SYMPTOMS

What is postpartum back pain?

Postpartum back pain refers to pain in the lower back or buttocks experienced by women after giving birth.

What are the symptoms of postpartum back pain?

Common symptoms include muscle pain and soreness in the lower back and buttocks, with or without fatigue. Occasionally, the pain may radiate to the lower limbs, causing discomfort in both legs.

Can postpartum back pain affect menstruation?

Generally, simple postpartum back pain does not affect the duration or regularity of a woman's menstrual cycle.

However, women with deep endometriosis may experience pain in the lumbosacral region during their menstrual period.

TREATMENT

How to Relieve Postpartum Back Pain?

Women experiencing postpartum back pain can alleviate it through the following methods:

1. Engage in appropriate exercise:
   Gentle activities like yoga or swimming can reduce excessive strain on back muscles and relieve pain.
2. Control weight:
   For women with obesity during or after pregnancy, weight management through diet and exercise can minimize indirect damage to back muscles caused by excess weight.
3. Avoid improper activities:
   • Bend your knees or squat when holding the baby or changing diapers to prevent frequent bending and muscle strain;
   • Avoid wearing high heels within six months postpartum to reduce pressure on the back.
4. Apply heat therapy or physiotherapy:
   • Use a warm towel or hot water bottle on the lower back and hips to improve blood circulation and ease pain;
   • Seek professional massage therapy from certified physiotherapists at reputable medical institutions.

Can Massage Help Postpartum Back Pain?

Gentle massage can relieve excessive tension in back and hip muscles, alleviating postpartum back pain.

However, always visit certified medical facilities and consult professional physiotherapists to avoid worsening the condition due to improper techniques.

Can a Hot Water Bottle Be Used for Postpartum Back Pain?

Yes, applying a hot water bottle can promote blood circulation in the affected muscles and help relieve pain.

Ensure safe usage to prevent burns.

Is Bed Rest Necessary for Postpartum Back Pain?

Bed rest is unnecessary. Moderate exercise to strengthen back muscles is recommended, but avoid overexertion.

Can I Exercise with Postpartum Back Pain?

Avoid intense workouts, long-distance walking, or heavy lifting. Gentle movements can help ease muscle pain.

Dietary Considerations for Postpartum Back Pain

Maintain a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamins, such as milk and sesame seeds.

Opt for light, protein-rich meals with vegetables and fiber. Avoid greasy soups, fried foods, sweets, and carbonated drinks.

Activities to Avoid with Postpartum Back Pain

1. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing; minimize bending.
2. Refrain from lifting heavy objects.
3. Skip intense exercises like running or long walks.
4. Limit carrying the baby; interact on a bed or mat. When holding the baby, engage core muscles and avoid arching the back.
5. Maintain proper posture while standing, sitting, or lying down.

How to Prevent Postpartum Back Pain?

1. Focus on prenatal prevention: Eat healthily and control weight to avoid excess strain on back muscles.
2. Maintain proper posture before and after delivery. Get sufficient rest, change positions often, and avoid bending or standing for long periods.
3. Take calcium supplements during pregnancy (e.g., milk, sesame seeds) and get sunlight for absorption.
4. Choose strollers adjustable to your height to minimize bending.
5. Strengthen core and back muscles with exercises like cat stretches, bridges, or crunches.

At-Home Rehabilitation Exercises for Postpartum Back Pain

Rehab exercises targeting abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles can help. Examples:

Cat-Cow Stretch: Relieves tension in the back and abdomen.

• Starting position: Kneel on all fours, hands and knees aligned.
• Execution: Inhale, arch the back (look up); exhale, round the spine (tuck chin). Repeat 15x daily.

Knee Lift in Cat Position: Strengthens core muscles to reduce back strain.

• Starting position: Kneel with toes grounded, hips slightly tilted forward.
• Execution: Lift knees slightly (1 cm off the ground), hold 3 sec. 15 reps/set, 3 sets/day.

Bridge Exercise: Strengthens lower back and core.

• Starting position: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat.
• Execution: Lift hips until shoulders, hips, and knees align. Hold 5 sec. 15 reps/set, 2–3 sets/day.

Back Stretch: Eases muscle tightness.

• Starting position: Sit on heels, knees apart, arms relaxed.
• Execution: Lean back gently, hold for 3–5 deep breaths. Repeat 5x.

DIAGNOSIS

Under what circumstances should patients with postpartum low back pain seek medical attention?

When back pain persists without relief or worsens for more than 1 week, it is necessary to visit the hospital to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.

How long does it take to recover from postpartum low back pain? Can it fully recover?

The recovery time and possibility of complete recovery from postpartum back pain are closely related to its underlying causes.

• For postpartum back pain caused by purely physiological factors (pregnancy itself), recovery usually occurs gradually within 1 month after delivery.
• For back pain caused by obesity, recovery typically occurs as weight gradually returns to normal levels.
• Back pain due to insufficient or improper postpartum activity usually resolves within 1–2 months.
• The recovery time for back pain caused by abnormal delivery or pelvic diseases depends on the severity of the underlying condition and treatment progress.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of postpartum low back pain?

The main causes of postpartum low back pain include the following aspects:

1. Changes in female hormone levels during pregnancy:

   • During pregnancy, the ligaments of a woman's spine become looser under the influence of estrogen and progesterone;
   • As the uterus enlarges with increasing gestational age, the body's center of gravity shifts forward and upward, and the spine gradually adjusts, with the lumbar spine compensating by becoming more lordotic;
   • After childbirth, the sudden disappearance of external forces on the spine leads to adaptive changes in the spine and lumbar muscles, resulting in postpartum low back pain.

2. Obesity:

   • Some women indulge in various foods during pregnancy or believe they need to eat "for two," leading to obesity, which is also a cause of postpartum low back pain.
   • In obese mothers, the accumulation of fat in the abdomen shifts the body's center of gravity forward, causing the back muscles to exert excessive traction to maintain balance. Over time, this excessive traction leads to soreness in the lower back.

3. Abnormal delivery:
   Prolonged labor, dystocia, and other difficult labor factors can also cause muscle and nerve damage, leading to postpartum low back pain.

4. Insufficient postpartum exercise:
   Traditional beliefs about "confinement" restrict many postpartum women's activities, reducing exercise for the lumbar muscles. This results in atrophy and weakened strength of the core back muscles, causing discomfort such as low back pain.

5. Improper postpartum activities:
   Some new mothers adopt incorrect postures when holding their babies or frequently bend over to change diapers, overusing the lumbar muscles, which can trigger or worsen postpartum low back pain.

6. Pelvic-related gynecological diseases:

   • Pregnant women with pelvic inflammatory diseases, pelvic endometriosis, or other pelvic-related gynecological conditions may experience low back pain due to inflammation or the impact of endometrial tissue on the lumbosacral nerves.
   • Additionally, other causes of low back pain unrelated to pregnancy can also be considered.