Before and After Pains in Pregnancy

Upper Back ache? Lower back ache? Buttock pain? Sciatica? Hamstring Pain? Foot ache? Shoulder pain? Chest Pain? Neck ache? Headache? Arm ache?

A commonly asked question is, "Do Osteopaths treat Preganant women?"

This page is designed, from a personal Osteopathic view to causes behind commonly reported aches and pains as presented by the many ladies treated during pregnancy and post partum.

All the following are treatable by your local Osteopath.

Before Delivery

Postural Changes.

As your baby develops, there will be an increase in volume and weight held in front, making a number of distinct changes in the postural carriageof the body. The centre of gravity moves forward. To counteract this, the long Erector spinae muscles beging working harder to hold the shoulders back and lift the tummy. As a result, later in the day, a dull backache may be felt from ischaemic muscle (lack of blood and ability to remove the metabolites building up).

Tendonitis may occurr in the origins and insertions of the muscles in the lower back and in the upper spine and ribs. The smaller intrinsic muscles attached arount the central vertebrae will also have similar difficulties.

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As the shoulders move backwards the head begins to move forward, particularly when working on computers and with those struggling with less than perfect eyesight. This can cause pains in and around the base of the neck on the spine. The scalene muscles attached to the cervical vertebre begin to overwork and ache in between the shoulder and the upper neck Irritation in the upper vertebrae can cause unpleasant headaches locally and behind the eyes. Occasionally weakness and pins and needles may be found in the fingers.

Later in the term when the abdomen enlarges and lowers, the Gluteal and posterior leg muscles begin to overwork helping the erector spinae keep the body erect. The deep rotator muscles in the buttock also work hard and rotate the legs and feet outward to produce the infamous "waddle" technique in walking.

In conjunction with the above, pressure on the plantar muscles of the feet cause further pains in this region. The release of the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and capsules further allowing complications of lax joints.

After Delivery

Postural Changes. As long as it takes to develop the full term waddle, the opposite change in centre of gravity happens with illuminating speed, The abdomen disappears over night and the breasts may double in size and treble in weight. The upper body is thrown forward and the resistence now in the back muscles is evern greater. Of course as a mother you will not be concerned with personal problems as your whole life centres on fulfilling the 24 hour demands of the new addition.

The next few weeks are spent cradling your bundle in the crook of your arm whist nursing and feeding. This brings unused muscles into play. Small muscles that hold the arm in and keep the baby secure in a bent arm internally rotated will protract (bring forward the shoulders) placing them at an awkward angle and also bring the centre of gravity forward. In addition to causing upper back pains, pain in the front of the shoulder, arm and elbow, the shoulder position is now restricted from a full range of motion. This may be a precursor to future "frozen shoulder"!