Evaluation of osteopathic manipulative treatment in pain reduction in pregnant women during third trimester and postpartum: Review Article

Abstract

Abstract The female body undergoes physiological changes during pregnancy that often lead to low back pain (LBP). To assess a non-pharmaceutical treatment option for LBP, a literature review was conducted comparing research trials using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and its effect on LBP experienced in the third trimester and postpartum. Research studies using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to rate pain were used and the effects of OMT was analyzed. It was found that, compared to usual treatment for LBP, OMT provided significant relief of pain for patients. While research conducted in pregnant populations is limited, further research is required to assess OMT technique models on individuals and the effect on pain throughout pregnancy through the postpartum period.