Effective Post-Delivery Exercises to Ease Lower Back Pain

Delivering a baby is a miraculous experience- one which gives a new life to not only the baby but the mother too.  All the nerves, muscles and joints in a mother's body have to work in a coordinated effort to push the baby out into the outside world. Most often, women complain of severe back pain after delivery. This back pain might persist for few months and can be cured with proper medical treatment and exercises after delivery. If left uncared for, it might lead to chronic back pain issues which might even lead to back pain surgery.

Reasons for lower back pain after pregnancy

       1. The pelvic joints and ligaments are loosened and made flexible by hormones to ease the baby out of the womb. If these joints become very loose, this might cause back pain.

        2. The abdominal muscles supporting the spine also stretch and become loose, causing back pain.

      3. The weight of the baby and expanding uterus alter the mother's posture, triggering pain in the back.

      4. After delivery, the baby gains weight and all activities involving the baby like lifting, feeding, bathing etc. cause a strain on the back muscles which are already weakened by pregnancy.

          5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete the calcium levels in a mother's body. This makes the bones brittle causing severe back pain and at times fractures leading to back pain surgery.

Lower back pain after pregnancy can be relieved by doing some exercises after delivery.

Essential exercises after delivery to relieve lower back pain

The lower abdominal muscles are the ones to concentrate on during exercises after delivery. These exercises are a must as they are the ones that support the spine and back and are responsible for posture. Exercising the lower abdominal muscles strengthens the back, corrects the posture and burns belly fat.

    1. Breathing

Soon after the delivery, start these abdominal breathing exercises. Breathe in, hold your breath for 5 seconds thereby stretching your abdomen. Exhale by pulling the muscles in and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this procedure 5 times.

    2. Pelvic floor exercises

These floor exercises are for strengthening the pelvis and must be done immediately after delivery, even if it is a caesarean operation. Use an exercise ball for this with a carpet to ensure that the ball does not slide away from you.  

Sit on a ball. bending slightly forward. Squeeze and lift the pelvic and lower stomach muscles as if you are controlling your bladder from urinating. Hold this squeeze by lifting one foot up for 5-8 seconds. Relax and repeat this 5-10 times using both legs and keep breathing as you exercise.

    3. Pelvic Tilts

Lie on your back on a yoga mat and bend your knees, relaxing your abdomen. Now slowly flatten your back on to the floor towards the spine, hold for 5-8 seconds and release. You should feel your back lengthen as you press it down. Repeat this 5-10 times slowly.

    4. Knee Hugs

Lie on your back, fold up your knees and bring them forward to your chest. You should not lift your head or move your shoulders towards the knees. Only the knees should be brought towards the chest. Hold the knees together while stretching your back comfortably. Hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat this at least 3-5 times.

Lower back pain after pregnancy is common but should not last beyond 2-3 weeks. It should be cared for instantly with exercises after delivery and proper medical treatment else this might lead to chronic spine problems later.