Thursday, October 20, 2016

Pregnancy Back Pain Relief

 Pregnancy Back Pain Relief

Back pain is a common pregnancy symptom. That's because ligament-loosening hormones, weight gain and a shifting center of gravity all cause 2 million pregnant women to cry out from back pain every year, especially after the fifth month.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, between 50 and 70 percent of pregnant women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. But just because it's common -- and usually not a sign of anything worrisome -- it doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to nine months of misery. Although medication is generally off the table as a method of treatment, there are myriad remedies that doctors, doulas, and holistic health practitioners recommend to help ease back pain, or even relieve it completely. Here are a few you can try to keep your body as comfortable as possible while it does the most important work it's ever done -- growing your baby. 

The following remedies are in no particular order.

1. Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture including ear acupuncture can alleviate lower-back pain in pregnant women after just one week, according to new research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Acupuncture is an East Asian medical technique in which very fine needles are inserted into specific pressure points on the body that correspond with various systems of physical and emotional health. Acupuncture removes any blockages that are interfering with the smooth flow of the body's energy, called qi (pronounced "chee"). Stimulating acupuncture points, either through needle insertion or acupressure, a technique in which the practitioner uses fingers instead of needles, can help improve digestion, boost your energy level, and bring relief from morning sickness, migraine headaches, and back pain. Studies have shown direct positive correlation between acupuncture and pregnancy back pain relief, and many women swear by its effectiveness, but acupuncture must be administered correctly and safely.
My Suggestion is to make an appointment at The Zen Den at www.ZenDenCenter.com
 
2. Hypnotherapy, Guided Meditation, or Meditation
Simply sit or lie down in a quiet place and focus on breathing mindfully, inhaling and exhaling deeply. You can meditate in silence, listen to calming music or you can contact a hypnotherapist who is able to guide you through a specific hypnotherapy session designed for you and your goals.
Hypnotherapy as well as Meditation has been shown to elicit a biological "relaxation response," which stimulates the brain to control its release of stress hormones. When stress is kept in check, its toxic effects (such as high blood pressure and muscle tension) are reduced. By having Hypnosis regularly, you can also increase your pain tolerance level, which can come in handy both when managing back pain and in coping with labor and delivery pain.
Contact Michelle A Leonard Hypnosis at www.MichelleALeonard.com for an appointment 

3. Prenatal Massage
A certified massage therapist can bring quick relief when back pain is acute, especially when it's the result of muscular clenching that irritates nerves (particularly the sciatic nerve in the buttocks and legs) and sends pain signals to the brain. Research has shown that in addition to relieving pain, regular prenatal massage can help alleviate depression and anxiety in pregnancy. Swedish massage is the most common and advisable method of prenatal massage because it is gentle and soothing, and it uses long, smooth strokes that won't aggravate the joints or push fluid through the body in an unhealthy way. Women should first consult with their doctors to make sure prenatal massage is safe and then make sure the prenatal massage therapist is certified. To be comfortable on the massage table, a side-lying position is usually best. I prefer the left side more than the right. 

Have your partner give you a massage here is a great video he can use to get started.

Email me for a direct contact of a certified licensed professional in your area. MichelleLeonardDirector@gmail.com

4. Chiropractic Care
You may associate chiropractors with joint-"cracking" adjustments, but they actually use a range of techniques to relieve back pain, and many women find relief under the care of someone experienced. Chiropractors routinely use joint manipulation (which can cause that popping sound), soft tissue work, and prescribed exercises to prevent women from feeling muscular tightness, nerve compression, and joint misalignment. Chiropractors are good at detecting imbalances and helping to correct them.
Email me for a direct contact in your area. MichelleLeonardDirector@gmail.com
 
7. Swimming
Swimming is one of the most highly recommended forms of exercises for pregnant women because it takes the pressure off the spine. When you're suspended in the water, gravity has no effect on your body, and you are weightless in the water. Merely paddling up and down the pool lanes will help decompress your spine and tone your legs, arms, and back and core muscles. As you experience full-body movement in a safe space, breathe deeply and fully to stay afloat -- the deep breathing will help you relax emotionally as well as physically. And as you move further into your pregnancy, swimming the breaststroke can strengthen the chest and back muscles. Always stay well hydrated while swimming and stop if you feel dizzy or lightheaded at any point. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, talk with your doctor before you head to the pool.

8. Sleep Support
Sleep can be elusive during pregnancy, especially if your back is hurting, because most women tend to sleep on their sides. To support your back and prevent pain, fold a thick towel lengthwise and place it perpendicular to your body at the point on your waist where your spine is its most "droopy." The towel's length will ensure support without requiring readjustment, even if you roll over during the night. Or try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees to reduce the strain on your pelvis and lower back. Side sleeping is important as the pregnancy develops past the first trimester -- it optimizes blood flow to the baby. Body pillows are helpful for supporting your chest, hips, and lower back. Experts advise sleeping on a firm mattress 

Find a Pregnancy Pillow to Help Your Lower Back
 
 
9. Wear a Maternity Belt
A maternity belt, which you can buy online and in many maternity clothing shops, is a supportive undergarment that helps hold up the belly so the pelvic girdle and lower back aren't too strained. If your belly is protruding forward in a pronounced way, rather than with your weight diffused across your midsection, the belt can act as a substitute for your abdominal core muscles, which can struggle to prevent your lower spine from painfully exaggerating its curvature. Doctors generally advise women to try maternity belts and use them if they work, but the belts should be seen as a complement to other remedies rather than the only treatment for back pain in pregnancy.


10. Wear the Proper Shoes
Poor foot position can manifest itself as imbalance and pain all the way up your legs and back. To get the best support -- and to relieve the most pressure – wear a low-heeled shoe or sneaker that is comfortable with either a built-in arch support or an orthotic insertion. The slight rise of the low heel will help distribute the weight that's on your legs in a more stable and back-supportive way. Sorry no flip flops or heals. 

11. Be Hot and Cold
Ice
For acute back pain (in the first 48 to 72 hours), apply a towel-wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes to ease swelling and slow pain signals to the brain; a bag of frozen pees works, too.

Heat
To promote relief after the acute phase, use heat to enhance circulation and lessen lingering aches.
Great idea that works well: Place 2 cups of uncooked rice in a cotton sock. Insert desired Essential oils here. Knot the open end and microwave for 60 seconds. Apply to the painful area for 15 minutes.

12. Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
NAHA supplies this partial list of diluted essential oils that might have less potential for possible adverse effects: chamomile oils, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.
Relaxing in a warm bath with no more than two or three drops of lavender or ylang ylang essential oils may help to ease muscle pain.

A warm (but not hot) water bottle or a compress may help. Soak a cloth in warm water that contains two or three drops of essential oil, and place it on the small of your back.

Use a few drops of Peppermint and/or Amend Blend and massage back and apply pressure.
Geranium on the painful location with a carrier oil can also help



13. Homeopathy
Safe, gentle homeopathy has been the choice of pregnant women worldwide for more  than 200 years. It is fantastically effective for keeping moms and babies healthy—and for relieving or averting common problems before, during, and after childbirth.

Homeopathic medicines (or “remedies”) are approved by the FDA and prepared in accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of  the U.S. Available in health food stores,  drugstores, and homeopathic pharmacies, these pleasant-tasting and environmentally  friendly remedies are made from natural sources (e.g., plants, minerals) and are taken in extremely small doses. When used as directed, they are completely safe for everyone— including pregnant women, newborns, children, and adults—and you need not worry about toxic side effects as you do with conventional medications.

Homeopathic remedies work with your body’s own natural processes to heal you gently and naturally. And any improvement in your own health will also benefit your baby!

For Back Pain Try:
Kali carbonicum: You have a bruised, dragging feeling with sudden sharp pains up and down your back, buttocks, and thighs. Pain in the hip joint is common. Hard pressure over the painful area offers relief. You’re very sensitive to changes in weather, cold, and drafts; you want to be warm but not overheated. You may feel irritable, touchy, and domineering.
others also available on amazon.
 
Belladonna: Pain comes on fast and disappears just as quickly; it’s worse from sudden jarring movements and from touch. You’re very restless. You may have a flushed, red face with dilated pupils, and be thirsty for lemonade. Women with their first pregnancy respond very well to Belladonna for backache.

Sepia: Your back feels tired with an aching, dragging pain in your lower back, possibly worse on the left. You have a sensation of heaviness or bearing down in your pelvis as if everything might fall out. You may be depressed and chilly. 

Bellis perennis: This remedy can stop the pain of sciatica of pregnancy or any pain in the groin extending down the legs that makes walking difficult, which often comes on during the last months of pregnancy.
You can also gently rub Arnica cream into the area. Just bear in mind that there's no good evidence that homeopathic treatments work.
 
14. Reflexology, a therapy that sees the foot as a map of the body, with points that correspond to various functions. There's no strong evidence that reflexology works to ease back pain, but you may find it a relaxing treatment that has positively affects your symptoms.  See Map Below to have your partner rub this specific spot.
 



15. Pelvic tilts (also called "pelvic rocking") strengthen abdominal muscles, relieve backache, and help improve posture. Pelvic tilts can ease lumbar pain by stretching and strengthening your muscles. Here's how to do them: Get on your hands and knees, with your arms shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. Keep your arms straight, but don't lock your elbows. Slowly arch your back and tuck your buttocks under as you breathe in. Relax your back into a neutral position as you breathe out. Repeat three to five times at your own pace.
 


16. Conventional Pain Relief: Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and other nonsteroidal anti-inflamatories like aspirin and naproxen are on the "no list" except for cases where your physician has specifically prescribed it. Tylenol is OK but don't overdo it. Use the lowest possible dose of any medication to achieve relief and tell your doctor about it.

Lastly,
Are there symptoms that should prompt an urgent call to my healthcare provider?
Yes. Call immediately if:
Your back pain is severe, lasts more than two weeks, gets progressively worse, or is caused by trauma.
Your back pain is accompanied by a fever, vaginal bleeding, or a burning sensation when you pee.
You've lost feeling in one or both legs, or you suddenly feel uncoordinated or weak.
You lose sensation in your buttocks, groin, genital area, or your bladder or anus. This could make it hard to pee or have a bowel movement, or, alternatively, cause incontinence.
You have low back pain in the late second or third trimester. This can be a sign of preterm labor, especially if you didn't have back pain before that.
You have pain in your lower back or in your side just under your ribs, on one or both sides. This can be a sign of a kidney infection, especially if you have a fever, nausea, or blood in your urine.











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DISCLAIMER: It’s important to understand that our independently contracted advocates are not licensed medical professionals and do not offer clinical advice. The advocates role is strictly to provide information about health care choices, and to help the client make the most of their optimal wellness lifestyle needs within the products and services of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ. Contact your physician for all questions and concerns.