Jul 2, 2008 8:13 pm US/Eastern
Pregnancy & Back Pain: Exercise Can Help
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
For many expectant moms, back pain is an inevitable symptom during and after pregnancy but relief is out there. Mothers-to-be simply have to do some specific exercises that help them cope and potentially overcome the pain.
"It kind of started out as a dull, almost like numbness in my back and it just kept getting worse," said Veronica Charland.
Since the birth of her second child, 39-year old Veronica Charland's back pain changed her life.
"It started in my lower back and then it kept going down my leg. I just couldn't bend over to get my shoes on and it was affecting the kids too, I couldn't ride the bike, it hurt."
The debilitating pain is caused by pressure on joints and ligaments in the spine. The pressure is brought on by a change in a woman's hormones and weight.
"The center of gravity within the human body changes itself and puts more pressure of gravity on the smaller joints in the lumbar spine, increasing the normal curvature of the spine to a point where it puts more pressure there," explains Dr. Harold Dalton.
Dr. Dalton, from the South Florida Spine Clinic, suggests a three-prong approach to treat the pain: medication, injections or exercise.
Four exercises helped Veronica and could help others in pain.
The first involves lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, and lift your hips. Next, position yourself on your hands and knees. Extend one leg and the opposite arm until they are parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your back flat and alternate.
The wall slide requires you to stand with your back against the wall and slide down with your legs at a ninety degree sitting position.
Finally, use a stability ball to perform push-ups. Make sure to keep your back and legs straight.
These exercises helped Veronica get back to living her life.
"I can actually ride the bike with the kids again, I feel like a whole new person, I just feel alive again," said Charland.
All of these exercises can be done at home and will help anyone with back pain not just pregnant women. But you should talk to your doctor to make sure they are safe for you.
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