Acetaminophen may help relieve the patient's pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy. When pain is extremely severe, certain narcotics may be appropriate. Massage therapy may provide short-term pain relief. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatment may need regular physical therapy visits to achieve a more structured, aggressive back stabilization program.
Proper posture can prevent unnecessary mechanical stress on the low back.
Pregnant women should understand that weight gain and hormonal changes place more stress on their low back and pelvis at a time when ligaments and joints are becoming more lax. Physicians can teach women the neutral spine posture that avoids excessive lumbar lordosis and excessive reversal of lumbar lordosis. Pregnant women should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes that accentuate lumbar lordosis and increase shearing stress on the lower back and sacrum. Ergonomic enhancements may reduce back pain during pregnancy. When patients stand for long periods, placing one foot on a foot stool relaxes the iliopsoas muscles and tilts the pelvis forward, decreasing the strain on the lumbar spine and paraspinal musculature.