How Pregnancy Can Be Detrimental to Spinal Health

Women’s bodies changes during pregnancy, which can affect spinal health.

Women may have symptoms from an issue during pregnancy well after they’ve had their baby, including long-term impacts of childbirth on spinal health.

Chronic back pain, pelvic instability, nerve symptoms are all issues a woman may develop after having a baby.

According to Dr. David Falk, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Maryland Spine Center at Mercy, some women don’t realize this postpartum pain is connected to their spine health.

Pregnancy-related back pain issues are primarily due to changes in biomechanics rather than true damage, Dr. Falk explained, noting that it’s usually reversible, but there are symptoms women need to monitor.

“Any new weakness—if you reach down to pick up the stroller and then the next day, you can’t lift your arm up at all—things where you have true weakness, and you’re noticing that that weakness is affecting your function, you should certainly seek care in a very expeditious manner,” Dr. Falk said. “Weakness is a red flag for all sorts of spine pathology, whether pregnant or not, and certainly in the postpartum period.”

Be sure to watch for severe pain, balance issues, issues going to the bathroom, or any numbness or tingling.

Movement is medicine, Dr. Falk said, so being active before and during pregnancy can help to lessen the chance of developing an issue. Even just walking can help prevent muscle imbalances caused by pregnancy.

View Mercy spinal surgeon Dr. David Falk’s interview about pregnancy’s impact on spinal health.