Reader Question:

Can physical therapy help back pain during pregnancy?

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, with 50-70 percent of pregnant women experiencing it sometime during pregnancy. Several factors contribute to this, including an increase in hormones that causes joints to loosen, poor posture due to a change in your center of gravity as your baby grows, stretching of the abdominal muscles and the additional weight gained during pregnancy your back must support. To help minimize or prevent back pain, wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support and consider a maternity support belt. Sleep on your left side with a body pillow and try alternating heat and ice on the sore area. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to develop an individualized exercise program to support and strengthen the back and abdomen, work on postural and lifting mechanics and perform soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques depending on your symptoms to help alleviate discomfort.

Vince Frisillo, MPT
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Excel Therapy Specialists