No more Backache

No more Backache ...strengthening the stomach muscles will help.

Many new mums experience back ache – either in the lower back or sometimes – all down the back.

One of the most common post natal complaints, along with the other aches and pains that can be experienced.

The pain is usually experienced in the lower back although women may feel it all down their back.

As a mummy’s role involves constant lifting and bending - bending over to change nappies, lifting and placing a car seat, carrying and lifting the baby around or putting him into the bath or cot. The spine and pelvis can easily be twisted or placed under strain – performing these demanding actions.

On top of that, the stomach muscles have been stretched and weakened during pregnancy -causing them to become weak and less able to support the spine as effectively. Just when you need your back to be strong!

If the large muscles of the legs are not used for bending and lifting this can also contribute to placing strain on the spine and back.
So what can be done to reduce the pain?
The back and spine are supported by the abdominal muscles, the key muscle being the transverses abdominals, which wrap around the centre of your body from one side of the lower back to the other.

Strengthening this muscle will create a flat, long stomach and also means it will then give support and stability to the lower back.

Key factors need to be considered when strengthening the abdominals post natally:

1. Technique – poor technique can result in using the incorrect muscles and not strengthening the ones you want to.
2. The amount of abdominal separation the female experienced during pregnancy – this affects the choice of stomach exercises some would be inappropriate, so the muscles remain weak and stretched.