How are your low back pain, leaking, and ab separation related?
I made a post a while back about how women who experience low back pain are likely to also be experiencing leakage and diastasis recti. You may be wondering “what do all these things have in common?” I’ll tell you!
Diastasis recti:
A big word for a separation of the six pack muscles down the middle. This happens to 100% of women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It’s absolutely necessary to accommodate the growing baby in your belly. So we are glad it happens. But, it can leave us with some lingering issues that need to be addressed after delivery. Not always, but A LOT of the time, your ability to contract your core muscles and bring the two halves closer together gives us a clue into what your core strength is like. If you’re weak here, then there’s a chance your low back is not well supported, force isn’t transferred very well during regular activity and exercise, and your movement is dysfunctional.
Leaking:
People with low back pain may often complain of leaking. If you have a great therapist, they will make that connection! You just read a little about weak core muscles. Training your muscles to work together in a coordinated way not only helps to alleviate low back pain, but decreases the pressure put on the pelvic floor with sneezing, coughing, laughing, and exercising. Patients are blown away at how much their pain changes and how little they leak with just a little core activation and coordination.
So, if you come see me with low back pain, be prepared to answer a few personal questions about whether or not you pee your pants and try not to giggle too much when I poke your belly to feel for the ab separation. I’m on a quest to fix your problems, not only your pain!
If you have more questions, give me a shout!
Dr. Rachel Atufunwa PT, DPT