Pregnancy Care
Chiropractic is a safe drug-free approach for the pregnant woman that suffers from back pain.
Pregnant ladies are some of the happiest patients but if back pain strikes it can put a damper on a beautiful time in life. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.1-3 This is especially true during the last trimester, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. For women who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse.
During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward which increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spine. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases. This can create tension and discomfort in the mid-upper back, neck and shoulders and could contribute to an increase frequency of headaches.
Pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances.
How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?
Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to discomfort during pregnancy. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is a safe drug-free approach for the pregnant woman. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Post-Partum
Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the weeks following delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems.
Dr. Tara Price
Dr. Tara Price is a mother of four young boys and has been treating pregnant women since 2003. She has completed extra course work in chiropractic for pediatrics and pre/post natal care. Dr. Tara promotes a healthy pregnancy for moms to be by offering advice and support in the areas of posture, nutrition and fitness.
References
- Östgaard HC, et al. Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52.
- Berg G, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988;71:71-5.
- Mantle MJ, et al. Backache in pregnancy. Rheumatology Rehabilitation 1977;16:95-101.