Growing Pains
Your Body, Does Amazing Things During Pregnancy, But Amazing Things Are Not Always Pain Free
There are many orthopedic issues that can arise in pregnancy that are quite common. In fact, some are so common, that women tend to think that pain is just part of being pregnant. that’s where a physical therapist can help. She can teach you what to do to keep little aches from becoming big ones and help to address the issues that are effecting day to day life.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
The size and of the growing fetus creates changes position changes in the woman’s lumbar spine and pelvis. The lower spine curves into more extension and the pelvis tips forward which put additional strain on the joints in the back. The pelvis is normally a very structure with relatively little movement, but in pregnancy the ligaments of the body loosen up. Changes in weight, body position, and joint stability all contribute to pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.
Some women report pain in the Sacroiliac joint which is where the dimples of your lower back are, but others experience pain at the pubic symphysis, which is your pubic bone. The pain is frequently sharp in that area, but it also can refer pain down the back of the thigh similar to up from a chair or rolling over in bed.
Pelvic girdle pain can also present as pubic symphysis pain. Pubic symphysis pain is felt at the pubic bone or into the front of the thigh. It can be quite sharp, particularly when turning over in bed, kneeling, or getting into a car.
Pelvic girdle pain can be addressed through physical therapy. The therapist will evaluate the positions of the pelvis and sacrum and can use different techniques to improve alignment and decrease pain. He or she can then teach you exercises to help your muscles give your pelvis the more stability and decrease pain.
Troracic Pain
The upper back also undergoes changes during pregnancy. The normal curve of the thoracic spine increases partially to compensate for the increases partially to compensate for the increased curve of the lower back, but also because of the increasing size of the breasts. Simply put, your upper back has more weight to support and the muscles result. This can be treated with postural exercises.
Plantar Fasciitis
The same muscles that loosen the ligaments in the pelvis loosen those in the feet as well. That translates to foot pain in standing and walking. Frequently, all the mom-to-be needs to do for this is wear shoes with a good arch support such as a walking shoe or sneaker. If the pain persists plantar fasciitis is routinely treated by orthopedic or sports physical therapists.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can appear in lat pregnancy due to the edema that tends to form in the hands and feet at that time. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, or tingling around the thumb and the index finger, and are frequently worse at night. A simple, effective treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that arises in pregnancy is the use of a wrist splint.
If you have orthopedic pain arising from pregnancy. Talk to your doctor and discuss if a referral to a physical therapist makes sense for you.
