Back Pain after Pregnancy

Posted by Brenda Lane Jul 26, 2008

The online issue of BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth has published a clinical trial that examines the effectiveness of self-help techniques for mothers who have back pain issues as a result of pregnancy.

Findings from this Dutch study showed that mothers did better by learning self-management techniques offered by a physical therapist.

The physical therapist in the experimental group addressed specific issues such as how to hold the baby when their back was causing them pain, however they were allowed to choose the exercises they found the most helpful. The control group could seek advice from a doctor, receive physical therapy or do nothing.

At 3 months, there were significant differences between the two groups. The mothers who received specialized care had less pain, returned to work sooner, and had fewer physical limitations than those with standard care. There were no differences between the two groups at one year postpartum.

Brenda