title: Understanding and managing the back pain of pregnancy.
abstract: Approximately 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy. The causes and risk factors associated with the back pain encountered during pregnancy continue to be evaluated. The key to evaluating and managing these patients is the history and physical examination. Recognizing characteristics of the frequently encountered back pain of pregnancy as well as uncommon sources of back pain during pregnancy is essential in establishing an accurate diagnosis and initiating prompt and effective management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, OP31, Portland 97201-3098, USA. carlsonh@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: Hans L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Nels L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Bryan A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Pasternak
authors.forename: Keith D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Balderston
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications