You’re a parent, and let’s face it, you’ve probably experienced the nagging tug of back pain. Whether it’s from lifting your little one countless times a day or carrying that car seat that feels like it weighs more than your child, back pain can slowly creep up on you, turning into an unwelcome companion in your daily life.
But before you can do something about a problem, you need to know what’s causing it. The same applies to your back pain – it may be from bending and picking up your precious bundle of joy, but it may also have other causes.
Today, we’ll have a look at some of the most common causes of back pain when you’re a mom. Plus, we’ll offer some tried and tested solutions and recommendations from healthcare specialists. So stay tuned until the end!
1. The “Toddler Tote” Syndrome
While it may not be a scientifically proven syndrome, it does feel extremely real and painful for the mothers who get to experience it.
The pain tells you about your strained muscles from repetitive side-lifting, like when you hoist your kiddo onto your hip several hundred times per day. This movement creates an imbalance in how your muscles engage, often leaving you feeling twisted and achy.
The symptoms are quite easy to recognize. Here’s what to look for:
- Muscle tightness or spasms on one side of your body
- A dull, persistent ache in your lower back
- A sensation of imbalance or misalignment while standing or walking
- Difficulty straightening up after lifting
These symptoms are red flags that your body is overtaxed and a signal for you to change tactics.
To avoid getting into this predicament or to relieve some of the pain, try switching sides as often as possible. It may feel strange at first, but the switching helps balance the muscle load and reduces strain.
It also helps to strengthen your core and back muscles since these help provide support for your spine. Pilates and yoga are great options that also enhance flexibility.
2. Constant Slouching and Bending
Think about those long hours feeding or reading to your child. You might find yourself slumping down into couches or chairs that don’t do any favors for your posture. Even though cuddle time is precious, it shouldn’t pave the way for a painful back.
And, of course, there’s what I like to call playtime penance. Ever found yourself bending over a playpen or crib? Or maybe sitting on floors not designed with adults in mind? These activities sound innocent enough, but they are incredibly taxing on your poor spine.
In this case, also, the issue should go away with a change in position and proper physical activity that helps lubricate the spine and keeps the joints hydrated. Furthermore, daily movement is one way to improve your health in the long term, so it doesn’t hurt to start now.
3. A Herniated Disc
Up until now, we mentioned back pain caused by bad posture and repetitive movements. These are usually easy to fix if you act on time.
But how do you know your back pain doesn’t hide a more serious problem, like a herniated disc?
Considering the long-term effects of a herniated disc, it is paramount to ensure your spine’s health is in order by paying your family doctor a visit. However, before you allow the panic to set in, here are some of the most common symptoms that let you know there’s more to it than sore muscles and tired joints:
- Nerve pain – it feels like an electric shock or a burning sensation that might travel down one leg or arm, depending on whether the affected disc is in your lower or upper spine.
- Tingling and numbness – you know that feeling when your leg “falls asleep”? If you feel these odd, prickly sensations frequently in certain parts of your body without any evident cause, you may be dealing with a herniated disc.
- Weakness in specific muscles – your muscles work like dedicated employees, but when they start faltering, like struggling to lift grocery bags or even tripping more easily, it can sometimes be traced back to nerve impairment from a herniated disc.
- Radiating arm or leg pain – a herniated disc may pinch or put pressure on your nerves. That’s when you feel a radiating pain that reaches down an arm or a leg, depending on the location of the problematic disc.
Wrap Up
As a mother, you learn to be comfortable with a certain level of pain and discomfort. But this doesn’t mean you have to shoulder discomfort in silence. So, pay attention to what your body, particularly your spine, is trying to say and address each achy message proactively.
Whether it’s by adjusting how you carry your child, refining your posture, or seeking medical guidance for persistent pain, your well-being matters immensely. You are the backbone of your family, so taking care to ensure that backbone is strong and pain-free isn’t just smart – it’s essential.
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