Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Back pain is oftentimes thought of as something that affects older adults and senior citizens, but it can also develop as a result of major changes in your life, and there’s few bigger changes that people will go through in their life than pregnancy and childbirth. Aside from the physical demands a woman’s body will go through as their baby develops and is born into this world, there’s also a decent chance your lifestyle habits will change as a new parent, and this change in normalcy can lead to the onset of back pain.

You want to spend your time focusing on the health and development of your newborn, not in pain because of the onset of acute or chronic back pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the factors that lead to the onset of back pain in new mothers and fathers, and what you can do to prevent and treat this discomfort.

Causes Of Back Pain In New Parents

Back pain can develop for a variety of reasons as an expecting parent or once your child is born. Some of the common causes and contributing factors for back pain as a new parent include:

• Physical changes as your body prepares for childbirth
• Normal weight gain putting additional strain on the back
• Increase strain on the spine as you prepare for the baby’s arrival around the house (crib assembly, painting the nursery, etc.)
• Poor posture when picking up or setting your newborn down, or when changing diapers
• Poor tissue recovery due to a lack of quality sleep
• Increased mental stress taking a physical toll on your body
• Stress contributing to stress eating and weight gain
• The birthing process

While baby development and the birthing process will be main factors in the onset of back discomfort in many women throughout their pregnancy journey, it’s clear that other factors can put the health of both the mother and father’s spines at risk. It’s imperative that you are aware of these risk factors and take smart steps to protect your spine as you’re waiting for the baby’s arrival and after your child has been born.

Treatment And Prevention Strategies

Working to reduce your risk of back pain and treating it as soon as it begins to develop is the best way to keep back pain from taking over your life now that you’re a new parent. Many of the treatment and prevention strategies are rooted in understanding the risk factors and striving to take smart steps to navigate these challenges. Some of those steps include:

• Stay Active – Prioritize physical movement and exercise throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. Talk with your women’s care provider about any activity restrictions to keep in mind during or after your pregnancy.
• Prioritize Sleep – Obviously this is easier said than done, but really try to find ways with your partner to ensure both parents can get some quality sleep, even if it doesn’t always come in eight consecutive hours. Share duties, take naps when possible, and make your bedroom a space that is conducive to quality sleep.
• Healthy Stress Outlets – You’re going to be stressed as a new parent, that just comes with the territory, but you need to find healthy ways to manage this stress. Go for a walk, read a new book, partake in some yoga. Don’t try to alleviate this stress with unhealthy habits like stress eating or alcohol, as this will only put more strain on your back.
• Physical Therapy – Many new mothers would benefit from a few short weeks of physical therapy after the birth of their child. It will help strengthen their pelvic floor and lower back muscles, which have been through a lot in the wake of childbirth. Restrengthening and restabilizing these areas are key for ideal spine health after giving birth.
• Connect With A Pro – Finally, if you’re experiencing any new or chronic back symptoms during the course of your pregnancy or as a new parent, connect with your primary care physician or a specialist. We can diagnose your condition and set you up with an individualized care plan to get your spine back to full health.

For more information, or for assistance with any other spinal symptoms you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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