Assessment and treatment of low back pain in working pregnant women.

One of every two pregnant women experiences some type of back pain. This lowers the quality of life and causes absence from work for many women. Treatment is often unsuccessful because the problem is not well defined. There also is confusion concerning where these women should be treated. The authors define this problem and suggest a method for classification of back pain in pregnancy into two different pain types and provide a model for treating pregnant women with these pain types during and after pregnancy. Following these guidelines, back pain in pregnancy can be reduced in frequency and intensity, absence from work can be diminished, and persistent pain after delivery can be virtually extinguished. The program includes education of pregnant women in how to manage their specific pain type and contains no passive treatment. The cost-benefit relationship is very good. Team work among the obstetrician, midwife, and physiotherapist is important.