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Fiat F, Merghes PE, Scurtu AD, Almajan Guta B, Dehelean CA, Varan N, Bernad E. The Main Changes in Pregnancy—Therapeutic Approach to Musculoskeletal Pain. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58081115. [PMID: 36013582 PMCID: PMC9414568 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: During pregnancy, women undergo various physiological and anatomical changes that are accentuated as the pregnancy progresses, but return to their previous state a few weeks/months after the pregnancy. However, a targeted therapeutic approach is needed. Most of the time, during this period, these changes precipitate the appearance of pain, musculoskeletal pain being the most common. Pregnant women should avoid treating musculoskeletal pain with medication and should choose alternative and complementary methods. Exercise along with rest is the basis for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. Side effects of physical therapy are rare and, in addition, it is not contraindicated in pregnant women. The benefits of this type of treatment in combating pain far outweigh the risks, being an easy way to improve quality of life. The objective of this article is to discuss the management of musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, to identify the main musculoskeletal pain encountered in pregnant women along with drug treatment, and to expose the beneficial effects of alternative and complementary methods in combating pain. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using medical databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, using the keywords “changes of pregnancy”, “musculoskeletal pain”, “pregnancy pain”, “pain management”, “pharmacological approach”, “alternative and complementary treatment” and specific sites. Information was collected from studies whose target population included pregnant women who complained of musculoskeletal pain during the 9 months of pregnancy; pregnant women with other pathologies that could increase their pain were not included in this review. Results: The articles related to the most common non-obstetric musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy along with pharmacological treatment options and alternative and complementary methods for musculoskeletal pain management during pregnancy were selected. Conclusions: The results were used to guide information towards the safest methods of therapy but also to raise awareness of the treatment criteria in order to compare the effectiveness of existing methods. Treatment must consider the implications for the mother and fetus, optimizing non-pharmacological therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Fiat
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology II, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Petru Eugen Merghes
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Mihai I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Denisa Scurtu
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.D.S.); (B.A.G.)
| | - Bogdan Almajan Guta
- Department of Physical Therapy and Special Motor Skills, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Parvan Boulevard, No. 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.D.S.); (B.A.G.)
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Narcis Varan
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Mihai I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena Bernad
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology II, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Abstract
The pharmacopeia of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is ever expanding, and many of these nonprescription agents cause a variety of adverse drug-drug and drug-patient interactions. It is therefore essential that physicians be aware of the more than 700 active ingredients available in OTC drugs at the local store and make a concerted effort to identify which ones their patients are taking. Healthcare providers also need to educate patients about the potential effects of OTC drugs and encourage them to consult either their physician or their pharmacist before attempting self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Holden
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0804
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