An estimated 50,000 women undergo a cesarean section each year in the United States because of medical necessity. But for those tougher cases where surgery was not necessary and the mother’s uterus has been helping to naturally push the baby out of the womb, recovering from a C-section can be more difficult than other birth methods. This is because the surgical trauma incurred by a C-section releases an increased amount of stress hormones that can lead to back pain and pelvic pain.
Causes of back pain after a C-section
Hormonal changes
Back pain after a C-section is caused by hormonal changes in the mother’s body. It starts during pregnancy and can continue for up to six months after birth. The pain occurs because of the weight-bearing nature of the uterus, and the pregnant uterus changes in shape and size in response to hormones like progesterone and relaxin.
Weight gain
A woman had a cesarean section and gained weight, later experiencing back pain. There is a correlation between the two conditions. It is thought that excess weight can lead to increased pressure on bones and joints of the spine, which is exacerbated by the reduced mobility of pregnancy and postpartum periods. Additionally, excess weight can cause poor posture, making it more difficult to carry the weight of one’s body over time.
Carrying the New baby
A study found that carrying a new baby can increase back pain in women after a cesarean section. For the study, researchers recreated the effects of carrying a new baby while performing various tasks that we take for granted, such as bending over to pick up a pencil and taking out the trash. C-sections often leave patients with scar tissue and muscle weakness. The combination of these factors puts unneeded pressure on the back and can lead to pain following the surgery.
Breastfeeding
Women who have just given birth experience a lot of pain, and one of the ways they can alleviate it is by breastfeeding. Unfortunately, women who have recently had a C-Section can experience a lot of pain as well, which will worsen if they are not careful with their posture. When women push themselves to breastfeed for long periods of time, they may lean forward and use an unsupported arm because this gives them less pressure on the abdomen.
Effects of anesthesia
Many people experience pain in the back, stomach and legs after a C-section. It is likely that these pains are caused by the anesthesia and not by anything else. Many people also experience an increased number of contractions which may also be related to the anesthesia. The patient may also experience lower levels of oxygen in the blood as well as an increased heart rate due to the anesthesia.
How To Reduce Back Pain After C-section?
Maintain a good posture
It is important to maintain a good posture to reduce back pain after c-section. It is also important not to perform too much activity too quickly, as this will cause discomfort. If you are experiencing back pain after giving birth, it is wise to limit activities to avoid overuse. Sitting up straight and walking with slow stride can help alleviate pain, but if the pain persists or worsens, talk with your doctor.
Do gentle exercises
After doctor suggest you that you are able to do some exercise, you can start with simple, easy exercises, like Pilates or yoga. These exercises target your abdominal area and release muscle tension in your back along with improving blood circulation. Act on this recommendation and go for a short walk later on to help ease inflammation and spasms in your back.
Maintain a straight back during breastfeeding
Choosing the right sleeping position can help to shorten the duration of back pain and improve chronic discomfort. It can be very beneficial to find a cozy perch for feedings.
Take rest
Moving around too much might end up worsening your back pain. So avoid moving too much, especially if you feel pain. Give back a rest and allow your body to recover. Being excessively active might add to pain. Whenever possible, sleep as a way to rejuvenate your body. Taking care of a new baby often means you aren’t getting sufficient sleep, and that can decrease your health.
Read More: Anatomy and Biomechanical Properties of Lower Back
Bath in hot water
A warm bath may help back pain and inflammation by reducing muscular spasms and tension in the back muscles. It may even improve blood flow. When healing following surgery, wait to use the restroom until your doctor provides the all-clear. If you don’t have time for a bath, use a heating pad or moist heat compression, stand in the shower, and let the hot water run down your back.
Get a massage
Massages can help reduce tension, improve blood flow, and soothe muscle tension. Your partner may consent to getting a massage before or after you bring your child home, or you can ask a professional massage therapist to perform postpartum massages.
Pain medication
Additionally, if you’re breastfeeding, discuss safe drugs to use with your doctor. As long as you don’t go above the recommended amount on the label, it’s usually safe to use acetaminophen and ibuprofen while nursing.
When to see a doctor for back pain after a C-section?
After a C-section, if your back pain has worsened, non-specific to any other body part, and you are still experiencing pain after one week, you should see your doctor. These types of problems can be related to the healing process or long-term issues including scar tissue formation. Your doctor may need to prescribe a stronger medication for the pain you are experiencing. Using the therapy offered by the physical therapist can strengthen your muscles in the abdominal area or back and decrease the pain you feel.
FAQ’s
How frequent is back discomfort following a C-section?
A lot of women feel some level of back pain following a C-section as a result of several reasons, including hormonal changes, weight increase, and the physical strain of bearing a baby.
How long does post-C-section back discomfort often last?
Everybody’s experience with post-C-section back pain is unique. Some women may experience it for a few weeks, while others may experience it for several months. If the pain is severe or lasts longer than planned, you must see a doctor.
Can I start working out right away to relieve back pain after my C-section?
Everybody’s experience with post-C-section back pain is unique. Some women may experience it for a few weeks, while others may experience it for several months. If the pain is severe or lasts longer than planned, you must see a doctor.
How frequent is back discomfort following a C-section?
A lot of women feel some level of back pain following a C-section as a result of several reasons, including hormonal changes, weight increase, and the physical strain of bearing a baby.
How long does post-C-section back discomfort often last?
Everybody’s experience with post-C-section back pain is unique. Some women may experience it for a few weeks, while others may experience it for several months. If the pain is severe or lasts longer than planned, you must see a doctor.
Can I start working out right away to relieve back pain after my C-section?
Prior to beginning any workout program following a C-section, it’s imperative to get your doctor’s OK. You should typically wait 6 to 8 weeks before beginning modest activity. As you heal, make sure to progressively up the intensity of your workouts from a low starting point.
Are there any particular exercises for back discomfort following a C-section?
Low-impact stretching, Pilates, yoga, and other gentle workouts can help relieve back discomfort following a C-section. These abdominal-focused workouts also aid in easing back muscle stress and enhance blood circulation.
Can breastfeeding make back discomfort from a C-section worse?
Yes, nursing can cause back pain if you don’t pay attention to your position. To lessen the strain on your back muscles during breastfeeding, be careful to keep your back straight and utilize a supportive cushion.
When should I see a doctor about my post-C-section back pain?
Consult your doctor if your back discomfort gets worse, doesn’t go away in a week, or if you think it might be connected to another problem. They can evaluate your health and make recommendations for the best courses of action.
Are there any meds I can take to ease my post-C-section back pain?
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, two over-the-counter pain relievers, can help with back discomfort following a C-section. But before taking any medication, especially if you’re breastfeeding, you must speak with your doctor.
Sources
- Declercq, E., Young, R., Cabral, H. and Ecker, J., 2011. Is a rising cesarean delivery rate inevitable? Trends in industrialized countries, 1987 to 2007. Birth, 38(2), pp.99-104. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2010.00459.x
- Boissonnault, J.S. and Blaschak, M.J., 1988. Incidence of diastasis recti abdominis during the childbearing year. Physical therapy, 68(7), pp.1082-1086. https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article-abstract/68/7/1082/2728381
- Liddle, S.D. and Pennick, V., 2015. Interventions for preventing and treating low‐back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9). https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4/abstract
- Martins, R.F. and Pinto e Silva, J.L., 2014. Treatment of pregnancy-related lumbar and pelvic girdle pain by the yoga method: a randomized controlled study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(1), pp.24-31. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2012.0715
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