top of page

Causes of Neck Pain During Pregnancy

Neck pain is a common complaint and many women experience neck pain while pregnant. There are several reasons why neck pain is common during pregnancy. The extra weight of the baby and the change in the center of gravity can cause strain on the neck and shoulders resulting in neck pain. The hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy to help prepare the body for childbirth, can also contribute to neck pain by causing ligaments and joints to loosen. Poor posture and stress can also lead to neck pain.

woman neck pain.jpg

Common Causes of Neck Pain In Pregnancy

Neck pain during pregnancy is common, but there are ways to help lessen the discomfort. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain during pregnancy and how to manage them.

 

One of the most common causes of neck pain during pregnancy is poor posture. As your belly grows, it becomes more difficult to maintain good posture. Try to avoid slouching and hunching over. Instead, stand tall and keep your shoulders back. Another way to improve your posture is to wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

 

Another common cause of neck pain during pregnancy is sleeping position. Many women find that sleeping on their back can aggravate neck pain. If possible, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. This will take some pressure off your back and help alleviate neck pain.

 

Hormonal changes can cause the ligaments in your spine to loosen and the joints in your pelvis to loosen. These changes can lead to pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Additionally, the extra weight of pregnancy can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in your back and neck.

Hormonal Changes Causing Neck Pain During Pregnancy

As your baby grows during pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. This hormone helps to prepare your body for childbirth by loosening the joints and ligaments. However, it can also cause neck pain in some pregnant women as relaxin affects the entire body, even the muscles in your neck.

 

The weight of your growing baby can put additional strain on your neck and shoulders. You may also find that you are unable to sleep comfortably due to the changes in your body. These factors can all contribute to neck pain during pregnancy.

Posture Changes Causing Neck And Shoulder Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it's common for women to experience neck and shoulder pain as their posture changes. This can be caused by the extra weight of the baby and breasts, which can lead to headaches and tension in the neck and shoulders.

 

As pregnancy progresses, the position of the baby changes, which can lead to neck pain and headaches as well. The best way to relieve this pain is to keep your head and shoulders in alignment. The Webster Technique is a great option to relieve back and neck pain as you transition through the different stages of pregnancy.

 

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that is helpful in restoring proper pelvic alignment and function thereby allowing for the woman's body to be in a more comfortable position. This in turn can help to optimize the position of the baby for delivery. The goal of the Webster Technique is to reduce the amount of interference within the mother’s pelvis so that the baby can move into the optimal position for delivery.

 

The Webster Technique was first developed by Dr. Larry Webster, a chiropractor, in 1978. Dr. Webster noticed that when pregnant women received regular chiropractic care, they were less likely to experience difficult or breech births. The technique has since been found to be helpful in a variety of other ways as well, including reducing neck and back pain throughout the pregnancy.

woman laying on bed.jpg

Sleeping Positions As A Remedy
For Neck Pain

There are many things that can cause neck pain, but did you know that your sleeping position could be to blame? If you find yourself waking up with a stiff neck, there are a few different sleeping positions you can try that may help to ease the pain.

 

For starters, if you sleep on your back, be sure to use a pillow that supports your head and neck. This will help to keep your spine in alignment while you sleep. Be aware that as you progress through your pregnancy, women are advised to sleep on their sides especially in the third trimester to reduce pressure on the abdominal aorta. If you prefer to sleep on your side, again, use a pillow that supports your head and neck and also place one between your knees to help prevent pelvic pain. This will help to keep your spinal alignment and prevent strain on your muscles and joints helping you in getting a good night's sleep.

 

If you wake up with neck pain after trying these sleeping positions, it's important to speak with a doctor or healthcare provider so they can determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment.

Upper Back Pain Leading To Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it's common for women to experience upper back pain, which can lead to lower back pain as well.

There are a few things that can cause this type of pain. First, the extra weight from pregnancy can put a strain on the upper back and shoulders changing the posture of your entire body. As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward as your baby develops in the uterus. This can cause you to round your shoulders and put extra strain on your upper back muscles. Additionally, the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth, which can lead to instability and pain.

 

During the prenatal period, it's not uncommon for women to experience upper back pain that radiates down to the lower back. This can be especially troublesome during the later stages of pregnancy when daily activities become more difficult.

 

Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to ease the discomfort. First, try to maintain good posture throughout the day. Additionally, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help keep the muscles in the back strong and supple. If pain persists, check with your doctor about other options such as chiropractic care, neck massage, or acupuncture to help relieve pain.

woman holding back of neck.jpg

Steps To Take In Pregnancy To Ease Neck Pain

Neck pain is common starting in the first trimester of pregnancy all the way through to the postpartum period but there are steps you can take from the comfort of your home to ease the discomfort. First, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. This will help support your back and keep your spine in alignment reducing stiffness in the neck. You can also try using a heating pad on low heat to keep your muscles warm or an ice pack for short periods of time to loosen up tight muscles. Finally, be sure to practice good posture and avoid slouching, which can worsen neck pain. With a little care, you can find relief from those early pregnancy aches and pains you're experiencing in your neck muscles.

Care at Base Camp Health

​

At Base Camp Health, we specialize in helping women who are experiencing pain in pregnancy through gentle, specific, and holistic chiropractic care. Our chiropractors utilize the Webster Technique to allow for the ideal positions for your body during pregnancy to help decrease the discomforts that are common during pregnancy. Schedule a time for our doctors to come to you in the comfort of your own home today.

bottom of page