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Pregnancy Releated Back Pain

 

If you are pregnant or have been pregnant, then it is highly possible that you have or will develop low back pain. During pregnancy you are more susceptible to back pain for several reasons: 

 

  • The increasing weight and size of the baby adds stress to the spinal joints and pelvis, ultimately leading to joint restriction/dysfunction.
     

  • As the baby grows, stretching of the abdominal muscles occurs, which weakens your core.
     

  • A hormone called relaxin is released which may cause one or more of the joints in your spine or pelvis to become too loose or unstable.

 

Also, it is not uncommon to experience leg pain or sciatica during or after pregnancy. 

 

Alternative Chiropractic's Treatment Approach Includes:

 

  • Chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments:  Adjustments are vitally important because they correct joint restrictions that may develop due to increasing weight of the baby. 
     

  • Muscle and soft tissue techniques: Gentle myofascial releasing techniques help reduce muscle pain, tightness and adhesions.
     

  • Therapeutic exercises: Specific “low tech” rehabilitation exercises and assisted stretches are recommended to regain core stability, strengthen weak/inhibited muscles and improve flexibility of tight muscles.
     

  • Support Brace: Pelvic or lumbar support belts are sometimes used in cases of sacroiliac or lumbar intervertebral joint instability.

 

For the safety of your baby, we do not x-ray patients who are pregnant.

 

At first glance, most people don’t see the connection between chiropractic and pregnancy. However, there are four stages in which having an optimally working nervous system can help both mother and child.

 

Pre-Conception

 

Chiropractic care prepares the body to be as strong, supple and balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy.

 

Pregnancy

 

Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy appeals to mothers who seek a natural approach to better health.

 

Labor and Birth

 

Many rely on chiropractic care to help assure optimum biomechanics of the hips and spine in the hopes of reducing the need for interventions during the birth process.

 

After Birth

 

Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine. Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side.

 

Relax. We use special approaches to make our adjustments safe and comfortable for you and your child.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Will adjustments hurt my baby?

Of course not. This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think their child will receive adjustments like the ones they receive. Not only are adjusting techniques modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem, an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine considerably less than an adult’s does.

 

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

 

Pregnancy is natural. Why would I need chiropractic?

Being born is a natural phenomenon. It’s what we’ve done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, birth is often treated like a disease. A newborn’s introduction to the world is often accompanied by a severe drop in temperature, loud noises and other insensitivities. The administration of drugs and anesthesia can have a profound effect on a newborn.

 

Will my medical doctor approve?

First, you don’t need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting your child! The judgment of another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.

 

What does my spine have to do with my baby?

Pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care! While it’s always good to have an optimally functioning nervous system, it’s especially helpful now. Both mother and baby can benefit. Adjusting methods are adapted to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care. Some report shorter and easier births.

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