Yet with treatment after the first episode, chances of recurrence decrease to 33 percent, he said. Ideally, mothers could avoid future problems by early treatment, but "probably fewer women come in because they think it's part of daily life," and caring for themselves "gets put on the back burner" when they are caring for children.

"Many people feel better after six to eight weeks with the first episode. Once they feel better, they don't feel they need to come in."

Those who do seek treatment from a physical therapist are categorized according to the type of pain they have. Manual manipulation of the spine can be targeted at specific tightness, with therapeutic exercises targeted at specific muscle limitations.

Traction can be used for those with low back and leg pain that doesn't get better with particular types of movement, Magel said. He also uses specific repetitive therapeutic movements to reduce pain and improve function.

Through therapy and education, "the goal is to help people manage their symptoms on their own."

Healthcare Hotline today from 10 a.m. to noon

Low back pain and incontinence are the topics for today's Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline. From 10 a.m. to noon, Jake Magel, a physical therapist and director of the Intermountain Orthopedic and Spine Therapy Clinic at Intermountain Medical Center, will join fellow therapist Susan McLaughlin to answer questions. From the Salt Lake area, call 801-236-6061. Elsewhere, the toll-free number is 800-925-8177, only operational during hotline hours. This month, you may also e-mail questions to hotline@desnews.com from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. A sampling of questions and the answers will be posted online at deseretnews.com next Friday.

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com