Pregnancy back pain is very common. At least 50 percent of pregnant women and up to 80 percent will experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy. This is completely natural from the added weight of the baby. However, combined with all the other issues that arise during pregnancy ranging from:
Mood swings
Morning sickness
Fatigue
Urinary issues
Lower back pain
This can cause uncomfortable symptoms and take a serious toll on the body. Severe back pain during pregnancy is rare. We’ll look at why you could develop pregnancy back pain, along with steps and proven ways to feel better.
Back Pain Causes
Pain can occur at any trimester, but it usually arises in the later months as the baby and belly grow. Pain can be mild to severe and usually happens in the lower back. There does not have to be pre-existing back problems.
Pregnancy itself changes the body in ways that can lead to back pain.Example: As the uterus gets heavier, there is the added strain placed on the back muscles. This can alter proper posture and cause discomfort/pain. Pregnancy changes the center of gravity and accentuates the spine’s curve in the lower back. When the abdominal muscles and core are weak and not strong enough, the changes of the curvature worsen since it is these muscles that stabilize the back.
When pregnant, the body releases a hormone called relaxin that loosens ligaments, which is the tissue that connects the bones to each other inside the pelvis. The ligament loosening can affect back support and be a cause for pain. Other reasons women experience pregnancy back pain include:
Stress
Poor posture
Standing for too long
Injury
Trauma
Tips for Relief
There are ways to ease pregnancy back pain without medical intervention. Here’s how:
Pay Attention to Posture
When standing up, make sure to stand straight with the shoulders held back. If you must remain standing for a long time, elevate one foot on a box, chair, or stool to relieve the pressure on the spine. Try to avoid standing for long periods. Remember to take regular breaks and get off your feet. Maintain proper posture when sitting, as well.
Utilize an Ergonomic Chair
Both at home and at work that offers plenty of support for the back. Also, a small cushion or pillow placed behind the lower back, along with a stool or footrest for elevating the feet can be highly beneficial.
Proper Lifting
Of course, do not lift heavy objects, and avoid bending at the waist to pick up items off the floor. Instead squat, bend the knees, and lift with the legs, not with the back.
Exercise
The best time to start an exercise regiment is before conception. Regular physical activity/exercise can help prevent and ease back pain, along with all of the other benefits.
Doing simple exercises before getting pregnant can improve core strength, which can go a long way. Try to get as close as possible to a healthy weight before getting pregnant. This has the added benefit of reducing pregnancy risks and cesarean delivery.
Once pregnant, mild or moderate exercise can help get a handle on back pain and prep the body for childbirth. Gentle workouts are the way to go. These will strengthen the back, core, and leg muscles. Recommended for pregnant women are:
Walking
Swimming
Prenatal yoga
Stretches
Ask your provider which exercises, stretches are best for you. Remember movement is far better than resting too much. Also, working with a physical therapist or chiropractor in back strength will help immensely.
Exercise Clothes
Wear comfortable, spine supportive shoes. High heels should be removed altogether and take caution with flats, as these can and do often lack arch support. Shoe inserts/orthotics can help.
Maternity support belts for back pain relief can also be an added tool. Currently, there is not a great deal of scientific proof that they work. But many women swear by them when they were pregnant.
Sleep Adjustments
Try sleeping on one side with the knees bent, along with a pillow between the knees or under the abdomen. Another possibility is using a firmer mattress. This can support the back better than a soft sinking mattress. If a firm mattress is not possible, consider placing a stiff board under the mattress for added firmness.
Take naps, making sure to get the proper sleep that the body needs. This is especially true as the later weeks of pregnancy approach. This is easier said than done, but a warm bath can help the body relax before bed.
Complementary practices
Some women have found alternative medical approaches like acupuncture and prenatal massage to be quite helpful in easing pregnancy back pain. Before trying it out talk to your OB/GYN. Once discussed, you can decide if it’s a healthy choice. Make sure the masseuse or alternative practitioner has experience working with pregnant women.
Pain Meds
Pregnancy back pain is a leading cause of opioid prescriptions. When it comes to medication, a critical issue is a potential for opioid abuse. There are some over-the-counter meds that can help ease back pain.
However, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs have been linked to pregnancy complications, and most doctors recommend not using them. Instead, try acetaminophen, which is just as effective and safe during pregnancy. Using hot and cold compresses and pain relief creams/ointments can also help. Pregnant women should always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Medical Help for Pregnancy Back Pain
During pregnancy, some back pain is normal. When there is severe pain, sudden pain, or pain that lasts longer than two weeks this could be a sign of a more serious condition. It could be an indication of preterm labor, a urinary tract infection, or kidney stones.
Call a doctor if you experience any of the following:
Accompanied back pain with vaginal bleeding, fever, urinary burning or changein vaginal discharge
Suddenly unable to walk due to pain or weakness
Lose feeling in the back, legs, buttocks, and pelvis
Numbness could be the sign of a compressed nerve
Conclusion
Pregnancy back pain usually fades away once the baby is born, these steps can be taken in the meantime to ease any discomfort. Don’t forget to ask your OB/GYN for recommendations.
Q: I’m experiencing back pain more so now.�My question is, is this back pain from my baby is it normal or is it something else? I’m a 30-year-old woman in the second trimester with our first child. I would have back pain before I was pregnant but nothing serious, just normal work and a little soreness at the end of the day. There was never back soreness or pain that I thought warranted a visit to the doctor. My doctor says that it is normal from the weight of the baby and there is nothing amiss, but to discuss this with a chiropractor, as there could be some treatment/therapies/exercises to help.
El Paso, TX.
A: Having low back pain before you were pregnant concerns me, as what you are saying sounds like a possible herniated disc bulging or slipped disc. However, I cannot give you an official diagnosis unless I see you as a patient and can’t say if it is something else.
But low back pain can be caused by a combination of things. This includes your pregnancy along with:
Herniated disc
Disc degeneration
Age
Muscle spasm/s
Daily wear and tear
Injuries
Unknown injuries
Added Weight
These are just a few of the things that could be causing your low back pain. Add pregnancy to this list and low back pain can become unbearable. Your pain can be made worse by a variety of factors.
For example, let’s say you were lifting a few pieces of light furniture before you became pregnant, and that slight soreness you felt and thought was nothing could actually be a strain, muscle spasm, or over-stretch that did not cause an injury but is the beginning of an injury waiting to happen.
During pregnancy, a growing belly can put place more pressure on the:
Intervertebral discs
Joints
Muscles
Ligaments
Hormones that are released during pregnancy can also exacerbate your back pain. The hormone relaxin causes the pelvis and the ligaments of the lower back to gain flexibility. This is in preparation for the delivery and can cause low back pain because of the added flexibility you are more prone to injury, which is why doctors say to take it easy. It could all be a combination of these factors but I would have to examine you, go over your medical history to get a proper diagnosis to create a personalized treatment plan during pregnancy and after if the need is there.
Treatment During Pregnancy
There are several treatment options for back pain. During pregnancy is not the time to experiment with medications or back pain treatments that could cause a negative response or something else to your health. The goal�during pregnancy is safety.
Here are four safe therapies for managing back pain while pregnant:
Gentle exercise/s like walking and yoga helps alleviate back pain and can also generate an overall feeling of wellness.
Physical therapy can decrease your back pain by strengthening the muscles. A physical therapist that has experience working with pregnant women is the best option.
Prenatal massage relaxes tense back muscles and reduces stress. Look for a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage.
Prenatal yoga classes are great for decompressing/destressing during pregnancy.
Discuss all of this with your doctor and all treatment options. It’s not a good idea to start a new exercise program when you’re pregnant. If there was a regular exercise routine before you were pregnant, you can continue, but you may have to make some adjustments as your body prepares for the delivery. Once the baby is born, you and your doctor can re-evaluate your treatment plan. But regardless of your treatment plan, you should still continue to maintain a proper healthy weight by eating right and exercising regularly to prevent back pain from worsening.
Low Back Pain Treatment While Pregnant
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back into proper balance. Regular chiropractic care and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease back pain so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.
Being pregnant is one of life’s many joys, however, with the added weight comes normal back pain that can lead to severe back pain that can lead to sciatica.
Expecting mothers have much to look forward to but when back pain and sciatica take hold, it can be exhausting, frustrating, and extremely painful. Women experiencing pregnancyback pain varies from woman to woman. To help prevent and alleviate back pain/sciatica, here are some answers as to how and why symptoms develop and what to do to make the pregnancy a joyful occasion.
Pregnancy Back Pain and Sciatica
Changes to the body throughout pregnancy affect more than its physical appearance.
The most common change is weight gain. Increased body weight, especially when bending puts pressure on the spinal discs. The most pressure is placed on the low back. Back, leg pain, and sciatica are common complaints.
Weight gain can cause piriformis syndrome and sciatica. The piriformis muscles help with thigh movement. Piriformis syndrome can develop if the muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, which causes a pinching or electrical shock feeling in the buttocks and back of the leg.
What some might not know is that as the uterus grows, the body’s center of gravity gets thrown off. What happens is the uterus expands inside the pelvis, and the spinal nerves in the low back that flow into the sciatic nerve gets compressed and irritated.
Hormones like relaxin, which is a hormone that relaxes the pelvic ligaments and helps prepare the mother’s body for birth. Relaxin loosens the ligaments in the other areas of the body, but primarily the joints in the pelvis, low back, and knees. When exercising or lifting objects it is easy to strain these relaxed areas. Therefore, move slowly, and avoid any sudden movements.
What Steps To Take
Work with a:
Doctor
Chiropractor
Midwife
Health care provider to keep body weight in check
Take note of posture:
Stand up straight
Shoulders back
Avoid leaning backward
Try a pillow:
A standard-sized pillow
Body pillow to help make sleeping comfortable
A pillow can be positioned between the knees and under the abdomen for support.
Prenatal yoga helps:
Stretch and tone muscles
Maintain flexibility
Improve balance and circulation
Relieves tension
Deep breathing plays a major role in yoga and is an added benefit as it can help expecting mothers relax during labor.
Simple cardiovascular exercises like walking or swimming can help keep weight under control and the body in shape. Ask a doctor or chiropractor if these types of exercises are right for you.
Prenatal massage is another option to help relieve pain and tension.
This type of massage eases:
Anxiety by stabilizing hormone levels
Back pain
Pelvic pain
Hip pain
Improves circulation and digestion
Helps reduce fatigue
A warm shower or bath can helps ease back pain.
Expectant mothers should avoid aromatic oils or aromatherapy candles like:
Basil
Juniper
Peppermint
Rosemary
Star anise
Some of these oils can cause contractions.
Acupuncture is another form of alternative therapy that can treat back pain and sciatica. Sterile, millimeter thin disposable needles are inserted into points on the body that are known as energy channels. The needles help to restore the balance of energy in the body. However, expectant mothers need to be past six months to receive this type of treatment as the energy flow can cause contractions.
Ergonomics At Work & Home
Expectant mothers should avoid:
Awkward postures
Over-exercising
Heavy lifting
Repetitive work
Especially during the third trimester.
The low back and leg muscles have to work harder to keep the body balanced. Just basic standing or walking can be a challenge. Swelling is common. Make sure to take constant breaks and full-body rest combined with elevating the feet can be very helpful.
Adding an ergonomic and adjustable chair with a lumbar support backrest and footrest is worth the investment. A chair like this can helps take the pressure off of the spine and working at a desk much more comfortable. It benefits to frequently stand and sit continually changing the body’s posture and working the various muscles, joints, and ligaments to keep the body loose. And it can be a form of exercise.
Light walking also helps to reduce any swelling through increased circulation.
Hopefully, you will not have to go through any kind of back pain or sciatica. But if pregnancy back pain and sciatica start to creep in, talk to your doctor, chiropractor, midwife, or health care professional first.
When your body is truly healthy, you will arrive at your optimal fitness level proper physiological fitness state. We want to help you live a new and improved lifestyle. Over the last two decades, while researching and testing methods with thousands of patients, we have learned what works effectively at decreasing pain while increasing human vitality.
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body’s own ability to achieve goals of improvement.
Back Pain During Pregnancy Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
NCBI Resources
Keeping the body, including the spine, in proper alignment is vital to mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness of the body even when it is not pregnant. However, pregnancy puts specific stress on the body, creating certain needs that chiropractic care can meet. It is safe, it is effective, it is fast, and it works.
Pelvic tilts to gently awaken the transverse abdominals
Side-stretching helps� expand the spine
Stretching the sides of your body allows for space between the ribs.
It alleviates back pain and improves breathing.
As pregnancy advances, the middle area of your body can feel tighter.
This is one reason you may feel out of breath.
My massage therapist shared a stretch that helps to open up this space.
Sit cross-legged and raise both arms toward the ceiling
Put your right hand down and, with the left hand, reach over toward the right side of the room
Repeat on the opposite side
Take deep breaths
The goal is to reach up and over to improve breathing.
Legs up the wall
Your legs, knees, and feet will begin to feel the effects of added bodyweight and pressure.
A restorative yoga pose that involves placing a yoga mat or blanket as a back cushion next to a wall.
Lie on the floor against the wall
Let your legs climb up the wall
Stretch arms outward and turn your palms up
Take deep breaths
This reverses the blood flow and gives your joints a much-needed break.
Hang out and enjoy.
If the back of your legs feel like it’s too much to stretch all the way up, bring the soles of your feet together and let the knees butterfly out to the sides.
Make it a Daily habit
It can be a struggle to do daily stretches and exercises, especially as things get crazier and busier.
But this is what makes these home exercises/tips work.
Get into the habit to make it more personal and make body-care a top priority.
Children and life will try to take over but your wellness needs to come first before the care of others.
Living with back pain is something I would not recommend trying. Instead, see a chiropractor/doctor and learn these exercises and more tips so you can work out the discomfort/pain whenever it presents and enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest.
Lower Back Pain Pregnancy Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX
Truide Torres, office supervisor, first considered chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez throughout her pregnancy as a consequence of her lower back pain. Mrs. Torres experienced aggravating symptoms throughout different stages of her pregnancy, which led her to seek a pure remedy strategy for her well-being, particularly because of her child in the womb. After Truide Torres began chiropractic therapy with Dr. Alex Jimenez, she recovered her overall well-being and managed to go back to her first state of well-being. As a professional manager, Truide Torres additionally receives regular chiropractic care for any lower back pain that might occur as a result of her occupation. Mrs. Truide expresses how important it is to keep her spinal care and she recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical pick for several health difficulties.
Low back pain, or LBP, is a normal health problem between the muscles, nerves, and bones of the spine. Pain could differ, often called a dull persistent pain or any sudden sharp sense. Low back pain could be classified by length and severity, including acute (pain lasting less than 6 weeks ), sub-chronic (6 to 12 months ), or chronic (over 12 weeks ). The status could be further categorized together with the inherent causes as both bodily, non-mechanical, or referred pain. The signs of lower back pain may generally improve in a couple of weeks, but a few instances may require further treatment. In virtually all episodes of lower back pain, a certain underlying cause is not identified or properly cared for, and health care professionals might feature it to muscle or joint strain.
What’s Afoot
The human body is an intricate machine, and everything is connected so when something goes wrong in one area, it can cause problems in other areas. The back carries a lot of the stress in the body so when there is a problem with the hips, knees, or a foot dysfunction, the spine can bear at least some of the brunt of the pain and other effects.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back into balance. Regular chiropractic care�and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease low back pain for the mom to be so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.
Truide Torres started having back pain throughout the progression of her pregnancy. After she began to experiencing many limitations with her daily physical activities, Truide Torres visited Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, to receive chiropractic care for her back pain. Because of her pregnancy, Truide Torres had some doubts, and she felt unsure about receiving chiropractic care. However, Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff reassured her and gave her the confidence to follow through with her treatment. Truide Torres recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez to anyone.
Chiropractic Help in Pregnancy
Chiropractic care provides maintenance to the spinal column, discs, bones, and nerves without drugs/medications or surgery. It helps correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, which reduces spinal nerve strain and promotes health and wellness throughout the body. There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Providing chiropractic care for pregnant women is routine care for the majority of chiropractors.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
Truide Torres, office manager, first considered chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez during her pregnancy as a result of her low back pain. Mrs. Torres experienced aggravating symptoms throughout the different stages of her pregnancy, which led her to seek a natural treatment strategy for her well-being, especially in consideration of her child in the womb. After Truide Torres started chiropractic treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez, she recovered her overall well-being and managed to return to her very first state of well-being. As a professional manager, Truide Torres additionally receives regular chiropractic care for any lower back pain which may occur as a result of her job. Mrs. Truide expresses how important it is to maintain her spinal maintenance and she urges Dr. Alex Jimenez as the nonsurgical choice for several health difficulties.
Lower Back Pain Pregnancy Chiropractic Treatment
Low�back pain, or LBP, is a normal health issue between the muscles, nerves, and bones of the spine. Pain may be different, often described as a dull persistent pain or some sudden sharp sense. Low back pain could be classified by severity and length, including acute (pain lasting less than 6 months ), sub-chronic (6 to 12 months ), or chronic (over 12 months ). The status could be further categorized together with all the underlying causes as both bodily, non-mechanical, or referred pain. The indications of lower back pain may generally improve in a couple of weeks, but a few cases may require additional treatment. In almost all episodes of lower back pain, a specific underlying cause isn’t identified or properly cared for, and healthcare professionals might feature it to joint or muscle strain.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
About 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience some type of pain back during their pregnancy. Access to the right treatment can be challenging because the connection between pregnancy and back pain is not fully comprehended. Luckily, back pain is typically short-term where most cases will go away shortly after the birth of your baby, however, waiting for the symptoms to go away on their own isn’t much of an appealing option. Back pain associated with pregnancy is often localized to a specific region of the spine rather than widespread. Back pain tends to arise between the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy, even though it can begin sooner.
Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
Women generally experience pregnancy-related back pain in the lower back, pelvic and sacrum regions of the spine. Pain along the pelvic area, for which a straightforward diagnosis isn’t yet determined, is referred to as peripartum pelvic pain. Peripartum refers to the period of time surrounding childbirth, which is usually several weeks prior to birth and a few weeks after birth.
Back pain associated with pregnancy presents itself most commonly in the following regions:
Sacroiliac joints in the posterior superior iliac spine
The groin areas
Coccyx
Pubic symphysis anteriorly
Furthermore, other areas of the pelvis and thighs may change and cause painful symptoms, however, radiating pain rarely occurs below the knees. Back pain during pregnancy tends to be associated with posture and can by influenced by a waddling gait.
What Increases Back Pain Symptoms During Pregnancy?
While several factors, including age and smoking status, have not been necessarily demonstrated to affect symptoms of back pain, a history of pain during pregnancy and a history of back pain in general, along with increased body mass, have already been linked to an increase in peripartum pain. Additionally, younger women often have more extreme pain compared to older women. Studies have reported that approximately 10 percent of women said back pain during pregnancy prevented them from engaging in their work and more than 80 percent stated that their ability to perform daily tasks was tremendously impacted.
What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy?
The cause of pregnancy-related back pain is likely associated with a combination of metabolic, circulatory, and psychosocial factors. However, most of the causes can be grouped into these areas:
Weight gain: Women typically gain between 20 and 40 pounds throughout pregnancy, which puts pressure on the spine. This added pressure might result in lower back pain and other painful symptoms.
Shift of gravity in center: As you gain weight along while your belly grows, your ability to keep proper posture becomes contested. Posture changes in pregnancy have been connected to spine issues such as herniated discs and lordosis, which might contribute to back pain.
Hormonal changes: Some women report back pain at the first trimester even though the majority of women begin experiencing pain back during the fifth and seventh months. Since the baby isn’t large enough to cause any stress to the spine, it may be hormonal changes causing the symptoms. Relaxin, a hormone that relaxes pelvic and spinal joints as well as the ligaments to ease childbirth is produced by pregnant women. Relaxin might cause some spinal distress and may result in lower back pain. In reality, sacroiliac dysfunction can be caused by certain hormones produced during pregnancy.
Stress: Pregnancy can be an exciting and special time for many women, but it can also be stressful. Stress can worsen back pain or even cause it. Finding ways to manage stress while pregnant may help ease your back pain.
Treatment
Treatments for pregnancy-related back pain involve lifestyle modifications, for example:
Avoiding excessive weight gain: A nutritious diet is one of the very best ways to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, and some foods have been associated with easing spinal distress (a frequent cause of low back pain). Eating 5 or more daily servings of veggies and fruits will provide nutrients. Other good options include fatty fish and nuts, such as mackerel, which pack a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation fighting agents.
Exercising to reinforce the core and back muscles: In general, pregnant women should avoid the extremes when it comes to action: little and too much action can possibly cause an increase in back pain. Walking, swimming, and yoga are great ways to condition yourself but always remember how to safely exercise while pregnant.
Reducing stress: Finding methods to manage your stress during your pregnancy has psychological in addition to physical benefits. A massage, getting lots of rest, and relaxing with a heating pad against your back are excellent ways to manage stress while helping your spine.
Posture: Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep good posture as your pregnancy progresses.
Investing in a pregnancy pillow to give support during sleep:�Pregnancy and sound sleep don’t always mix, but a supporting pillow may deliver more comfy mornings.
Wearing sensible shoes: Spine maintenance and footwear are all connected. Avoid high heels and flip flops, if your shoe size changes during pregnancy purchase new footwear.
If your back pain does not respond to these treatments, your doctor may suggest a prescription pelvic belt, medicine therapy, injection therapy, or bed rest. In addition, chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative treatment option for back pain during pregnancy.�Fortunately, back pain may disappear within 6 months following birth, letting you focus on the addition to your own life, your baby. Speak with your doctor about which treatment will be best for you if your pain does not subside after your baby arrives.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy: Benefits And Safety
Chiropractic care is the health care of the spine, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without the use of surgery or drugs and medications. It involves science and the art of adjusting and manipulating the joints of the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress and promotes health and wellness throughout the entire body.
Is Chiropractic Care During pregnancy safe?
There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to use spinal adjustment and manual manipulations on women who are pregnant. Investing in the maternity and fertility wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a top priority for chiropractors. Some chiropractors take a particular interest in prenatal and postnatal care and seek out additional training. Below represents designations of chiropractors that have taken these additional steps.
DACCP � Diplomate with ICPA reflecting highest level of advanced training
CACCP � Certified with the ICPA reflecting advanced training
Member of ICPA reflecting special interest
Webster Certified � trained to work specifically with pelvic balance in pregnancy
Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women can use tables that adjust to a pregnant female’s body, and they will use treatment methods and techniques that prevent unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, who is trained in the requirements of pregnant women may also supply you with exercises and stretches that are safe to participate in when pregnant.
Why Should I Have Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for establishing the right environment for your growing baby. However, these changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints, including:
Protruding abdomen and increased spine
Pelvic changes
Postural adaptations
Establishing pelvic balance and orientation is just another reason to consider chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned, or subluxated, it may reduce the amount of space available for the growing baby. This limitation is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it hard for the baby to get in the best possible position for delivery. This may affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions lead to interventions such as c-sections and can interfere with the ease of labor. The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine healthy assists the whole body to function more effectively.
What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can offer benefits for women that are pregnant. Possible advantages of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy include:
Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
Controlling symptoms of nausea
Reducing the time of labor and delivery
Relieving back, neck or joint pain
Preventing a potential cesarean delivery
Chiropractic Care and Breech Deliveries
The late Larry Webster, D.C., Creator of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), developed a specific chiropractic evaluation and modification which empowers chiropractors to establish balance in the pregnant female’s pelvis to reduce undue stress for the uterus and supporting ligaments of pregnant women. This balanced state in the pelvis has been clinically demonstrated to allow for optimal fetal positioning. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.
It is considered ordinary by a few for a baby to present breech until the next trimester. Most birth professionals aren’t concerned with breech presentations until a patient is 37 months into their pregnancy. Roughly 4 percent of all pregnancies lead to a breech presentation. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82 percent success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Furthermore, the results from the study suggest it may be beneficial to use the Webster Technique, in the 8th month of pregnancy, even when a female has a breech presentation.
Currently the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends women receive chiropractic care during pregnancy to set up pelvic balance and optimize the area in which a baby needs for growth during pregnancy. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater prospect of moving to the correct place for arrival, and the crisis and worry related to breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal infant positioning in the right time of birth also removes the potential for dystocia (hard labou) and, therefore, results in simpler and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
During pregnancy, the overall health and wellness of the mother is essential towards the proper development of the baby. Because the body of a woman goes through many changes throughout their pregnancy, however, some changes to the human body may cause health issues if not properly checked by a healthcare professional. Back pain is a common health issue reported by many pregnant women. Fortunately, safe and effective alternative treatment options for both mothers and their babies are available to help ease their painful symptoms. Chiropractic care is a well-known treatment which can be used efficiently to help ease back pain in pregnant women.
Talk to a Healthcare Professional
As more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, more health care providers are seeking trained doctors of chiropractic in their own communities to refer their pregnant patients to. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider. Ask them to find out more about its benefits, if they are not yet knowledgeable about chiropractic care in pregnancy. Above all, seek options that support your body’s natural abilities to function and find a team of healthcare professionals that are respectful of your options. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
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