Exercise for postnatal low back pain and pelvic pain

Author(s): R. J. Bennett - Pages: 14–21

Abstract

Postnatal low back pain (LBP) and pelvic pain can affect up to 82% of women at some point in the year after they have given birth. Sufferers often report pain of varying intensities, resulting in effects ranging from mild annoyance to severe disability. Neither LBP nor pelvic pain in the first year post-partum are clearly understood, but these problems are thought to be caused by a multitude of factors, including a previous history of LBP, back pain in pregnancy, hormonal changes, the postural changes associated with a new baby, tiredness and mood. This systematic review of the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met certain inclusion and exclusion criteria analyses five studies of the effect of exercise on LBP and pelvic pain in the first year post-partum. All of these trials focused on abdominal strengthening. Two RCTs reported that exercise was associated with positive outcomes, but the remaining three studies concluded that it brought no additional benefit. Although the evidence suggests that abdominal exercise in the first year post-partum may provide some relief for women suffering from LBP and pelvic pain, more research of better methodological quality needs to be completed.

Keywords: core stability, exercise, low back pain, pelvic pain, postnatal care.