April 2006

I have three children.  Although my last child was born a year ago, I have had low back pain since delivering my first child and it has gotten worse after each pregnancy.  What do I need to do to get better?

Many women develop Diastasis Recti during pregnancy or delivery. Diastasis Recti is when the right and left sides of your abdominal muscles separate because of pressure from the growing fetus or pressure during delivery.  It does not matter if you just had a baby or your youngest is five years old; it is a problem that does not correct itself over time. Diastasis Recti occurs in two out of three pregnant women and does not cause pain or discomfort so it is often left unnoticed. If left untreated, the abdominals will not give the proper support and can cause low back pain and other symptoms. Normal sit-ups or crunches do not help bring the abdominal muscles back together.  A person needs specific exercises to improve Diastasis Recti.  If you are interested in being evaluated for Diastasis Recti and want to learn exercises that correct this problem, contact us to make an appointment.

Brenda Hengel, Patient Care Rep