Stabilization exercises in postnatal low back pain

Postnatal low back pain is a frequent complication of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of McGill-based stabilization exercise program in reducing pain and disability in patients with postnatal low back pain. Thirtyfour female subjects with postnatal low back pain participated in this study. Numerical rating scale and Oswestry disability questionnaire were used to measure pain and disability, respectively. The first group (n=17, mean age= 29.5, SD=5.2) received a traditional intervention only (heat therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises). The second group (n=17, mean age=26.4, SD=5.3) received McGill-based stabilization exercises. The second group showed statistically significant differences in pain reduction (F_1,31 = 10.189, P<0.025) and disability reduction (F_1,31= 15.351, P<0.025). A program based on McGill stabilization of the trunk was found to reduce pain and disability in women with postnatal low back pain.