to make each physical therapy session enjoyable yet productive. The ultimate mark of success, to us, is a patient who feels positively impacted by our work. Are you ready to experience “the Lattimore way”?

We strongly believe that we can guide you through managing your back pain so that your symptoms become less burdensome to deal with. If your back pain during pregnancy is interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to visit us. You shouldn’t hesitate to seek the care you need to make your pregnancy more comfortable. Schedule a session with us today to get started on the path toward relief. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.