Use of a Maternity Support Binder for Relief of Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

Abstract

To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a support binder for low back pain in pregnancy. Pilot study, using a prospective, two-group design with repeated measures. Ambulatory maternity clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Women of at least 20 weeks gestation with low back pain, but no preexisting back or disc disease. Thirty women assigned to the intervention group and 10 to a comparison group. Participants completed a pain assessment at pretest. Intervention participants received a maternity support binder to wear while awake for 2 weeks. At an appointment 2 weeks later, a posttest questionnaire and a taped interview were administered. The comparison group participants received the support binder after the second appointment. Back pain intensity, duration, and effect on daily activities were assessed using a pain in pregnancy questionnaire. The intervention group had significant reduction in mean pain scores and effect of pain on daily activities, including family, house and yard, recreational, exercise, and sleep. Interaction of group by time was significant for change in pain and effect on family, house and yard, and exercise activities. The use of a support binder for pregnancy-related low back pain is a promising intervention and was well-accepted by the participants.