If you are struggling with postnatal back pain, aches and pains in your back following the birth of your baby, you are not alone. Back pain for new mums is a very common problem, with some studies reporting symptoms in up to 75% of post-natal women.
The physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on your body and, as you recover from your birthing experience, back pain can be truly debilitating.
Why is this happening to me?
Every woman is different, which is why we would always recommend having an assessment with us to understand the changes in your own post-natal body, however, there are some common issues that we frequently come across:
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Your pelvic floor has just been through a lot! Whether you deliver vaginally or via c-section your pelvic floor has been under a great strain during your pregnancy and delivery.
This sling of muscles forms a major part of your CORE and helps support your pelvis and lower spine. Mummy MOT practitioners are trained to assess your pelvic floor function and set you up with an effective treatment and management plan.
Postural changes
The weight of your growing baby during pregnancy can cause changes in your pelvic position, often causing a ‘tilting forwards’. This tilt can cause your lower back to arch more than usual, putting excess strain on the surrounding muscles. When the baby arrives, the demands on your posture change again and this can be a contributor to back pain. As physios, we also see changes in muscle strength and length around the pelvis, particularly in the gluteal region which can lead to your back ‘taking more strain’.