If you have recently had a c section you are likely focusing on healing and taking care of your baby. More than 70% of new mothers experience back pain after a c section. When taking care of a newborn is a difficult task, back pain after c section adds burden. It’s essential to consult with a chiropractor for better treatment.
In this blog, we are explaining the causes, symptoms and how chiropractic care can help you
Causes of back pain after c section
There are many reasons why you might feel back pain after c section. Here are some of them.
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, the relaxin hormone helps your body for childbirth. By loosening your joints, this can make your back and pelvic areas more flexible, but it also increases the risk of injury. Even after delivery, relaxin hormone stays in your body for some time, which can lead to back pain.
Muscle Weakness
Pregnancy and surgery can make your muscles weak. After a c section, your abdominal muscles may take time to regain strength and can put more strain on your back muscles which may lead to pain.
Carrying Baby
New moms often carry their babies for long periods, whether it’s during feedings, naps, or just moving them around the house. Even though babies don’t weigh much at first, holding them all day long can add strain to your back and cause discomfort. Bending over to lift or hold them can make the pain worse.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a common reason for back pain. If you bend forward or lean down while breastfeeding, it can create tension in your back and neck. Sometimes, this can contribute to pain or discomfort.
Symptoms of back pain after c section
The symptoms of back pain after c section are many. Here are their 5 important points.
- You may feel an aching pain in your lower or upper back.
- Sudden sharp pain can occur while moving in certain ways.
- Your back may feel hard after sitting or lying down.
- It might be stiff to bend or hold your baby.
- Your back pain may get worse after standing or sitting for long periods.
How to reduce back pain after c section
There are some simple steps for you that can help reduce discomfort and recover strength. Read more
Practicing good posture
Good posture is essential to avoid and relieve back pain. When you are sitting, make sure that your back is straight. Again, when you are standing or walking, try to keep your shoulders back and your spine aligned.
Stretching
Stretches can help loosen your muscles and improve your flexibility. Try stretching your back and legs regularly and avoid any movements that cause pain. Stretching is helpful for improving blood circulation.
Heat and cold therapy
You can apply heat or cold to your back to provide relief. Ice packs can reduce swelling and a heating pad can relax your tight muscles. Try this therapy for 15-20 minutes.
Avoiding carrying heavy objects
It is important to avoid carrying heavy objects during your recovery period. Lifting can pressure your back. When you need to lift your baby, make sure to use your legs and not your back.
Supportive seating
Choose a comfortable chair or pillow while sitting that supports your lower back. It makes breastfeeding easier and spending time with your baby without adding extra pressure on your spine.
How chiropractic care treat back pain after c section
Chiropractors follow a natural way to relieve back pain. They use gentle, hands-on techniques to adjust your spine and other joints, which can help restore proper alignment and improve flexibility. Here’s how chiropractic care can 100% benefit you after a c section
Realignment of the spine
Chiropractors firstly realign the spine, which may have shifted during pregnancy or due to poor posture. This can reduce pressure on your back muscles and relieve pain.
Gentle adjustments
After a c section, your muscles and ligaments may become weak. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to help loosen tight muscles and improve your range of motion.
Reducing inflammation
We, chiropractors, use soft tissue therapy techniques to reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints. These techniques can reduce pain and improve flexibility. It is easier for you to move around and care for your baby.
Restoring muscle function
Chiropractic care is helpful to restore muscle function by improving blood circulation and reducing muscle hardness. We are aiming to help you recover faster from the physical strain of pregnancy.
Holistic approach
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to healing. Chiropractors treat both the symptoms of back pain and work to address the root cause.
Benefits of chiropractic care After a c section
There are many reasons why chiropractic care is the best choice for new mothers experiencing back pain after a c section.
- Without surgery or the use of medications, chiropractic care focuses on natural healing.
- Chiropractic care is safe for pregnant women. Chiropractors are trained to work with new mothers and the techniques we use won’t harm your healing body.
- Chiropractic care helps to address the underlying issues which cause your pain. We provide a long-term relief guarantee.
- Regular chiropractic adjustments can help improve your mobility and make it easier to care for your baby.
- Chiropractors can help improve your posture and reduce the risk of future back pain.
A personal experience of our patient
Liya Rodriguez, a new mom from New York, visited me after experiencing severe back pain after her c section. Like many new mothers, she was busy caring for her baby, but she couldn’t face the constant discomfort that came with her daily routine. She told me, “At first, I thought the pain would just go away. But after a few days, I realized it was getting worse. I couldn’t even lift my baby without feeling like my back was going to give out. I was exhausted, and no matter what I did, nothing helped.”
Liya visited me after hearing about the benefits of chiropractic care for post c section recovery. After a detailed consultation, I explained to her how the hormonal changes, combined with the stress of carrying and caring for a baby, can cause tension in the muscles and joints. With adjustments designed to realign her spine, reduce tension and improve mobility, we set out a treatment plan for her needs.
After just a few sessions, Liya started noticing a difference. She shared with me one day, “I honestly feel like a new Liya. I can pick up my baby without feeling back pain and I’m actually able to play with her without constant pain.” She also began following the recommended exercises and stretches at home, which made a major impact on her overall recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of back pain after a C-section?
Back pain after a C-section can result from hormonal changes, poor posture, muscle weakness, carrying the baby, and breastfeeding. Hormones like relaxin can loosen joints, poor posture puts pressure on the back, and lifting and holding the baby can cause discomfort.
What symptoms indicate back pain after a C-section?
Symptoms include aching pain in the lower or upper back, sharp pain during certain movements, stiffness after sitting or lying down, difficulty bending or holding the baby, and worsening pain after sitting or standing for long periods.
What steps can help reduce back pain after a C-section?
To reduce back pain, practice good posture, stretch gently, use heat or cold therapy, avoid heavy lifting, and use supportive seating, especially while breastfeeding or holding your baby.
How does chiropractic care treat back pain after a C-section?
Chiropractors realign the spine, use gentle adjustments to reduce tension, decrease inflammation with soft tissue therapy, and restore muscle function. Chiropractic care provides a natural, non-invasive way to reduce pain and improve movement.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for new mothers?
Chiropractic care is drug-free and focuses on healing. It improves posture, addresses the causes of back pain, and offers long-term relief. It is safe for new mothers and improves mobility, making daily tasks easier.
Why should you contact a chiropractor for back pain after a C-section?
A chiropractor offers a safe, drug-free way to relieve back pain. They specialize in realigning the spine, reducing muscle tension, and addressing the root causes of discomfort. With gentle techniques for new mothers, chiropractic care improves mobility, reduces inflammation, and helps speed up recovery. By seeing a chiropractor, you can focus on healing and taking care of your baby without constant pain. Contact our chiropractor now.
The End
Back pain after a C-section is common, but it should not be permanent. By practicing good posture, doing gentle stretches, and seeking chiropractic care, you can reduce your pain and heal more quickly. Chiropractic care provides a safe, drug-free option that restores balance to your body, helping you feel your best so you can focus on your new baby.
If you’re struggling with back pain after your C-section, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Lee for a consultation. With the right care, you’ll soon feel like yourself again. Based on my extensive experience, chiropractic care is highly effective in alleviating back pain after a C-section.
Thank you for reading our blog! Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments.
