Ayurvedic View on Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

Causes Of Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a process of change, both physically and mentally. In Ayurveda, pregnancy leads to an imbalance of tridoshas( Vata, Pitta and Kapha).Since its a process of change, expansion and creation which are qualities of Vata dosha, Pitta dosha with metabolism and warmth of the body and Kapha dosha with increased body weight. Even though all doshas are affected, among them, Vata dosha plays an important and crucial role, and hence it to maintain.

Potential sources of back pain or uneasiness of back during pregnancy are;

• Hormone changes during pregnancy.

Hormones like relaxing and progesterone are released during pregnancy, which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and joints to become loosened in preparation for the process of birth. Usually, back pain is more experienced during the first and third trimester of pregnancy due to this cause.

• Weight gain during pregnancy

During the prenatal period, a baby in the womb creates an additional weight on the body that the spine must support. This is also an important reason for low back pain, especially when it comes to the third trimester of pregnancy.

• Posture or Position 

Poor posture, excessive standing and improper posture during sleep, and careless bending lead to more strain on the spine and can elevate the back pain during pregnancy.

• Psychological factor 

Mental Stress is another factor which worsens the condition.

• Other complications

Like bleeding, miscarriage.

Types of Back Pain During Pregnancy

In general, back pain is commonly seen during the antenatal period of pregnancy, but it may differ in reasons of cause and appearance of symptoms like;

Posterior Pelvic Pain

A deep pain was felt below and to the side at the waistline or below the waistline, on either side of the tailbone. For some, it is experienced on one side and for some, on both sides.

General Muscle Strain

It may be experienced due to increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Lumbar Pain

It is commonly experienced at and above the waist or at the lumbar region (lower back) region. This type of lower back pain may or may not be accompanied by radiating pain to lower limbs which mimics like sciatica, which increases with prolonged postures (such as sitting, standing, or lying down for a while and along with this may be accompanied by tenderness in muscles around there.

This type of pain during pregnancy is similar to lower back pain experienced by non-pregnant women.

Ayurvedic Management For Low Back Pain In Pregnancy  

In Ayurveda, Garbhini Paricharya, which means natal care is a very important concern to practise. Not only prenatal, but also postnatal care is also an important part, which is well explained by Acharyas in texts. 

On Preventive Aspects; Maintainance of good posture

 is one easy and effective way to prevent severe back pain during pregnancy. Sitting in a chair all day and maintaining an improper posture while lying down and straining too much to your body without taking proper rest. Actually puts more strain on your spine than anything else.

At home or at work, make sure the chairs you use provide good support, preferably with a straight back, arms and firm cushions. Use a footrest that helps elevate your feet slightly, which can help your pelvis tilt forward and helps to relax the muscles too

Completely avoid heavy weight lifting.

Which again leads to more stress on spine

Include physical activities on a daily basis with mild exposure to the sun.

Which helps and keep your back strong and might relieve back pain during pregnancy. Try gentle activities- such as walking or practising yoga.

Have happy thoughts

A calm mind leads to a looser back. You can also try some. prenatal yoga, which will relax both your mind and your back.

Yogasanas

First trimester – Baddha konasana, Balasana, Marjarasana

Second trimester- Balasana, Pranayama

Third trimester- Sukhasana, Parshva Savasana, pranayama 

 Eventhough yoga is good to practise  during pregnancy but there is no need to strain much upto perfection of body because there will be limitation in means of flexibility during pregnancy 

Yoga poses to avoid during pregnancy 

• Adho mukha asana, shalabhasana, bhujangasana, shavasana, Paripurna navasana, pashchitomasana, bhujangasana, utkatasana, area chandrasana, dhanurasana, matsyasana etc

It is important to keep in mind that even though it is beneficial to do yoga, don’t strain too much of your body.

Abhyangam-

A mild body abhyanga on a daily basis with medicated oils or tailas, as per the advice of an Ayurvedic physician, usually recommended after the second trimester of pregnancy.    

Use of Ksheera Paka – Ksheera Kashayam ( milk decoctions) is prepared with Garbhan Sthapakara oushadas, (i.e. medicines for firming the embryo), also use from the first trimester as per doctor’s advice, in Ayurveda milk decoctions for each month of pregnancy well explained.

Post Natal Care 

It is also an important part in Ayurveda which also helps to prevent Vata Kopa after the delivery, through which we can prevent and cure pregnancy-related back pain and other problems up to an extent. 

Motherhood is always a special moment in one’s life which is the important time period where care for the baby and mother is needed the most . Dheemahi Ayurveda Centre is having past 5 generations experience and following Authentic Ayurvedic treatment where we follow the real essence of holistic science for Cure of disease. Eventhough pregnancy is not a condition where to take the treatment to cure but its a stage where mother faces many challenges like back pain, other problems like morning sickness throughout their pregnancy period,even though it’s normal in this condition but we can make some sort of relief and prevent the condition from going worsen in future without any harm to child and mother through ayurvedic up to an extent.