Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Lower back pain is a common ailment during pregnancy. In 1926 it was discovered that an ovarian hormone, called Relaxin, naturally loosens joints and ligaments during pregnancy to aid in creating the birth canal. As a result, the ligament laxity (loosing of the ligaments) provokes pain on the sacroiliac joints located on both sides of the lower back. Pregnant women also gain weight and walk with a different gait as a result of the growing baby, which pulls them forward and causes pain in the lower back. Safe and effective at-home exercises pregnant women can do to alleviate some lower back pain include:

- Walking
- Swimming
- Kegels

In addition to the above exercises, Texas Back Institute's Dr. Darran W. Marlow recommends chiropractic care and massage therapy to help ease lower back pain. Dr. Marlow suggests that women should stay away from NSAID's (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxyn) during pregnancy and only take pain medications (acetaminophen) under the direction of their OB/GYN

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas: As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients. The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK. Texas Back Institute's with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, Plano, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK