Zero-exercise causes backache

In a study delving into the causes of backache among women, the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) said postural changes during the pregnancy months is when back pain problems begin in over 50 per cent of cases. Out of 510 patients reporting back pain, nearly 43 per cent were women. Among them, nearly 82 per cent had done no exercises at all during pregnancy. “Complaints of backache during and immediately after pregnancy are very common. The increasing weight and the forward shift of the centre of gravity add to the problem,” said HS Chhabra, Medical Director of the south Delhi-based ISIC. “General conditioning and back strengthening exercises during and after pregnancy help to counter this. However, this is seldom done in our country,” added Chhabra. The study said: “In over 60 per cent women respondents, the pain disappeared within two days after delivery. In those with recurrent back pain from previous pregnancies, as many as 82 per cent have persistent pain at 18 months.” Specific back exercises under proper medical guidance and proper posture can help in prevention of recurrence of back pain. “Pregnant women must ensure that they do all the proper exercises to avoid back pain during this stage. The result of the study reveals that more than 80 per cent of women had not done any general conditioning and strengthening exercises after pregnancy,” Chhabra added.