Back pain after caesarean section when to see a doctor?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is written by Master, Doctor Nguyen Nhu Thu Truc - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Back pain is a symptom that some mothers experience after a cesarean section, with the pain starting within hours of giving birth and continuing for days, weeks, or even months after delivery. Here are the possible causes of back pain after a cesarean section and when to see a doctor.

1. Causes of back pain after childbirth

1.1 Physiological ligament stretching due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy not only increases the size of the stomach, but it also leads to changes that are hard to see with the naked eye, some of which can contribute to back pain after delivery.
During pregnancy, especially in the last months of pregnancy, back pain will be more obvious than ever, because the body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth. This hormone loosens ligaments and joints so that it is easier for the uterus to push the baby out. The body releases this hormone regardless of whether you have a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.
Because back strain is easier when joints and ligaments are loose, even the slightest activity can cause lower or mid-back pain. However, mothers do not have to worry much about this cause, as the joints, muscles and ligaments will gradually return to strength during the recovery period after giving birth.
1.2 Weight gain The growing fetus adds weight to the body, causing the spine to bear the weight, the pressure of the body is a contributing factor to back pain, but gaining weight is also normal. often during pregnancy. But the extra weight and altered balance of the body from carrying too much weight in the front of the abdomen can strain the back and spine, which can lead to back pain.

1.3 Lifting and carrying your baby Your baby may be as little as six or seven pounds, although this may not be much of a weight, she must be held every day and the mother must constantly bend over to lift your baby from the ground up. crib, bed or stroller. These activities can affect the mother's posture and cause neck and/or back pain.
Mothers need to be more aware of posture, if holding the baby in the right position, it will help mothers reduce back pain. Instead of bending over, keep your back as straight and as straight as possible when holding your baby and maybe use your legs for support.
Consider how you position the car seat and whether it is easy and convenient when you are in the car when you have to watch the baby and turn down to care for the child or carry the child in and out of the car.
1.4 Breastfeeding Position Breastfeeding is a great way to strengthen the bond between mother and baby, and during each feeding, you can look into your baby's adorable eyes. However, maintaining this position for too long can strain your neck, causing neck pain and spreading to the back. Poor posture while breastfeeding can also cause back pain, especially if you shrug your shoulders towards your baby.
To relieve pain, keep your shoulders relaxed and place a pillow underneath your elbows to support your arms. During breastfeeding, you need to look straight from time to time to avoid straining your neck.
1.5 Calcium deficiency During pregnancy, the mother needs adequate calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients such as: acid foilc, vitamins A, D, B1 ... However, if the mother's diet This stage is not enough to meet the calcium needs, the body must get it from the mother to make up for the fetus and cause osteoporosis. After giving birth, the mother's health is still in a relatively weak state, has not yet recovered, the mother still has to breastfeed often, the calcium loss once again creates an opportunity for back pain to start. .
1.6 Working too hard or lying still after giving birth, there are 2 groups of women who are prone to back pain: lying motionless all day to abstain or fear of pain. The second group is working early, working too hard, traveling a lot when health has not recovered. In addition, the habit of lying on a mattress that is too hard, often wearing high heels, stress .. is also easy to cause back pain after giving birth.
1.7 Back pain after anesthesia? The state of back pain after spinal anesthesia during cesarean section is present but insignificant, even some women do not feel much. The size of the spinal anesthetic needle is very small (like a hair), when it is pierced quickly through the skin, there is almost no tissue damage. After surgery, when the effect of the anesthetic in the spinal cord wears off, the needle puncture when anesthesia is almost painless, if there is only a slight feeling of pain (depending on the sensation) and will heal quickly according to the recovery mechanism. of body.
Less than. The type of anesthesia used during a cesarean section can also cause pain for a few days or weeks after delivery. Local anesthetic is usually injected into the epidural or spine to numb the area in preparation for surgery.
Some cases of spinal anesthesia can cause muscle spasms near the spinal cord after a cesarean section. These contractions may continue for several weeks or months after giving birth.

2. How to prevent and reduce back pain after cesarean section

Back pain after a cesarean section is usually temporary, with pain intensity decreasing over the days, weeks, and months after delivery. During this time, you can take the following steps to help your back feel better.
Start exercising immediately after giving birth to restore abdominal and back muscles. Ten minutes of floor stretching exercises each day will restore flexibility in the hips and back. You can do this exercise while your baby is napping. Try to get back to a normal weight within six weeks of giving birth. Do not reach out to pick up the baby. Bring the baby close to your chest before lifting. Avoid bending over. To lift your baby off the floor, you should bend your knees (not bend or bend your back), sit down, tighten your abs, and lift with your leg muscles. Remove the seat tray when you are trying to put your baby in or get him out of the high chair. When taking your baby out of the crib, push the baby close to you and the side of the crib and slowly pick him up. Use your chest to support your baby as you walk. Don't carry your baby on your hips as this puts extra pressure on your back muscles. To avoid upper back pain while breastfeeding, hold your baby close to your breast instead of bending over to feed. While breastfeeding, you should sit in an upright chair instead of in a soft chair. A hot bath can relieve muscle tension and spasms in the back. Plus, the moist heat helps increase blood circulation, reducing inflammation and back pain. However, cesarean delivery is also surgery, so you should only take a hot bath when your doctor allows it. If you don't have time to shower, stand under the shower and let the hot water run down your back or use a warm compress. Allow yourself to rest. Moving too much can make back pain worse. Therefore, you need to limit your movement a lot, especially if you are in pain. Excessive activity can prolong the pain. Also, take a nap whenever possible because sleep is your body's way of repairing damage. Back massage can also help you feel better. Massage can relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Also, ask your doctor about medications that are safe for pain relief, especially if you're breastfeeding. Usually, you can take acetaminophen and ibuprofen while breastfeeding. Just make sure you don't exceed the maximum daily dose as directed on the label.

3. When to see a doctor?

Although back pain after a cesarean section is quite common, mothers shouldn't ignore intense pain. This includes pain that keeps you from sleeping at night or makes it difficult to move or hold your baby.
Your doctor may need to prescribe a stronger pain reliever. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may need physical therapy to strengthen your abdominal or back muscles and relieve pain.
In addition to the above signs of excessive pain, the mother also needs to see a doctor if there are signs of fever or numbness accompanied by back pain. This could be a sign of neurological complications from the anesthetic.
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Articles refer to sources: healthline.com, webmd.com