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How do I Choose the Best Treatment for Upper Back Pain in Pregnancy?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

In most cases, women prefer to avoid the use of pain medication during pregnancy, and doctors often recommend alternative treatments. As such, the best treatments for upper back pain in pregnancy may include massages and stretches. You may also enjoy some relief by taking a warm shower and allowing the water to massage your upper back. Additionally, you may find it helpful to buy a supportive bra and practice good posture. These things may not only treat, but also prevent upper back pain during pregnancy.

One of the best ways to treat upper back pain in pregnancy is with massage. You may visit a massage therapist for massages while you have back pain or even before it develops, as a preventative measure. Since this type of back pain is more likely to develop during a later stage of pregnancy, it is unlikely that you will be able to lie prone during a massage. Instead, you may lie on your side or sit during massage treatments. You may feel most comfortable in the hands of a massage therapist who has experience with or specializes in massage treatments for pregnant women.

Pregnancy places strain on one's back due to extra weight and a change in posture.
Pregnancy places strain on one's back due to extra weight and a change in posture.

Stretching may also prove helpful for dealing with upper back pain in pregnancy. You may ask your doctor for details on stretches you can perform while you are pregnant. You may also consult pregnancy books to learn stretches that are safe to perform while you are expecting. Taking a prenatal yoga class may prove helpful as well. It is usually important to consult with a doctor before you begin a prenatal class, a new exercise, or a stretching routine; doing so may allow you to make 100-percent certain you aren’t doing anything harmful for your pregnancy.

Swimming has been known to alleviate upper back pain during pregnancy.
Swimming has been known to alleviate upper back pain during pregnancy.

When you are dealing with upper back pain in pregnancy, you may also find that the right undergarments make a difference. Most women experience breast growth during pregnancy, and this may put more strain on your back. A supportive bra may help relieve the added back stress caused by growing breasts. You may use a supportive bra to prevent as well as treat upper back pain in pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage can be used to treat pregnancy back pain.
Pregnancy massage can be used to treat pregnancy back pain.

Good posture is also among the best defenses again back pain in pregnancy. Practicing good posture when you sit or stand may help prevent the development of upper back pain. If you are already suffering from pain, you may find it more difficult to practice good posture. By making the extra effort, however, you may ensure that the pain recedes faster.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Pregnancy places strain on one's back due to extra weight and a change in posture.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Pregnancy places strain on one's back due to extra weight and a change in posture.
    • Swimming has been known to alleviate upper back pain during pregnancy.
      By: yanlev
      Swimming has been known to alleviate upper back pain during pregnancy.
    • Pregnancy massage can be used to treat pregnancy back pain.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Pregnancy massage can be used to treat pregnancy back pain.
    • Upper back pain is more common to occur in the late stages of a pregnancy.
      By: pedrosala
      Upper back pain is more common to occur in the late stages of a pregnancy.
    • Upper back pain in pregnancy may be caused by growing breasts.
      By: Arto
      Upper back pain in pregnancy may be caused by growing breasts.
    • Back pain can occur during pregnancy when the uterus is adjusting to the weight of the fetus.
      By: Langstrup
      Back pain can occur during pregnancy when the uterus is adjusting to the weight of the fetus.