Posted On: August 11, 2008

While pregnancy is a happy time for many people, it can also bring on debilitating back pain. Women who had hoped to work during their pregnancy find it difficult to do so. They also have difficulty taking care of their other children or doing housework. Cindi A. Prentiss Lattanzio, MBA, PT, OCS, Cert. MDT, LMT, created a program specifically for this unique back pain during pregnancy. Lattanzio owns Physical Therapy & Beyond in Smithtown and East Setauket, LI.

"I don't see patients with minor 'pregnancy complaints,'" she said. "If they are taking time out of their busy schedules, they need to be treated. And unfortunately, some of the older OB/GYNs tell them, 'It's all a part of pregnancy, so deal with it.'"

After Lattanzio treats these clients, they can do more than deal with it - they're returning to work and experiencing a joyous pregnancy instead of one marred by pain.

She begins with a subjective evaluation that includes a lumbar roll in the small of the back while the client is sitting. This assesses whether postural correction is a pain reliever.

"I take care to avoid prolonged supine lying after the first trimester, due to pressure of the IVC impeding blood flow back to the heart," she said. "Instead of prone lying I utilize the quadruped or sidelying positions for evaluation and treatment. I also utilize pregnancy tables, that have a cutout and sling for the belly and breasts."

Lattanzio uses a McKenzie approach with mechanical diagnosis and therapy, looking for movements that recreate or worsen the pain and movements that decrease or eliminate the symptoms. She modifies the positions for pregnancy, for instance, instead of repeated extension in lying, she utilizes the "camel" for extension in quadruped. She also utilizes manual therapy with postural reeducation, and retraining and therapeutic exercises for strengthening and contracting weak muscles (hip extensors, hip abductors, pelvic floor, and more). Patients are also required to follow a home exercises program to maintain the gains after physical therapy.

"Postural reeducation is of utmost importance. They must maintain a neutral posture when sitting or standing. And if any patient tells me the exercise is not helping, I reassess before changing it as she may be performing it incorrectly," she shared. "In my experience, proper posture, body mechanics and sleeping techniques can prevent and alleviate back pain in all populations."

As for her pregnancy and back pain program, Lattanzio tried it herself after a first pregnancy filled with severe lower back pain, intermittent referred symptoms and pelvic instability due to hormones.

"I followed my pregnancy program during my second pregnancy and was pain free," she said. "I feel so gratified each day to help pregnant women get back to enjoying life once again."