Shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain: Are older primiparas more vulnerable?

To describe changes in prevalence of shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain during the first 6 months postpartum, and to examine the association of these symptoms with maternal age and parity.

Participants were recruited from 13 Japanese hospitals between 2012 and 2013. A total of 2709 (response rate 71.9%) women provided longitudinal data, using self-report questionnaires at 5 time points: during their hospital stay, and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum. Shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain were measured, using checklists with yes-no responses. The effects of age and parity were assessed in 4 groups of younger (<35 years) and older (≥35 years) mothers: 983 younger primiparas, 481 older primiparas, 649 younger multiparas, and 596 older multiparas. Chi-square tests and Cochran's Q tests were used to assess effects of group and time.

Prevalence of shoulder stiffness, back pain, and wrist pain during the hospital stay significantly increased up to 1 month postpartum for older primiparas, who were also the most vulnerable to back pain and wrist pain at 1 month postpartum.

Special attention should be given to older primiparas in assessing and providing nursing care for physical symptoms, especially during the first month postpartum.