EFFECTIVENESS OF SPINAL GRADED EXERCISES ON LOW BACK PAIN AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems experienced by
lactating mothers during the postpartum period. Prolonged breastfeeding posture, repeated infant handling,
muscular weakness, and postural changes contribute to increased stress on the lumbar spine, leading to
pain and functional limitation. Physiotherapy interventions such as spinal graded exercises may help in
reducing pain and improving functional ability among lactating mothers. Aim: To determine the
effectiveness of spinal graded exercises on low back pain among lactating mothers. Methodology: An
experimental study design was conducted among 30 lactating mothers with low back pain selected through
convenient sampling technique. Pre-test assessment was carried out using the Visual Analogue Scale
(VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Participants underwent a structured spinal graded exercise
program including pelvic tilting, cat-camel exercise, abdominal bracing, bridging exercise, stretching, and
postural correction exercises. The intervention was given for 4 weeks under physiotherapy supervision.
Post-test assessment was performed using the same outcome measures after completion of the intervention.
Results: The study findings showed significant reduction in low back pain and improvement in functional
ability after spinal graded exercises. The mean VAS score reduced from 7.2 ± 1.1 during pre-test to 3.8 ±
1.0 during post-test. Similarly, the mean ODI score improved from 42.5 ± 5.2 to 24.3 ± 4.1 after
intervention, with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that spinal graded
exercises are effective in reducing low back pain and improving functional performance among lactating
mothers. The exercises helped improve spinal mobility, core stability, posture, and muscular strength. Early
physiotherapy intervention through graded exercise programs may play an important role in postpartum
rehabilitation and maternal well-being.