IMPACT OF LOW BACK PAIN ON PREGNANT WOMEN AND MAIN THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The gestational period is marked by several morphological, biomechanical and physiological changes, despite being considered a normal event, several challenges are presented to pregnant women, especially low back pain. This study is an integrative literature review that seeks to survey the impacts of low back pain on pregnant women and the therapeutic interventions used. The electronic search was carried out between June and July 2021 in the following databases: PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and PEDro. Articles were selected within the last 5 years, in English and Portuguese, originals, which were available in full free of charge, and published in indexed journals. Low back pain has a multifactorial cause that significantly limits several daily activities of pregnant women. Its prevalence among the studies was high, with emphasis on multiparous pregnant women, with a history of low back pain in previous pregnancies and low back pain prior to pregnancy. The therapeutic interventions found in the articles were pilates, kinesio taping, acupuncture and especially low to moderate intensity physical exercises. From the studies identified in this review, it was possible to observe that low back pain affects a significant portion of women during pregnancy, which limits activities of daily living and decreases functional capacity and quality of life. In general, the implementation of physical activities and non-pharmacological therapeutic methods are presented as effective possibilities of intervention for this public, with improvement in symptoms and in the well-being of these women.