A common cause of low back pain in ladies

Low back pain can be due to prolapsed disc but pain on the sides of the spine can be due to sacroilitis — i.e. inflammation of sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint ligament strain occurs in females during pregnancy. The hormones released during pregnancy allow the ligaments to relax and prepare the body for childbirth. Sometimes the relaxation of ligaments may cause stress and abnormal wear and tear. Adding to this is the increase in weight and waddling gait putting more pressure on the joint. The conditions which alter the gait pattern puts increased stress on the joint. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can also due to ligament injury or laxity owing to injury, poor posture and faulty lifting techniques all leads to stress on the lower back of women.

Symptoms: Pain feels on the sides of the spine which may radiate to the legs and lower abdomen. Pain increase in changing posture e.g. Sitting to standing, lying to sitting etc. Pain increase on standing or walking and improves while lying.

Treatment: Physiotherapy modalities like Ultrasound massage, Short wave diathermy and Manipulation etc. brings relief. Aerobic activity like cycling, swimming and walking will help the patient.

Special Exercises under the guidance of physiotherapist help to strength the back muscle and ligament for permanent relief.

Precautions Avoid activities that cause pain. Proper warmup before work out ensures adequate shock absorption and strong support for the joints.

Prevention, as they say, is better than cure.