Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Management of Pregnancy-Related Chronic Back Pain

Purpose of Review: Pregnancy-related back pain, defined as musculoskeletal pain arising during pregnancy and primarily attributable to gestational adaptations, is highly prevalent and often perceived as an inevitable, self-limited condition. However, a substantial proportion of individuals develop symptoms that persist beyond 3 months postpartum (herein referred to as pregnancy-related chronic back pain) with significant consequences for physical function, mental health, and quality of life. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the epidemiology, mechanisms, risk factors, and management of pregnancy-related chronic back pain. Recent Findings: Pregnancy induces biomechanical and hormonal changes that increase susceptibility to such pain conditions. Risk factors for persistent postpartum pain include high pre-pregnancy BMI, multiparity, prior pain history, early onset of gestational symptoms, and psychosocial comorbidities. Management should emphasize multimodal strategies, with first-line interventions including patient education, exercise therapy, lumbopelvic stabilization, and psycho-behavioral approaches. Pharmacologic therapies require careful maternal-fetal risk assessment, and adjunctive or procedural interventions may be considered in refractory cases. Summary: Recognizing pregnancy-related chronic back pain as a potentially debilitating condition may improve early identification, targeted prevention, and continued advancement of evidence-based care.