Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of physiotherapeutic interventions on pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. For lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy, the evidence was strong for beneficial effects of acupuncture and pelvic belts. The evidence was low for exercise in general and for specific stabilizing exercises. The evidence was very limited for the effectiveness of water gymnastics, progressive muscle relaxation, a specific pelvic tilt exercise, osteopathic manual therapy, craniosacral therapy, electrotherapy and yoga. For postpartum lumbopelvic pain, the evidence was very limited for clinic-based treatment concepts, including specific stabilizing exercises, and for self-management interventions for women with severe disabilities. No specific adverse events were reported for any intervention. No meta-analysis could be performed because of study heterogeneity.

The levels of evidence were strong for a beneficial effect of acupuncture and pelvic belts, but weak for an effect of specific exercises. Caution should be the first consideration in selecting other interventions for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.