Upper back pain can happen for many reasons, such as injuries, aging, illnesses, or infections. It can also be caused by physical changes in the body, like those that happen during and after pregnancy. The added weight a mother carries during pregnancy, and other factors like hormonal changes and physical demands of caring for the baby can cause strain in the upper back and subsequent discomfort even after pregnancy.
So, how is postpartum upper back pain treated? And how can pain be eased off quickly? Chiropractic care is an effective option for upper back pain relief after pregnancy.
What are the common causes of upper back pain after pregnancy or upper back pain postpartum?
Similar to lower back pain or pelvic pain, many women experience upper back pain, soreness or stiffness after childbirth.
- During pregnancy, the extra pressure from carrying a baby changes the body’s weight distribution in many ways. This can result in strain and postpartum pain.
- Pain during the postpartum period can also be linked to hormonal changes, physical changes in the body, or activities like bending and lifting the baby, which put extra strain on the upper back.
- The added weight gained during pregnancy and after childbirth also affects the muscles and joints.
- Caring for the baby and breastfeeding puts additional strain on the upper back and surrounding muscles.
How long does the back hurt after giving birth?
Back pain after pregnancy is very common, especially in the lower back. It is thought that up to 20% of women experience back pain for three to six months after delivery. Usually, postpartum back pain improves within a few months, but some women may still experience pain for a longer period of time. If you had back pain before or during pregnancy, you could have it after delivery too, especially if symptoms were severe or started early in your pregnancy. Being overweighted also increases the chance of having longer-term back pain.
How to get rid of postpartum back pain?
As a new mom, you might be suffering from back pain after giving birth and it probably is very debilitating. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to help. One effective and safe option is chiropractic care.
- Joint Pain Relief
During pregnancy, the relaxin hormone increases to help loosen ligaments and increase joint flexibility, so as to help the baby pass through the birth canal. After delivery, some of these hormonal changes leave longer lasting effects on the body, and some women don’t recover as quickly as others. Chiropractic care targets the spine and joints to relieve postpartum back pain, helping to restore the proper range of motion in the joints and speed up recovery. A chiropractor in Hong Kong can help you get rid of postpartum lower back pain. Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong doctors can guide you and help you get better with a thorough examination, comprehensive treatment and help you prevent recurring pain with adequate rehabilitation advice.
- Posture Advice
Pregnancy and childbirth can affect your posture. Poor posture can lead to pain if not managed properly. A chiropractor can provide useful advice on improving your posture and sleeping habits, which can prevent pain and help avoid the risk of injury from poor posture.
- Faster Recovery
Chiropractic care helps you recover faster with expert therapies, including spinal manipulative therapy, that can provide fast pain relief and helps the body heal efficiently.
- Safe for Mother and Baby
Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free option for new mothers, especially while breastfeeding. It helps relieve postpartum back pain without putting the baby’s safety at risk.
Conclusion
Upper back pain after pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes, added weight, and physical demands of caring for a baby. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain, improve posture, and speed up recovery. At Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong, we help new mothers with postpartum back pain, offering drug-free treatments.
