Back Pain Management During Pregnancy

Any woman who has gone through a pregnancy can tell you that back pain is a regular occurrence before, during, and sometimes after labor. Certain forms of back pain during pregnancy are completely normal, while others can be cause for concern. We’ll sort through those two categories and talk about the various treatment options available to pregnant women with back pain.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnant women can experience various types of pain throughout their term. Back pain is no exception. Pregnant mothers with pre-existing spinal conditions such as scoliosis, or herniated discs may find an increase in their back pain during pregnancy. Later in the pregnancy, women may experience low back issues as the direct result of the extra weight of the child. Most of the time, these back pain issues can be controlled with conservative methods like certain pain medications, exercises, and potentially injections. It’s important to communicate openly and often with your OB/GYN about how you are feeling throughout the pregnancy so you can both address any pain that crops up.

When Spine Surgery is Needed

In general, it’s a good idea for pregnant women to avoid spinal surgery if they can. There is an added level of risk that comes with operating on a pregnant patient, and you want to avoid that risk if possible. So if you have a spinal issue that is causing you pain, wait until after the birth if you can. There are rare cases in which a pregnant woman may need to have spine surgery – for example, if any spinal nerves are in danger of being permanently damaged. In these situations it’s best to have the most minimally invasive surgical procedure possible. That being said, these cases are exceedingly rare, and most pregnancy back pain can be treated via conservative methods.

The most important thing to do is have a skilled pain management doctor who can diagnose your pain and plot out a treatment course for you. Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN consists of some of the best pain doctors in Minnesota. Our physicians have been treating pain patients for over twenty years. Make an appointment with our pain management team at our Edina pain clinic today.