Comparison of the incidence of pelvic girdle pain and back pain in women after vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the Slovak female population

Abstract

Background: A common problem in women after childbirth is the frequent occurrence of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and back pain (LBP). To date, no study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of these types of pain. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of PGP and LBP in women after vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the Slovak Republic over the course of one year in 2024. Methods: Cross-sectional study, the research sample consisted of 791 women 12 weeks to one year after delivery. The average age was 31.43 years. Standardized questionnaires were used for the Slovak version Pelvic Gridle questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion: Based on the type of delivery, the sample was divided into a group with spontaneous delivery comprising 633 women and a group with cesarean section comprising 158 women. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of pain and disability in the spine and in its intensity, with stronger pain in the cesarean section group. The type of delivery did not affect the incidence of pelvic girdle pain after delivery. Cesarean section was associated with greater pain intensity and disability in the spine. Disruption of the integrity of the abdominal wall, increased sensitivity in the area of the cesarean section scar, and a restricted movement regime may explain the higher incidence of pain in the spine in women after cesarean section.