Tips for prevention of back pain during pregnancy
05 Aug 2013Backs Necks & Headaches, Client Education, Womens Health
- Maintain good posture when standing. Gently draw in your tummy and tighten your buttocks, draw your shoulder blades down and in, and gently tuck your chin in.
- Maintain good posture when sitting. A lumbar support (eg. a rolled up towel or a cushion in the small of your back) will help. Lumbar supports available for purchase from Paddington Physiotherapy.
- Minimise bending and twisting movements. Position your feet to face your task to avoid twisting through the upper body.
- Avoid heavy lifting. If you do have to lift something, make sure you bend at your
knees and hips, keeping your back as straight as possible. - If you have back pain when standing, place one foot on a low stool and alternate
feet for the time you’re standing. Choose supportive footwear. - When getting out of bed, first roll to one side as a block, then use your arms to
push your body up as you swing both legs over the edge of the bed together. Sit
for a moment before standing. - When getting in and out of cars, swing your legs together as a unit, rather than
taking one at a time. You can use something smooth & slippery (like a
garbage bag) on the car seat to help you enter car backwards & then turn
your legs as a unit. - Use a pillow between your legs +/- one under your tummy when sleeping on your side.
- Sit down to get dressed, especially when putting on underwear or pants.
- Wear flat shoes as much as possible. See a Podiatrist if you are having difficulty reaching your feet to maintain them.
- Do your pelvic floor, buttock and deep abdominal exercises regularly. See a physio to learn how.
- Consider pregnancy support leggings such as SRC and abdominal binders.
- Seek help from your Physio with an appointment early 07 35116352 or online