Back Pain After Caesarean

It is often believed that bed rest helps back pain after caesarean. However, inactivity usually worsens the pain. Lack of movement weakens the back muscles and the spinal structures, thus resulting in increased pressure on the back and consequently more pain. Exercising the core of our bodies is very important for the health and fitness of the human back and spine.

Core exercises focus on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles. These exercises include stretching, which helps in improving the flexibility of the back muscles, resulting in reduced pain. Doing these exercises regularly and in a proper manner will get rid of your back pain after caesarean.

Exercising regularly not only helps in the treatment of back pain, but also helps in the prevention of any such problems in the future. The most common exercises that are recommended for the treatment of back pain after caesarean are Pilates movement therapy exercises.

The benefit of Pilates' movement therapy exercises for women thru pregnancy and post-partum is mostly misunderstood. Simply put, Pilates is a safe and effective approach to exercise for pregnant women to assist with breathing, body alignment and to recover body shape and tone after birth. Strengthening weak muscles will pull your pelvis and spine back into alignment which, in turn, will get rid of your back pain after caesarean.

Pilates focuses on breathing, which promotes relaxation and helps activate the transversus abdominus. The transversus abdominus is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and is responsible for supporting the lumbar spine and pelvic area at a time when ligaments are lax due to the natural hormone relaxin excreted by the body during the pregnancy and nursing stages. Lateral breathing also inherent in Pilates fitness, which improves rib cage mobility when the range of motion in the diaphragm is limited due to the high position of the baby in the third trimester.

Back pain is a common side effect after having a c section. Unless the abdominal muscles, pelvis and spine are strengthened, problems with the back can occur. Strengthening the transversus abdominus ("abs") through guided Pilates movements will improve back pain after caesarean. Research has shown that activation of the transverses abdominus also activates the pelvic floor, keeping these muscles strong and supple which can help with any incontinence that you may experience after your caesarean.

The nature of movement in Pilates exercise is low impact and allows post partum women to exercise effectively without experiencing any undue stress on the now lax joints. Pilates also involves many stretching and toning exercises that helps to maintain hip flexibility and stamina. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat with small props such as pillows or cushions which supports the head.

All Pilates movements, after caesarean are best done seated up right or side lying. However, you can work lying on your back as long as the head is elevated with pillows.

Being free of back pain after caesarean is possible with Pilates.