Nearly 30% of pregnant women experience musculoskeletal pain due to changes in their movement, weight distribution, and hormonal shifts affecting muscles, joints, and ligaments.
Common Symptoms of Pregnancy-Related Pain
Pregnancy can cause various discomforts, with musculoskeletal pain typically presenting as:
- Sciatic nerve pain (sciatica)
- Lower back or pelvic pain (Pelvic Girdle Pain or PGP)
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Foot pain, including Plantar Fasciitis
- Knee pain
Is Your Pain Chronic?
Pain is generally categorized into three types:
- Acute pain: Sudden onset, lasting a few days to a few weeks
- Subacute pain: Can appear suddenly or gradually, lasting 4 to 12 weeks
- Chronic pain: Lasts longer than 12 weeks, occurring daily and potentially disrupting your life
Chiropractors can identify the source of your pain, determining whether it's pregnancy-related or due to an underlying condition. Chiropractic care is effective for treating all stages of pain: acute, subacute, and chronic.
Common Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the hormone Relaxin is released to relax joints and ligaments for labor and delivery. However, if these ligaments loosen too much, they can become unstable and painful. Carrying extra weight and rapid body changes can lead to:
- Protruding and weakened abdomen muscles or an accentuated lower back curve, contributing to back pain and sciatica
- Pelvic misalignments, leading to hip pain
- Postural adaptations causing neck, hip, and back pain
- Pressure on the median nerve, leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling of feet), increasing pressure on knees and ankles, leading to heel, arch, and ball-of-foot pain
- Fluid retention, compressing soft tissues and increasing the risk of musculoskeletal pain
Risk Factors for Pain During Pregnancy
Several factors can increase the risk of experiencing musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, including:
- Extended sitting or standing, especially without proper support
- Lack of activity, weakening muscles and limiting mobility
- Poor posture (slouching, hunching, improper posture while performing tasks)
- Excess weight gain
- Previous history of back pain or musculoskeletal trauma
- Physically strenuous jobs or repetitive activities that stress the body
When to Seek Treatment for Pregnancy Pain
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate serious pregnancy-related disorders:
- Severe headaches or headaches that don't respond to medication
- Chest pain, including pain radiating to the shoulder
- Severe or rapidly appearing edema (swelling)
- Blurred vision
- Severe or recurrent leg pain
At Healing Hands Chiropractic, we believe no one should have to live with pain. If musculoskeletal pain is disrupting your pregnancy, chiropractic care can help. Unless you have vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, or are at risk of premature labor, the American Pregnancy Association recommends chiropractic care during pregnancy to help maintain prenatal wellness.
Tips for Preventing Pain in Pregnancy
Stay Active
Regular exercise can help prevent aches and pains by strengthening and stretching your muscles.
Get Comfortable
Use supportive furniture and pillows to maintain proper posture and reduce strain.
Get the Right Support
Wear supportive footwear and consider maternity belts to help distribute weight evenly.
Try Massage
Prenatal massage can relieve tension and improve circulation.
Nourish Your Body
Maintain a healthy diet to support overall well-being and muscle health.