Introduction
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby. Many pregnant women undergo C-sections due to various reasons. Proper care and treatment should be given after a c-section for the mother to recover fully.
Most pregnant women develop low back pain during the later stages of their pregnancy. Low back pain during pregnancy occurs due to the body trying to adjust to the baby's growing size, the expanding uterus, and other hormonal changes. Low back pain continues even after giving birth due to various reasons.
What Are the Causes of Low Back Pain After a C-Section?
Low back pain after a c-section occurs due to various reasons. Some of them are listed below.
Hormonal Changes
A hormone called relaxin is produced during pregnancy. Relaxin helps relax the ligaments and joints to help with the delivery. Relaxin is produced irrespective of normal or c-section delivery. After the delivery, it takes time for this hormone and the body to return to normal. After delivery, these loosened ligaments and joints provide less support for the spine and the back, making the muscles strain easily, which is one of the reasons for low back pain.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia given during a c-section is an epidural or spinal block. After the anesthesia wears off, the individual may feel low back pain. In addition, muscle spasms occur around the injection site even after weeks or months, causing postpartum low back pain.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is normal during and after pregnancy. However, there is a change in the center of gravity, which results in more stress in the back and the spine, causing back pain.
Restrictions After a C-Section
The mother is advised to rest, not lift heavy objects, and to be safe until the wound is healed, making her inactive, which results in more back pain.
Breastfeeding the Baby
After delivery, breastfeeding the baby longer in the same position strains the neck and causes back pain. Hunching over or using bad posture while breastfeeding may aggravate the existing back pain.
Caring for the Newborn
Activities like bending and lifting the newborn baby and standing and rocking the baby for longer times cause strain on the backs of the new mothers.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Back Pain After a C-Section?
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Back pain while bending down and lifting objects.
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Pain while turning or getting up from bed
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Stiffness in the back and spine.
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Decreased range of motion.
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Decreased flexibility and functionality.
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Sharp pain in the lower back.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Back Pain After a C-Section?
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Maintaining proper posture.
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Avoid standing for long periods.
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Supporting the back while breastfeeding.
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Avoid bending the back while picking up the baby or other objects.
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Keeping the back straight and bending with the knees while picking up objects.
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Doing simple stretches and exercises regularly.
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Taking a hot bath helps relieve muscle tension and increases blood flow.
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Getting a back massage once in a while.
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Take adequate rest and small naps when possible.
How Is Physiotherapy Beneficial for Low Back Pain After a C-Section?
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Physiotherapy is a non-invasive pain management option for low back pain after a c-section. It is a better alternative to other medical and surgical procedures.
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Breastfeeding mothers will not be able to take medications. Physiotherapy acts as a great alternative.
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Exercises cannot be started before the c-section incision heals. So, instead, physiotherapists initially offer advice about posture during breastfeeding, simple lifestyle changes, simple stretches, and techniques that prevent back pain from worsening.
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Simple cardiovascular exercise like walking is advised, as it helps with long-term pain management and helps the new mother ease into an exercise routine.
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Physiotherapists also teach postpartum mothers simple exercises to manage pain by themselves.
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Electrotherapy alleviates back pain in the initial stages of physiotherapy.
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Massage therapy also acts as a relaxation procedure for new moms who are generally stressed out.
When Can Physiotherapy Exercises Be Done After a C-Section?
It is safe to start low-intensity exercises after six to 8 weeks postpartum. However, the doctor should thoroughly check the individual's condition before referring them to a physiotherapist or suggesting exercises.
What Are Some Physiotherapy Exercises for Low Back Pain After a C-Section?
1) Abdominal Muscle Strengthening Exercises
The abdominal and core muscles become weak due to pregnancy and childbirth. If the abdominal muscles cannot properly support the joints in the lower back, it can lead to pain and inflammation.
Some exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles:
Bridge
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Lay down with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
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Legs should be hip-width apart.
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Slowly raise the back and buttocks off the floor.
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Return to the first position.
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Do 6 to 8 repetitions.
Forward Bend
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Stand with the feet shoulder length apart.
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Extend arms over the head.
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Bend forward at a 90-degree angle, with the back straight.
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Return to the first position.
Wall Sit
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Stand straight, 2 to 3 feet away from a wall.
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Lower into a sitting position by leaning into the wall.
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Hips and knees should be at 90 degrees to each other.
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Take a deep breath and exhale.
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Hold this position for as long as possible.
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Rest for a minute and then repeat.
2) Pelvic Floor Exercises
There is a strain on the pelvic floor throughout the pregnancy. Therefore, pelvic floor exercises help strengthen these muscles.
Glute Squeeze
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This exercise can be done while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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Squeeze and draw in the glutes as if holding in the wind.
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Squeeze around the vagina as if holding in urine.
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Breathing should be normal while doing it.
Conclusion
Low back pain is a common condition in most postpartum mothers. However, pain can be controlled by making simple lifestyle changes and practicing physiotherapy. Recovery differs for each patient. Maintaining good posture every time helps a great deal with low back pain. Physiotherapy exercises are the best and most effective way to treat low back pain after a C-section.
