POSTPARTUM BACK PAIN

Postpartum upper back pain and neck pain are common complaints among new mothers. Dealing with back pain can be incredibly tough, especially when you are already facing the challenges of balancing the demands of a newborn, interrupted sleep, significant routine changes, and added stress.  You are not alone.  Most new moms complain of pain with bending over to pick up a car seat, bottle or breastfeeding a baby, babywearing, walking, and eventually returning to sport and other activities.

What causes postpartum back pain?

Postpartum upper and lower back problems can also involve the neck and shoulder.  Some of the causative factors include:

• Prolonged postures during nursing and breastfeeding can have an impact on your comfort and well-being.

• Reduced sleep and uncomfortable sleep postures

• The stress associated with parenting a newborn tends to increase.

• Muscular imbalances that result in weakness of back and core muscles

• Hormonal changes, such as extra relaxin in the body, allowing the ligaments to have laxity

Common signs and symptoms of postpartum back pain

It’s quite common to experience certain discomforts associated with postpartum back pain. These may include:

• A persistent ache or tightness in the upper trapezius or shoulder area, which can sometimes extend up into your neck.
• You might notice stiffness and a reduced range of motion on both sides of your neck.
• Frequent headaches that often originate around the scalp area and spread into the temporal and orbital regions.
• An aching or tight sensation between your shoulder blades and across your upper back.
• Sharp, ‘stabbing’ pains underneath your shoulder blades could also occur.
• You may observe changes in posture, such as increased slouching through the upper back and base of the neck.

How chiropractic can help you with your postpartum back pain

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. By using gentle adjustments and targeted techniques, chiropractors help restore proper alignment and function to your spine. This can have a profound impact on reducing discomfort and promoting healing.  After an adjustment, you may experience several sensations. Some describe a feeling of immediate relief as tension is released from their muscles. Others may notice increased mobility or improved posture. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, but rest assured that chiropractic care aims to bring you closer to optimal well-being.

Meet Dr. Carly – Your certified specialist

Dr. Carly specializes in prenatal chiropractic care with Webster Technique and has extensive training in the pelvic floor and postpartum complaints. Along with providing chiropractic care, she also leads group workshops at a midwife practice in Haarlem, focusing on prenatal pelvic floor and core strength.

Tailored treatments just for you

At The Movement Recipe, there are a variety of techniques to effectively manage postpartum upper back and neck pain, providing you with much-needed relief. The approach includes hands-on treatments such as spinal adjustments (spinal manipulative therapy) to enhance joint range of motion and alleviate pain. These treatments are often combined with trigger point dry needling and other soft tissue therapies to address muscular tension.

During the initial evaluation, a thorough assessment of your core and pelvic muscles are performed through targeted movements such as breathing and crunches. This will help identify any issues like diastasis recti. You will also receive a personalized set of at-home exercises aimed at improving range of motion and flexibility in your back and neck. Additionally, I often recommend simple strengthening exercises that you can do at home to rebuild upper back and core strength, which can help alleviate postpartum pain.

Lifestyle advice including managing sleep and recovery as well as appropriate postures for breastfeeding and nursing are also an important part of our treatment.

Remember, mama: taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. Embrace the power of chiropractic care to alleviate discomfort, restore balance, and embark on this incredible journey with strength and vitality!