Upper back and rib pain in pregnancy
July 2, 2019
Upper back and rib pain in pregnancy
Upper back and rib pain is very common in pregnancy and it is commonly caused by hormones which make your soft tissue, ligaments and muscles more stretchy to allow the baby to grow inside the uterus. By your third trimester the uterus has expanded so much that it sits under your diaphragm and your ribs begin to stretch more forward to allow the baby to continue to grow.
What does rib pain in pregnancy feel like?
- Pain under the sternum or around the ribs
- Tenderness to touch along the ribs
- Pain with coughing, sneezing or taking a deep breath
- Pain in sitting, bending or slouching
How can our Physio’s help?
Our treatment usually involves soft tissue therapy to the muscles around your ribs and upper back
Postural advice and taping
Tubigrip can be helpful to support the ribs and back
Postural strengthening exercises and stretches to help loosen up tight muscles and joints
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