While motherhood is a beautiful journey, it can take a toll on your body, especially your back. From lifting toddlers and carrying diaper bags to hours spent breastfeeding or bending over cribs, the physical demands can cause discomfort.
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among mothers, affecting both new moms and those with older kids. By knowing the root causes, you can find relief and prevent long-term strain. Read more to learn about the causes of back pain for mothers.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding often causes back pain for mothers due to prolonged sitting and poor posture. Many moms hunch forward when feeding, straining their shoulders, neck, and lower back.
With no proper support or positioning, this posture can lead to spinal misalignment and muscle tension. Moms should consider using pillows and maintaining an upright position to reduce discomfort.
Poor Body Conditioning
Most of the time, your physical fitness will be in poor condition after months of inactivity. With a newborn, it is even harder for you to cope with keeping fit. Pregnancy and post-partum recovery can also reduce muscle strength and flexibility.
As a result, everyday tasks like lifting and bending will be more strenuous. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises help to rebuild stability and reduce back discomfort.
Using Baby Strollers
Mothers also face back pain when interacting with babies in strollers. For instance, moms can strain their backs when they lean over to buckle children or check on them. Constant pushing also strains the lower back and upper body.
Heavy loads may also worsen the tension. Adjusting stroller height and maintaining an upright posture can prevent discomfort and muscle fatigue. If it worsens, consider getting chiropractic care for lower back.
Putting Infants In High Chairs
When putting infants in high chairs, moms can easily strain their backs due to repeated bending, twisting, or lifting in awkward positions. These movements put pressure on the lower spine and surrounding muscles.
Over time, this can lead to stiffness and pain. Using chairs at waist height helps to reduce back strain.
Poor Carrying Posture
Moms sometimes hold children on one hip or lean to one side; this can lead to back pain. This uneven weight distribution strains the spine and core muscles. This might cause an imbalance and chronic discomfort.
Consider engaging core muscles to maintain better posture and reduce pain. Good mattresses also help with battling back pain as a mom.
Sciatica Due to Pregnancy
Sciatica during pregnancy causes back pain for mothers when the growing uterus compresses the sciatic nerve. This pressure causes sharp pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates from the back down the leg.
Hormonal changes and extra weight can worsen the condition. Proper posture, gentle stretching, and prenatal exercises can erase discomfort.
Twisting Into Natural Positions
Moms often twist into unnatural positions when they reach into cribs or car seats when traveling with kids or holding their babies. This can easily strain their backs.
These awkward movements twist the spine and overstretch muscles, causing stiffness or sharp pain. Over time, they cause chronic discomfort and back injury.
Endnote
Mothers face an increased risk of back pain due to breastfeeding, bad carrying posture, sciatica, poor body conditioning, and the use of baby strollers. They may also suffer from back pain when they put infants into high chairs and twist into unnatural positions.
