Middle Back Discomfort and Pregnancy
With the human body, there are many opportunities for injury. We are prone to trauma just walking down the street or riding in our vehicles. I am sure that injury has even been accomplished by a person performing little to no movement at all. Another opportunity for injury to a female is during pregnancy. At a time when all body systems are working overtime and hormones are increasing at an incredible rate, the effects of these changes can be felt in many ways; from morning (all day) sickness to painful extremity swelling, middle back discomfort is common among pregnant women as well.
Pregnancy
There are several causes for a pregnant woman to experience middle back discomfort. One reason can be attributed to the increase in hormones, which can cause excessive water retention in the ligaments and joints of the spine, leading to pain. A specific hormone called relaxin can also cause problems as it helps to prepare a woman for childbirth by loosening joints. The loosening of joints can lead to back pain and instability for the mom-to-be. Constipation, heart and lung issues and urinary tract infections can also lead to middle back discomfort during pregnancy. Ideally, to help prevent this discomfort, it is advised to begin back and abdominal strengthening exercises before pregnancy and to continue with these exercises throughout the pregnancy. It is also advised for a woman to rest and sleep on her left side to provide better blood supply to the baby as well as take any stress off of her body. Receiving acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care during pregnancy can greatly reduce the feelings of back discomfort as well. As with any pain symptoms, if severe discomfort is felt and persists and if a woman experiences fever, bleeding or cramping, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
References Cited in this Article
