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Back and neck pain

Are you pregnant or recently had a baby and suffer from back, neck or rib pain?

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Is upper back, shoulder or neck pain making it difficult to feed or nurse your baby?

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Are you experiencing headaches?

Low back, mid back and neck pain are common in pregnancy and in the postnatal period.  Pain often occurs as the pregnancy hormones relax your joints, ligaments and muscles.  Posture changes and additional weight gain during pregnancy also contribute to pain.  In the postnatal period, different birthing positions, prolonged feeding postures and carrying your baby often result in pain. Tight neck and shoulder muscles can result in headaches.
 
Did you know that 50% of women experience back pain in pregnancy especially in the final trimester with a third describing the pain as disabling and restricting their activities.
 
Although these symptoms are common, something can be done about them!  Specialised physiotherapy treatment can reduce these symptoms to enable you to enjoy your pregnancy and baby!

Trigger points are tight knots in muscles (x) causing pain (red dots/shading):

A = deep back muscle, B = Quads muscle, C = abdominal muscle

Common symptoms:

  • Pain in your lower back that may radiate down into your bottom or leg

  • Pain in your mid back around your bra line that is worse with feeding or holding your baby

  • Neck, shoulder and arm pain that may also result in headaches

 
Possible causes:

  • Posture changes and additional weight gain during pregnancy

  • Pregnancy hormones relax your joints, ligaments and muscles

  • Following pregnancy and birthing, your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles are stretched and weakened so your back and pelvis are not well supported

  • In the first few weeks after your baby is born you may have a separation down the centre of your abdominal muscles so your back is not well supported

  • Increased physical demands eg. prolonged feeding postures, carrying your baby or lifting your toddler

 
What can be done?

  • We are specifically trained to make a thorough assessment and design a treatment program to meet your personal needs 

  • We have specialized training in releasing and strengthening the muscles involved including the use of Dry Needling

  • Specific exercises (including clinical pilates) will help strengthen the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles to help support your back

  • Education on how to use these muscles in your daily activities including exercise, at work and caring for your baby

  • Possible use of a support garment or taping to aid stability

  • Posture correction

  • Education on self management techniques

  • Education on lifestyle modification, safe exercise and avoiding aggravating factors

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