our Story

Angie & Fisher Sutton

Having back pain, baby?

Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy.  But for some mothers, back pain related to pregnancy can make the blessed event a lot more challenging.  This was the case for Angie Sutton of Erin.  Angie started experiencing back pain about half way through her second pregnancy.
As a 5th grade teacher, Angie needed to be able to stand for long periods, lean over students’ desks, and sit.  These were the exact activities that made her pain worse.  “I wanted to work as long as I could and the pain was making that difficult,” states Sutton.
That is when Angie’s doctor recommended she see a physical therapist at High Pointe Rehab.  “I remember that first visit,” she states.  “Usually my pain increased when I was driving and that trip home didn’t hurt – it was fantastic.”
Jessie Carter, PT, comments, “Not every patient experiences pain relief the first visit like Angie did but usually a therapist trained in treating obstetric clients can address the aches and pains related to pregnancy quite successfully.”  In Sutton’s case physical therapy treatment involved hands-on techniques, exercise, and education.  Bracing is another option therapists may use to help stabilize the pelvis and spine.
Pregnancy places a lot of stress on the body that can lead to discomfort and pain.  During pregnancy, the ligaments and joints of the body oftentimes move too much – this makes mom susceptible to injury.  Sutton’s experience was unique in another way – at the age of 38, her body would respond differently than it did during her first pregnancy 16 years earlier.  Come to find out, Angie was also carrying a large baby on her petite frame.
“While the risk of musculoskeletal injury with pregnancy goes up with age, Angie’s pain was not solely related to age or the size of her baby,” states Carter.  “Angie exhibited the same problems that I see in moms in their 20s, 30s, and 40s carrying smaller babies.”  Carter emphasizes that pain at any time is not normal but rather our body’s way of telling us something is wrong.
Angie gave birth to Fisher Scott Sutton on February 6, 2008.  He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20 ½ inches long.  Mom and baby are doing well (without the pain).  Angie reports that motherhood the second time around has been “wonderful” and that Fisher was more than worth the pain in getting him here!
For tips on how to protect your back after baby arrives, visit Posture Tips for Mom for more information.