Diastasis Recti Abdominis Is Associated with Non-Specific Lower Back Pain in Postpartum Women
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Abstract
Background: During pregnancy and childbirth there is stretching of the linea alba which results in diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a condition where the abdominal muscles separate. Postpartum women with DRA often experience non-specific low back pain. This study aims to examine the association between DRA severity and non-specific low back pain in postpartum women.
Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach with an analytical cross-sectional study research design. A total of 30 postpartum women at the were selected as samples using a purposive sampling technique. The degree of DRA was measured using a digital caliper, while non-specific low back pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between DRA severity and low back pain intensity (r = 0.519; p = 0.003), indicating that higher DRA severity is associated with greater pain intensity.
Conclusion: DRA severity is moderately associated with non-specific low back pain in postpartum women. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing abdominal muscle integrity in postpartum care.
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