- Anatomy of The Spine
- Back Pain in Children
- Caring for your Spine
- Emerging Spinecare Trends
- Evaluation of Spinal Disorders
- Exercise and The Spine
- Intervention - Spinal Disorders
- Intervertebral Disc
- Non Surgical Options
- Nutrition and Spinecare
- Options for Spine Treatments
- Pregnancy and Back Pain
- Prevalence of Spine Disorders
- Sleep and the Spine
- Spinecare Introduction
- Spinehealth and Disease
- Surgical Interventions
- Treatment with Medications
- Understanding Back Pain
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Spinecare Topics
Pregnancy and Back Pain
Self Care of the Back During Pregnancy
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Self Care of the Back During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many traditional medical treatments for back pain are not implemented due to potential adverse effects on the developing fetus. Pain medications should be avoided because of the potential for fetal toxicity. Conservative non-pharmaceutical approaches should be tried whenever possible.
Consider the following steps to help manage back pain:
Consider the following steps to help manage back pain:
- Practice good posture. Tuck your buttocks under, pull your shoulders back and downward, and stand up straight and tall. This posture will help to reduce the forward curve in the low back subsequently reducing the strain on the facet joints of the low back.
- Take frequent micro breaks. Periodically shift your posture whether sitting or standing. A sustained posture is more likely to cause inflammation of the supportive tissues of the spine. Sit with your feet slightly elevated, and do not cross your legs. Always choose chairs that support your back. If you have to stand, rest one foot on a low step stool.
- Sleep on your side. Sleep on your side, not on your back or stomach. Slightly flex the hips and maintain one or both knees bent. It may help to place a pillow between your knees to reduce the amount of rotation or twisting on the low back.
- Lift properly. When lifting from the ground, squat down and lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist or lift with your back. Try to avoid sudden reaching movements or lifting anything high over your head. Do not attempt to lift heavy objects or children during your pregnancy. Ask for assistance whenever possible.
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