Women who have undergone a cesarean section often experience discomfort as their abdominal incision heals. This can be compounded by back pain, a common occurrence following C-sections. This combination of pain can significantly impact daily activities, making it challenging to perform chores, sleep comfortably, and care for the newborn. Research supports the observation that C-sections can have an impact on back health. Let's explore some of the key factors that contribute to back pain after cesarean delivery and discuss helpful tips for pain relief.
C-section back pain causes discomfort that may range from mild to severe, often affecting daily activities, sleep quality, and overall mobility during the recovery period. Here are some of the reasons for this issue to occur:
During pregnancy, relaxin (a hormone) is released by the body to prepare for childbirth. This pregnancy hormone loosens the joints and ligaments to make it easy to push the baby. Since it is easy to strain the back or pelvis when the ligaments and joints are loose, even a small activity can cause back pain and mid or lower back pain after C-section becomes a typical occurrence. The good news is the pain will subside gradually in the months after delivery once the joints and ligaments begin to strengthen.
C-sections involve making incisions in the uterus, abdominal muscles, and several layers of tissues. The healing process post-surgery may cause inflammation and pain in the belly and back muscles and the nearby tissues. Pain in the pelvis, lower back, and areas around the surgical incision are also common, especially in the early stages of healing.
After a C-Section delivery, you may feel like resting more and moving less. While this helps initially, after a while, it may lead to pain or stiffness in the hips and back, reduced mobility, and weakened muscles in the abdomen. So, inactivity can be a reason for back pain after a C-section.
Adhesions are layers of scar tissue that can cause internal organs and tissues to stick together, potentially disrupting their normal function. After abdominal surgeries, such as a C-section, the body forms scar tissue to heal the incision. However, this scar tissue can extend deeper, forming adhesions in the abdomen. These adhesions are known to cause pelvic and abdominal pain, interfere with gastrointestinal function, and even affect fertility. Additionally, they can impair the functioning of abdominal muscles, leading to back pain and posture issues.
During the initial days of childbirth, new moms tend to hunch over all day to breast or bottle-feed the baby. Plus, they feel protective about the incision and tend to hunch forward, and this unbalanced posture can increase the already existing back pain as you hunch forward, straining the already tired and weak back muscles.
The challenges and changes that come with giving birth to a baby can take a toll on you emotionally. Many women suffer from PMADs (perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders). The anxiety and stress associated with the responsibilities of being a new mom, along with recovering from ceasarian delivery and hormonal changes, can manifest as physical symptoms like back pain.
Whether the C-section delivery was unexpected or planned, know that the recovery time is longer, and you are likely to have back pain. However, the postpartum back pain after C-section is temporary and reversible by following the above tips. Discuss pain relief options with your doctor if back pain interferes with your everyday activities.
No. As per research, an epidural does not cause long-term back pain after a C-section.
Yoga, pilates, and light walk are exercises that help with back pain after a C-section.
Yes. Incorrect posture can be one of the causes of back pain after undergoing a C-section.
When trying to figure out the causes behind postpartum back pain, C-section is often a key factor. Hormonal changes, inflammation, inactivity, incorrect posture, scar tissue, and stress can be some causes of back pain after a C-section.
