MITIGATING PREGNANCY-RELATED BACK PAIN: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN IN LOW-RESOURCE AREAS

Pregnancy-related back pain is a widespread issue affecting women worldwide, with approximately 50% of women experiencing persistent pain even after delivery. While most cases are mild, around one-third of women endure severe pain, which can manifest at any stage of pregnancy. The etiology of pregnancy-related back pain is multifactorial, involving mechanical, hormonal, circulatory, and psychosocial factors. Despite its prevalence and impact on maternal well-being, effective management strategies for pregnancy-related back pain remain limited. This review aims to comprehensively explore the current understanding of pregnancy-related back pain, including its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and available management options. Additionally, potential avenues for future research and interventions to alleviate the burden of pregnancy-related back pain will be discussed.