Back pain and pregnancy: A review

Back pain is a common symptom in association with pregnancy. This article reviews the pathogenesis of back pain during pregnancy (gestational back pain) and of new onset postpartum back pain. The studies implicating epidural analgesia and postpartum back pain are discussed. Possible physiological mechanisms contributing to gestational back pain are outlined. Guidelines are provided for the prevention and symptomatic management of the back pain syndromes of pregnancy.