Low back pain associated with pregnancy: a review of literature

Abstract

Introduction Low back is a common problem for all women but there is an increased incidence of back pain associated with pregnancy. Incidence The most common complaint of pregnant women, low back pain can be the normal result of a multitude of mechanical, hormonal, and vascular changes associated with pregnancy. However, while usually regarded with a laissez-faire attitude, back pain during pregnancy should be taken seriously by patients and physicians. A number of serious pathological processes could be involved endangering both mother and fetus. Treatment Treatment options for low back pain consist mostly of postural education and rest. Physical therapy and fitness programs are available to prevent back pain and alleviate pain if it already exists. Alternative therapies are becoming more and more popular in the pregnant population as a safe means to combat pain. More vigorous treatment is available for serious problems. However, most women use an at-home-approach with support belts, heating pads, and postural pillows. Whatever the cause, low back pain is a significant distressing factor to pregnant women and should not be ignored as a normal consequence of becoming pregnant.

Pregnancy health problems and low birth weight associated with maternal insecure attachment style

“…The reported psychological problems correlated with insecure attachment on both AAQ measures. Back pain may arise as the result of a multitude of mechanical, hormonal, and vascular changes associated with pregnancy (Saccomanni, 2011). A common complaint in pregnancy back pain can adversely affect the quality of life of expectant mothers.…”

“…Our results indicate that associations exist between certain health problems and an insecure attachment style of the mothers. The mothers who were classified as having an insecure attachment based on the AAQI were more likely to report vaginal discharges and backaches as Back pain may arise as the result of a multitude of mechanical, hormonal, and vascular changes associated with pregnancy (Saccomanni, 2011). A common complaint in pregnancy back pain can adversely affect the quality of life of expectant mothers.…”

Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial

“…, Kanakaris et al . , Saccomanni ). Further obstacles to the proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of LBPP include a lack of knowledge of current treatment options and the assumption that pain is ‘a natural consequence of pregnancy’ by both pregnant women and clinicians (Vermani et al .…”

Effects of Exercise on Lumbopelvic Pain During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Although lumbopelvic pain can be further differentiated into low back and pelvic girdle pain, women experiencing both have reported greater consequences on their health and function 2. A variety of causative factors for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain have been proposed, including hormonal factors and biomechanical changes related to spinal load, pelvic girdle stability, abdominal diameter, and fetal weight; however, these continue to be disputed in the literature and the true etiology of such pain is poorly understood 1,3. Estimates of the prevalence of lumbopelvic pain in pregnant women vary widely, from 25% to more than 80%, with many sources estimating that 50% of pregnant women experience lumbopelvic pain at some point during their pregnancy 3–6.…”