Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright June 8, 1987
QUESTION: I am in my sixth month of my first pregnancy. I have not had any problems until last week when I started to feel a very heavy feeling in my lower back. My back feels tight and stiff, especially at the end of the day.
I am fine when I am resting but walking is the real killer. Also around the same time I began to notice my sinuses were acting up. I used to have sinusitis many years ago but they have been fine until now. My face hurts, my nose runs, and I have been getting headaches almost daily.
I know that back pain is common during pregnancy, but are the headaches related to my back, since they both began at the same time?
ANSWER: Both headaches and low back pain are common complaints during some pregnancies. Although it is possible that your changing posture is causing both backache and headache, it is unlikely given the symptoms you describe.
Your headaches sound as though they are being caused by congestion or inflammation of your sinus passages. The hormones that are released during pregnancy increase the ‘activity’ of the nasal membranes. This is the same ‘activity’ increase which is seen during allergy or infection. This in turn will lead to sinus congestion, inflammation and probable headache. Simple nasal decongestant should help.
However, I must stress that I cannot diagnose your headaches and you must see your doctor to have him properly evaluate the cause of your pain. Some headaches during pregnancy may be caused by serious conditions such as pre-eclampsia-eclampsia, therefore all headaches must be properly evaluated.
Similar to the probable cause of your headaches, your backache is likely the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. They normally only slightly cause mobile pelvic joints to become much looser during pregnancy. This might lead to some instability and sometimes treatment might be necessary.
Treatment might include wearing a belt or girdle around the lower pelvis to decrease the joint strain, manipulation of the upper joints to lessen the strain on the pelvic joints or sometimes bed rest might be necessary if the pain persists.
However, by far the greatest way to help these patients is to train them in proper posture; walking, sleeping, sitting and so forth. They should be instructed to do special exercises which will decrease the pressure on the lower spine. It is also essential that the spine is in good condition before pregnancy.
Abdominal and back flexibility and strength are important to achieve before the stresses of pregnancy become a reality. When the abdominal weight gain becomes significant, the normally slight lower back curve will increase. This puts more stress on the joints and will cause pain. Wearing proper shoes (running shoes, no heels) might help. Local heat or massage of the muscles might also help.
Good luck in your last few months. Remember, what a wise old lady once told me; if you have back pain during your pregnancy your child will be a girl. If you have headaches it will be a boy. If you have both you will have twins. If you have varicose veins along with the others you will have a C-section. If you have leg cramps you will have an easy delivery. Joint swelling means a long delivery. Constipation means a large baby. If you have all of the above, this wise old lady says, you won’t care what you have, you’ll just be so glad it’s all over.
Allan Horowits, D.C., is a chiropractor and writes this public service column. He will attempt to answer readers’ questions on a variety of topics including backaches, headaches, sport injuries, nutrition and preventive medicine.