Back pain

Back pain occurs frequently during pregnancy – even more frequently in combination with ISG blockade. Thus nearly all pregnant women with ISG complaints suffer also from back pain. Because when the stabilizing ligaments of the sacroiliac joint loosen, the back muscles try to compensate for the instability.

But since they are not actually designed for this, they tense up and cause additional pain. The problem becomes worse as the child’s weight increases. This is because the weight of the child, the weight of the amniotic fluid and the placenta put increasing strain on the muscles.

The body’s center of gravity shifts more and more to the front so that the pelvis of the pregnant woman tilts into a hollow back position. Early strengthening of the back and abdominal muscles can effectively counteract this pain. Doctors also recommend light gymnastic exercises, yoga for pregnant women or swimming to loosen and strengthen the muscles at the same time. Heat applications or gentle massages can also alleviate the complaints.

Sciatica complaints

Every second pregnant woman suffers from sciatica during her pregnancy. They manifest themselves as stabbing and burning pains that can radiate from the lumbar spine via the buttocks to the legs and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling. The symptoms are particularly severe in the last weeks of pregnancy.

The main cause of the complaints is a muscular imbalance between the abdominal and gluteal muscles. This is because pregnancy causes the abdominal muscles to lengthen and strengthen by 20%, while the gluteal muscles remain unchanged. If this imbalance can no longer be corrected, pain in the area of the sciatica develops.In addition, the weight of the unborn child can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve path and thus trigger the symptoms.

The symptoms are usually unilateral and are at most intensified by sneezing, coughing or when preventing. Postural training and movement exercises that stimulate the blood circulation and at the same time build up the gluteal muscles can alleviate the pain. Unfortunately, they often disappear completely only after birth.