Musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy? Here are the 3 most common conditions
Congratulations! you are about to have a baby but those aches and pain around your body are driving you crazy! Here are some common musculoskeletal conditions which could happen after your first trimester :
CONDITION NUMBER 1 : Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve around your wrist. When the compression happens, you might experience numbness, tingling and constant need to shake your hand as it feels asleep. Moreover, pain and numbness is usually perceived at night. In some cases, weakness can be present and many people find difficult to hold objects in their hand.
How to identify it?
You can simply tap with your two fingers on the dorsal side of your wrist. If this reproduces a tingling sensation, you are likely to have carpal tunnel.
How do we fix it?
1- Brace : you can buy a brace from a chemist which will keep your wrist straight and will not allow the nerve to be compressed. Use it for 4-6 weeks, especially at night
2- Stretching Exercises (Watch Video Below)
3- Ice twice x day , 20 min on/off
CONDITION NUMBER 2 : Sciatica
During the late stage of pregnancy, the uterus can compress a big nerve behind your lower back. When this happens, pain is severe and radiates down to your leg.
How to identify it?
You can do a simple test. Lie down on your back and ask your partner or family member to lift your painful leg straight up (watch video below) in the air. If this reproduces pain, Sciatica could be the likely cause of it.
How to fix it?
1) Stretching exercises
2) heat pack - helps muscles to relax
3) tens machine - Portable machine which blocks your nerve painful signal and can give instant relief.
4) massage - helps in reducing muscle tightness around lower back.
CAUSE NUMBER 3 : De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Very painful conditions which causes pain on the side of your thumb. It can develop especially when trying to open jars, screw, unscrew objects, and lifting your baby several times!
How can we identify it ?
Try this simple test - make a fist and place your thumb inside, then bend your wrist away from your thumb, if this causes severe pain it is a positive sign for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
How do we Fix it ?
1- Rest
2-SPICA Brace : This brace is unique and restricts your thumb from moving sideways. Therefore, your tendon will rest and the inflammation will eventually settle. Try to use it for 4-6 weeks for as much as you can.
STILL IN DOUBT ?
Contact us if you would like to know more. Our experienced physiotherapist are experts to identify and treat pregnancy related musculoskeletal condition. Alternatively, you can call us at 0401610233 or book online.