There is some evidence to suggest that a different set of receptors is sensitized in the lower spine during pregnancy by hormones. Therefore, it is believed that most of the pain is secondary to hormonal changes rather than actual chemical stresses. It has been thought that lumbar lordosis is increased during pregnancy. However, in reality with x-ray studies, it has been demonstrated that lordosis decreases during pregnancy. Therefore, overall pain may be due to the muscles and ligaments combined with some alteration in blood flow to the pelvic musculature and ligaments.
Some activities do cause or aggravate pain.
It is interesting to note the percentage of women who found relief using these treatments. The good news is that the median time for back pain to resolve was within six months. Therefore, in most cases, pain does improve after the postpartum period. It also provides useful information for pregnant ladies with back pain, both regarding treatment and prevention.