Back pain is a common symptom after C-section, back pain begins to appear after the effect of anesthesia has faded, 3-6 hours after birth, and may last up to 7 days after surgery.
The main cause of back pain after a C-section is either the tingling of the anesthesia needle or because Post Dural puncture headache.
Back pain related to the insertion of the spinal anesthesia needle occurs in the lower back (around the bone of the first lumbar vertebrae), while back pain related to Post Dural puncture headache is below the neck and comes from the head.
When does back pain appear after the C-section? When does it end?
The pain appears in the position of the anesthesia needle after anesthesia begins to fade, usually starting after two to six hours, while the pain of Post Dural puncture headache appears slightly late between 12 hours and five days after C-section.
The pain caused by spinal anesthesia fades within two days to a week, in a few cases, it lasts for several weeks, until up to one month, the main reason for this is the severe spasm of the muscles of the spinal region sometimes due to injections.
What are the causes of back pain after a C-section?
Back pain after the C-section has two main causes:
The first cause is the trauma of the skin, muscles, ligaments, or nerves in the back due to the insertion of the spinal anesthesia needle into the spine.
The second cause is known as a post-Dural puncture headache, resulting from the gradual leakage of cerebrospinal fluid that causes headaches and neck pain, worsens when a woman sits or stands, and its effect is reduced when it is lying flat.
Causes of back pain after C-section include:
1. Change in hormone levels, the woman's body secretes progesterone and relaxin during pregnancy, leading to the relaxation of ligaments and joints in the pelvic area to facilitate the delivery process. However, these hormones may remain in the mother's body, causing pain in the lower back.
2. A woman's body goes through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy, she may experience lower back pain starting with the second trimester of pregnancy. It may last for a few months after birth.
3. Weight gain during pregnancy can sometimes lead to lower back pain.
When a woman begins to gain weight during pregnancy, her knees and muscles bear the extra burden, which can stimulate the lower back muscles and cause back pain after birth.
4. Sleepless nights after birth, bending and lifting the baby frequently increase pain.
5. Improper physical position during breastfeeding of the baby, compresses the muscles of the lower back and leads to back pain.
How to treat back pain after C-section?
There are many tips you can take to treat back pain after a C-section:
1. Light exercise, you can start with yoga and stretching exercises because they will improve your flexibility and durability. Walking for 20-30 minutes a day is one of the best exercises you can start with.
2. Refrain from lifting heavy weights or exercising with weights, as they may cause pressure on your muscles and joints.
3. Maintain a good body position. Sit straight and try not to bend towards your baby while breastfeeding, your back should be upright. You can also lie comfortably on your side while breastfeeding.
4. Use feeding pillows during breastfeeding, especially in the early stages of lactation, make sure your back is supported during lactation.
5. Sleep in a comfortable position. Use a soft, thin but firm enough pillow to support your head. Ideally, you should use a carry pad or two normal pillows to support your back during sleep even after birth.
6. Regular massage activates blood circulation in the body and relieves muscle pain.
7. Hot or cold compresses to relieve back pain. You can put a hot water bag or a cold water bag under your back to relieve back pain.
8. Hot water shower for a few weeks or months after birth, will relieve strained muscles and ligaments.
9. While lifting things off the floor, bend your knees and not your waist. Don't bend your waist or stretch your hands remotely as it can strain your back.
10. While lifting your baby from the bed or floor, approach him and lift him. Don't stretch your arms remotely to lift the baby.
11. Consult your dietitian and follow a healthy diet according to your body's needs. This will help you lose weight and thereby reduce pressure on your back muscles.
12. Avoid wearing high heels for a few months after birth.
Finally, if back pain persists and does not improve after two months, you should consult a specialist for a full examination of your body, and the specialist may recommend appropriate medications and physiotherapy sessions.