how to rehab a back muscle spasm while pregnant

^{How To Relieve Back Spasms In Pregnant Women?}

• Exercise, approved by the health care provider, can help alleviate pain as it strengthens the muscles.
• Try to get adequate sleep and rest.
• Always use a proper posture while picking up items off the floor. Bend both your knees and keep your back straight. ...
• Ensure a proper sitting posture at all times. Make sure your back is straight and well supported. Don’t cross your legs when you sit. ...
• Avoid high heeled shoes. Always use flat, simple and comfortable foot wear.
• Make sure your sleeping mattress is firm. If not put a hard board bellows the mattress. ...
• Make sure you follow a strict diet. A woman gains approximately 10-11 kilograms during the tenure of the pregnancy. ...

Full Answer

What causes lower back spasms during pregnancy?

Acupuncture can alleviate some of the discomfort caused by back spasms. Stretches can also soothe back spasms, but expectant mothers should proceed with caution. Behram recommends keeping it simple with some easy leg raises in a reclined position. Over-stretching the back muscles can exacerbate the spasms and lead to even more discomfort.

How can I relieve back pain during pregnancy?

Add Heat: Heat can be applied to your cramping muscle using a heating pad, a microwaved heated cloth bag of rice, or some of the over-the-counter air-activated heating pads. Epsom Salt: A warm bath can often alleviate the cramp and pain, but an Epsom salt bath is …

Is it safe to take medication for back spasms during pregnancy?

Nov 15, 2010 · How To Relieve Back Spasms In Pregnant Women? Exercise, approved by the health care provider, can help alleviate pain as it strengthens the muscles. Try to get adequate sleep and rest. Always use a proper posture while picking up items off the floor. Bend both your knees and keep your back straight. ...

Can acupuncture help back spasms during pregnancy?

Below are steps you can take to prevent or reduce the likelihood of experiencing muscle cramps while expecting: Drink lots of water and fluids to stay hydrated. Stretch your muscles well before exercise or extensive use. Eat well-balanced meals to …

What causes back spasms in pregnancy?

Change in Posture – Your center of gravity shifts during the pregnancy. To adjust accordingly, the way you move and your posture changes which can cause back spasms. Stress – Pregnancy can be an emotionally taxing time. All the stress you are under during this period can lead to muscle tension, and cause back spasms.Mar 8, 2022

Are muscle spasms bad during pregnancy?

Leg cramps — painful involuntary muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both — are common during pregnancy, often striking at night during the second and third trimesters.

What can I take for muscle spasms while pregnant?

How Do You Treat Muscle Cramps During Pregnancy?Massage the muscle and nearby muscle groups to provide relief.Stretch the muscle.Apply heat with a heating pad.Take a warm Epsom salt bath.Apply cold with an ice pack to reduce the pain.

Are back spasms common during pregnancy?

One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain and, specifically, back spasms. “Pregnancy is like the perfect storm for lower back pains and spasms,” explains Dr. Steve Behram, an OB/GYN based in Rockville, Maryland.

Try Heat, Cold Or Massage

While evidence to support their effectiveness is limited, massage or the application of a heating pad or ice pack to your back might help.

Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Regular physical activity can keep your back strong and might relieve back pain during pregnancy. With your health care provider's OK, try gentle a...

Consider Complementary Therapies

Some research suggests that acupuncture might relieve back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment might provide comfort for some women as we...

Know When to Consult Your Health Care Provider

If you have severe back pain during pregnancy or back pain that lasts more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider. He or she might recom...

Why do pregnant women have back spasms?

There are a few different explanations as to why back spasms affect pregnant women. The first reason is perhaps the most obvious: weight gain. Pregnancy can cause women to gain significant weight, especially in the abdominal region of the body. This shifts the woman’s center of gravity and tends to adjust posture.

What are the most common complaints during pregnancy?

One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is back pain and, specifically, back spasms. “Pregnancy is like the perfect storm ...

What is TENS in physical therapy?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used by physical therapists for years. Laboring women have used TENS as a noninvasive method of managing labor pains. TENS has been found to be a safe and inexpensive treatment for low back pain in late pregnancy.

Can sciatica cause back spasms?

Sciatica, which is pain caused by the sciatic nerve that connects the lower back to each leg through the hips, can also be misdiagnosed as back spasms. Be sure to consult your doctor if your back spasms are accompanied by radiation of pain down one or both legs.

What to do if your back hurts while pregnant?

If you have back pain during pregnancy that's accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination, contact your health care provider right away. May 22, 2019. Show references.

How to prevent back pain during pregnancy?

As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. To avoid falling forward, you might compensate by leaning back — which can strain the muscles in your lower back and contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Keep these principles of good posture in mind: 1 Stand up straight and tall. 2 Hold your chest high. 3 Keep your shoulders back and relaxed. 4 Don't lock your knees.

How to avoid falling forward while pregnant?

To avoid falling forward, you might compensate by leaning back — which can strain the muscles in your lower back and contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Keep these principles of good posture in mind: Stand up straight and tall. Hold your chest high. Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Stand up straight and tall. Hold your chest high. Keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Don't lock your knees. When you stand, use a comfortably wide stance for the best support. If you must stand for long periods of time, rest one foot on a low step stool — and take time for frequent breaks.

Does acupuncture help with back pain?

Some research suggests that acupuncture might relieve back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment might provide comfort for some women as well. However, further research is needed. If you're considering a complementary therapy, discuss it with your health care provider.

How to lift a small object?

When lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don't bend at the waist or lift with your back. It's also important to know your limits. Ask for help if you need it.

How to stretch your lower back?

You might also stretch your lower back. Rest on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, rounding your back slightly. Hold for several seconds, then relax your stomach and back — keeping your back as flat as possible. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions.

Where do you get muscle spasms during pregnancy?

The majority of muscle cramps during pregnancy occur in the legs, but don’t be surprised if you find muscle spasms in your back, abdomen, feet or hands.

How to get rid of cramps in the back?

Add Heat: Heat can be applied to your cramping muscle using a heating pad, a microwaved heated cloth bag of rice, or some of the over-the-counter air-activated heating pads.

What does it mean when you have a muscle spasm?

As an involuntary contraction , your muscle spasm or cramp occurs suddenly and is often accompanied by severe pain. The majority of expecting mothers report that their muscle cramps are experienced during the evening.

What to do if you have muscle cramps?

If your muscle cramps remain frequent and do not respond to the above treatment, you should contact your healthcare provider. It is possible you are experiencing a separate medical condition that needs different medical attention.

How to relieve muscle cramps?

This helps you relax overall and it helps relieve the tension in your muscles. Ice the Pain: You can wrap ice from the refrigerator or use an ice pack and apply to your cramping muscle. This cold often helps take away the pain associated with the cramping muscle.

How to relieve cramps from exercise?

Stretching: It is important to stretch your muscles before your exercise and use them for long periods of time. However, stretching is also useful to help alleviate the cramp. Massage: This is often the most used method to alleviate a cramp and reduce the pain associated with it.

Lower Back Spasms During Pregnancy

The muscles of the abdomen relax to accommodate the growth in the womb. However, many women have weak abdominal muscles. With weak muscles, the woman tends to bend backwards to compensate. This will put too much pressure to the back muscles that need to counteract the added weight for balance. These make spasms and pain in the lower back appear.

How To Relieve Back Spasms In Pregnant Women?

Exercise, approved by the health care provider, can help alleviate pain as it strengthens the muscles.

What to do if you have back spasms?

A Word From Verywell. If crippling back spasms and back pain are constantly interrupting your life, it’s time to see a doctor. Talk to your doctor, even if you’re convinced that the pain is because of poor posture or some other minor issue. You deserve to have relief from pain.

What is muscle strain?

A muscle strain is an injury that can happen due to overuse. Sudden forces can also cause acute muscle strain injuries. Twisting motions, for instance, can cause acute back strains. A common location for muscle strains is the lower back.

Who is Steph Coelho?

Crippling Back Spasms. Steph Coelho is a freelance health writer, web producer, and editor based in Montreal. She specializes in covering general wellness and chronic illness. Eva Umoh Asomugha, M D, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in all conditions involving the foot and ankle region. She is based in northern Virginia.

What does it mean when your back hurts?

Incontinence. If you have back pain or spasms and cannot control your bladder or bowel movements, it’s a sign that the nerves in your spine are severely damaged. Having incontinence with back pain can be a symptom of: Severe nerve compression. Infection 6 .

What causes sciatic nerve pain?

A herniated disc, for example, can cause sciatic nerve compression or inflammation. It’s also one of the most common reasons for this type of radiating nerve pain. Other conditions that may cause sciatica include: Degenerative disc disease. Muscle tightness, such as piriformis syndrome.

Why does my disc herniate?

When a disc herniates, it bulges from its original place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. This causes pain and can also lead to spasming. You can get a herniated disc because of repeated strain or traumatic injury. Herniation can also happen due to aging. 5 .

What is facet joint?

Facet joints are the bones that connect the different portions of your spine. With facet joint osteoarthritis, the cartilage surrounding these joints breaks down, which causes pain. If bone spurs develop, nerve irritation can also occur. 3 

What to do for a spasm in back?

Stretching for a Back Muscle Spasm. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for a back muscle spasm is stretch , says Dr. Loren Fishmen, a physical medicine, and rehabilitation specialist in New York. (Fishman is also a yoga instructor.)

How to release muscle spasms?

Other ways to release the muscle, according to Fishman, include hot baths, gentle massage, and hot packs.

Where do spasms occur?

Spasms can occur in any of the body's muscles, including , of course, the trunk, hips and/or core —those areas where good muscle control and flexibility really matter to the health of your spine. Shih Wei Wang / EyeEm / Getty Images.

What are some examples of anesthetics?

Examples include ultrasound, an injection of an anesthetic, or a visit to a physical therapist that includes electrical stimulation to fatigue the muscle, thereby enabling it to relax.

Who is Anne Asher?

Anne Asher, ACE-certified personal trainer, health coach, and orthopedic exercise specialist, is a back and neck pain expert. Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist with experience in hospital-based acute care and outpatient therapy with both children and adults.

How to treat muscle spasms in back?

1. Gently Massage and Stretch the Affected Area. Apply a gentle massage using a massage ball or foam roller, to the affected area until the spasm subsides.

How to prevent back spasms?

More Ways To Prevent Future Back Spasms: • Maintain a healthy weight – if you’re overweight, you increase the stress on your spine and joints. • Improve your posture – improper postures such as being hunched over all day can increase your risk of back spasms .

What is muscle spasm?

In general, muscle spasms can occur when a muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts and is unable to relax. [2] Muscle spasms can involve part or all of a muscle, and in some cases may involve several muscles in a muscle group.

How long does muscle spasm last?

While some muscle spasms don’t interfere with normal activities, others can be debilitating and last for days/weeks. [3]

What causes a spasm in the back?

1. Muscle strain or injury. A spasm in the back can occur as the result of any type of strain or injury to the soft tissues of the back, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. For example, heavy lifting, as well as sports that involve sudden and repetitive movements, are common causes of muscle spasm in the back.

How do you know if you have a muscle spasm?

[2] You’re unable to stand or walk. [3] You have pain or numbness in your leg. [3] The affected muscle/s may appear visibly distorted. [2]

What is the best position to rest in bed?

When resting in bed, you may find that the most comfortable position is on your back with pillows placed under your knees and a rolled towel or small pillow placed in the small of your back. Also, when sitting in a chair use a back support cushion to maintain a better posture. This helps to support the natural curvature of your back, and takes pressure off the lower back by providing additional support to the area. [3]