Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001
For more information, contact:Joanne L. Swanson(847) 384-4035 [email protected]
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ACADEMY OFFERS NEW MOMS 10 TIPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN
NEW YORK--Although 40 percent to 50 percent of pregnant women initially complain of back pain, which usually resolves within a week or two of delivery, their chance of having back pain again increases after the baby is born.
Back pain can result whenever you lift or carry a child, Baltimore orthopaedic spine surgeon Alan M. Levine, MD, said here today at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons "Orthopaedics Update" meeting.
"At first, new moms are lifting seven to 10 pounds 50 times a day, and by 12 months, they likely are chasing and lifting a 17-pound child. Two years later, mothers will be lifting a 25-pound to 30-pound child."
To help new moms avoid back problems, Dr. Levine, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, developed 10 back pain prevention tips that will reduce injury risk
Begin exercising soon after delivery to restore abdominal and back muscle tone. Ten minutes of stretching exercises on the floor each day will restore hip and back flexibility. This can be done when the baby is taking a nap.
Try to get back to your normal weight within six weeks after giving birth.
Do not stretch your arms out to pick up the baby. Bring him/her close to your chest before lifting. Avoid twisting your body.
To pick a child up from the floor, bend at your knees (not at your waist), squat down, tighten your stomach muscles and lift with your leg muscles.
Remove the high chair tray when you are trying to put the baby in or take the baby out of the high chair.
When picking the child up out of the crib, put the side down and pull the child toward you rather than lifting over the top.
Consider using a "front pack" to carry the baby when you are walking.
Do not carry a child on your hip; this overloads the back muscles.
To avoid upper back pain from breastfeeding, bring the baby to your breast rather than bending over to the baby. Use an upright chair rather than a soft couch.
Four-door vehicles are better than two-door vehicles for ease of placing the child in the car seat. With the car seat positioned in the middle of the back seat, do not stand outside the car, reach in and, at arm's length, try to put the baby in the seat but rather kneel on the back seat to place the baby into the car seat.
The risk of back pain is greater among young, overweight women, according to Dr. Levine, clinical professor, orthopedic surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore; and director of the Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore. "Women who delivered by Caesarian-section (C-section) should wait six weeks or until they get the permission of their obstetrician before they begin exercising."
The 25,500-member Academy is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public.
An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade, the global initiative in the years 2000-2010 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.
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