Réhabital
Pregnancy Back Pain Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Pregnancy reshapes posture, centre of gravity and pelvic stability within a few months. It is no surprise that most pregnant women feel low back pain, posterior pelvic pain or sciatic-type pain at some point. This pain is not something to simply endure until delivery — gentle, safe approaches can meaningfully relieve it. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, our therapists assess your posture, pelvic mobility and daily habits to offer relief tailored to each trimester.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain actually covers several distinct patterns. Posterior pelvic pain, the most common, stems from reduced sacroiliac joint stability, worsened by relaxin loosening ligaments from the first trimester onward. It causes deep pain on one side of the pelvis, worse climbing stairs, rolling over in bed or standing for long periods. Classic low back pain follows the compensatory increase in lumbar curve linked to growing abdominal weight and stretched abdominal muscles. Pubic symphysis pain causes pain at the front of the pelvis, sometimes quite disabling with walking. True sciatica with leg radiation is rarer and must be distinguished from referred pain from the piriformis or a compressed sacroiliac joint under the baby’s weight. Differential diagnosis matters: each of these responds to different treatment, and a generic approach rarely works well. A thorough assessment also accounts for the postural changes progressing from one trimester to the next.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Hormonal ligament laxity
Relaxin and progesterone loosen pelvic ligaments from the earliest weeks to prepare for delivery. This laxity reduces the natural stability of the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis.
Shifting centre of gravity
A growing abdomen shifts the centre of gravity forward, increasing lumbar curvature and placing more demand on the paraspinal muscles and posterior spinal joints.
Abdominal stretch and weakness
Abdominal muscles progressively stretch and lose some of their ability to stabilize the trunk, transferring more load onto the low back and pelvis.
Compensatory posture
Many women unconsciously adopt a compensatory posture, widening their stance or arching the back, to relieve one painful area, which ends up overloading another.
Prior pregnancies or pre-existing pelvic pain
A history of lumbo-pelvic pain, a twin pregnancy, or a short interval since the last delivery increase the risk and intensity of current pain.
Our Treatment Approach
Assessment by osteopath Shahram Ghasemi and the physiotherapy team includes specific pelvic girdle tests (sacroiliac compression test, FABER test, symphysis test), a postural analysis, and a review of the daily activities that provoke pain. Osteopathic treatment uses gentle, safe techniques adapted to each trimester to rebalance mobility of the pelvis, diaphragm and low back without any high-risk manipulation. Physiotherapy adds progressive strengthening of the pelvic floor, deep abdominal muscles and glutes, plus positioning advice for sleep and movement. Prenatal massage therapy, delivered by therapists trained for this population, releases accumulated tension in the back and hips. A supportive pelvic belt may be recommended for marked posterior pelvic pain.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes a detailed history of your pregnancy, a gentle postural exam and specific pelvic tests suited to your trimester. You leave with immediate positioning advice and safe exercises, with no techniques posing any risk to you or your baby.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between the knees and under the abdomen.
- Avoid standing still for more than 20 minutes at a time.
- Keep your knees together when getting out of bed or the car.
- Wear a pelvic support belt during prolonged activities.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing to release the low back.
- Avoid carrying loads asymmetrically on one side of the body.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Most pregnancy-related lumbo-pelvic pain improves noticeably within a few sessions when addressed early, though it may fluctuate as the baby grows. Pain typically resolves in the weeks after delivery, though postnatal follow-up often speeds full recovery.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if pain limits your walking, sleep or daily activities, or worsens quickly from one week to the next. Seek immediate medical care for bleeding, regular contractions, fluid loss, or pain accompanied by fever.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team is experienced in treating pregnant patients with gentle, validated techniques adapted to each trimester. We work closely alongside your other pregnancy care for safe relief.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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