Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.28(3) > 1113766

Kim, Park, Byun, and Cho: Low Back Pain in Pregnancy

Abstract

The complaint of low back pain during pregnancy occurs frequently enough to be regarded by many as normal concomitant of pregnancy. This is generally assumed to be related to factors such as altered posture, increased biomechanical loading, and influences of hormonal change. Even though the back pain is severe enough to disturb the normal daily life, no treatment usually is attempted for fear of adverse effects on the fetus, and so the prevention should be the best way regarding the low back pain in pregnancy rather than the traditional methods of treatments. Author analysed questionaires and pain drawings that were adequately replied by 579 post-partum women who were delivered for two months since August, 1991 at the maternity section of Taegu Fatima Hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual situation and to have the information on management and prevention of the low back pain in pregnancy, and the results were as follow: l. 415 (71.7%) women complained pain in the low back and/or pelvic areas. Low back pain was complained in 249 (43%) and pelvic pain in 232 (40.1%) women. 2. The pain started at 7.6 months and was most severe at 8.8 months of pregnancy in averages. 3. In 154 (37.1%) of them the pain was severe enough to disturb the daily activities but only 20 (4.8%) had treatment for the pain. 4. Past history of back pain, particularly back pain during previous pregnancy was associated with an increased prevalence of pain. The pain was most severe at lying position and when they were fatigued. 5. The altered postures, changes of muscle functions and hormonal influences were post-ulated to be the developing or aggravating factors of pain. 6. The education of body mechanics and muscle strengthening exercises were expected to be effective for management and prevention of the pain.

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