Treating Back Pain During Pregnancy
There are several ways to help relieve
back pain if it occurs during pregnancy. Some of the things your healthcare provider may recommend include:
- Applying heat and/or cold packs to uncomfortable areas
- Exercising, such as swimming or water aerobics
- Increasing the amount of time you are able to rest
- Using alternative treatments, such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture. Research has shown mixed results on the effectiveness of these therapies.
If back pain continues to be a problem, your healthcare provider may recommend support devices, such as a maternity girdle, pelvic belt, or back brace. Medications are usually not recommended to treat back pain during pregnancy. However, your healthcare provider may suggest
acetaminophen (
Tylenol®) to help relieve back pain.
You should also contact your healthcare provider if the back pain you experience is sudden, severe, or rhythmic. These may be signs of something more serious, such as preterm labor. Also, as is always the case, if something does not "seem right," you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
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