Corollary Between Pregnancy, Back Pain, and Knee Pain
Many women experience back and knee pain during pregnancy. The extra weight that comes with pregnancy, the loosening of joints and the softening of ligaments are factors.
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Significance
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According to Harry Lockstadt, M.D., a Lexington, Ky. doctor, more than 80 percent of pregnant women experience back pain.
Areas of pain
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Lockstadt writes that pain during pregnancy usually does not occur below the knee. "Pain tends to be influenced by posture," he writes, "and is associated with a waddling gait."
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Back Pain Causes
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Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services of suburban Chicago writes that women may feel pain and discomfort as ligaments between the pelvic bones soften and joints loosen to prepare for the baby's birth. Your center of gravity also changes, Caring Medical says, and the separation of muscles along the abdomen to make way for an expanding uterus may cause pain as well.
Consideratons
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Bonnie L. Bermas, M.D.,writes that the weight gain and hormonal changes of pregnancy cause musculoskeletal changes, such as that the force across some joints may double; your pelvis also begins to tilt more, making you use certain muscles more than normal, and you may walk with a wider stance to compensate.
Knee Pain Causes
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Steven Stuchin, M.D., director of orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, says in one online article that the weight gain during pregnancy can put extra pressure on joints, causing severe knee pain. Hormones also may cause ligaments and tendons around the knees to loosen, Stuchin says.
Prevention/Solution
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Lockstadt says that treatment options for back pain include exercise, rest, medication, massage, back exercises and a prescription-only pelvic belt. According to Stuchin, you can lessen knee pain by propping your feet up when possible; a knee brace is another option.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of diluvi.com Anna i Adria
