Effect of Shock Wave Therapy on Postpartum Low Back Pain

Abstract
Background: Almost 50 percent of women suffer from lower back pain in the first few months after having baby; Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) is effective in numerous types of musculoskeletal disorders.
Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to determine the effect of shock wave therapy in treating postpartum low back pain.
Patients and Methods: Thirty volunteers multiparous women suffering from postpartum low back pain for at least 3 months following delivery were participated in this study. They were referred from the Outpatient Clinic of Orthopedic and Outpatient Clinic of Gynecology in Al-Agouza Police Authority Hospital. Their age ranged from 25-35 years old with a mean value 29.3±2.4 years. Parity ranged from (2-3) and their body mass index not exceed 30kg/m2 with a mean value (26.11±1.76)kg/m2. The patients were divided randomly into two equal Groups (A & B). Patients in Group A (study group) were treated by shock wave on the lumber region in addition to abdominal and back exercise together with postural correction training, 2 times per week for 8 sessions. All patients in both Groups (A & B) were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and plasma serotonin level before starting and after the end of treatment program.
Results: Showed a highly significant (p=0.000) decrease in VAS and increase in plasma serotonin level after the treatment program in both groups, yet this decrease in VAS and increase in serotonin plasma level was more pronounced and statistically significant (p=0.000) in the study group when compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Shock wave therapy is an effective modality in alleviating postpartum low back pain.