Pregnancy Back Pain
Offering Relief from Pregnancy Back Pain!
What a joy-filled time. Co-creating life! However for more than 50% of pregnant women, back pain is a very real part of the pregnancy experience.
Significant pain and discomfort during pregnancy is often the result of the variety of hormonal changes occurring as well as the tremendous amount of stress placed upon the spine and pelvis by a growing baby (or babies). In some cases, pregnancy-related back pain can be debilitating – interfering with normal activities of daily living.
Expectant moms suffering with back pain do have lots to consider when it comes to treatment options.
Some simply choose to suffer through the pain. Others choose to take over-the-counter pain medication, but this can be risky. A third option which is growing in popularity with pregnant women is Chiropractic Care.
These moms have weighed their options and what they have come to discover is that not only is Chiropractic Care safe, but Chiropractic care is also highly effective in the elimination and even prevention of back pain due to pregnancy.
Back Pain and Pregnancy – What is the Cause?
During pregnancy so many changes are occurring within the mom and growing baby. The growth of fetus into baby adds size and weight. The weight of the uterus, amniotic fluid, and placenta causes the women’s center of gravity to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. This forward or anterior pelvic shift creates a “sway back posture” also known as an increase in the normal lower back curve (lordosis). This sway-like posture puts pressure on the lower back, resulting in what many pregnant women experience as significant lower back pain.
The third trimester is a notorious time for back pain of pregnancy to intensify. Beginning chiropractic care early on during pregnancy can assist the body in readying itself for the changes to come. During the third trimester there is a spike in the release of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin is released under the direct control of the nervous system and causes the body to relax pelvic joints in preparation for birth and delivery.
Why are Painkillers NOT the Answer?
Research shows that there are many medical health care providers that prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to their patients for the purpose of relieving back pain (and headaches) during pregnancy.
Recent studies, however, now show possible side effects of these drugs on fetal development.
In one study, researchers found there to be a connection between analgesic use during pregnancy and undescended testicles in infant boys. This also supports findings from animal trials that indicated that NSAIDs can impair hormones needed for fetuses to develop male sex traits.
Another study shows that the use of analgesic NSAIDs for the relief of pregnancy-induced headaches and back pain has been shown as a possible link to the development of ADD/ADHD.
Still other health-related issues that come up for pregnant women who rely on painkillers, include liver toxicity and gastrointestinal complications.
Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy
Chiropractic is a drug free approach for relieving pain that literally steals from the body its own natural ability to heal itself. Instead of recommending pain medication that works to numb your pain during pregnancy, chiropractic empowers your body to work as it is designed to work, naturally!
Since pain has its roots in the misalignments, or vertebral subluxations, gentle realignment of these spinal bones can and do relieve pain and the dysfunction that pain brings. During pregnancy, these misalignments can even be more pronounced due to the many changes occurring within the body. Therefore, chiropractic care is an effective protocol for relieving pain for expectant mothers. In a recent study, 16 of 17 patients reported significant improvement after as few as two sessions with a chiropractor.
In addition to relieving back pain, chiropractic can help throughout all stages of pregnancy. Chronic headaches, which are a common occurrence due to both physical/emotional stress and hormonal changes during pregnancy, can oftentimes be eliminated with chiropractic care. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can make both labor and delivery more comfortable and less painful.
A Chiropractic Technique for Breech Babies
Breech presentation, (when the baby is positioned with its feet or buttocks toward the birth canal), occurs in approximately 1 in 25 pregnancies. Medical health care providers will often recommend a Cesarean section delivery in these situations. However, for moms-to-be whose babies are not turned in a head-down position by the eighth month, a specific chiropractic technique may be especially beneficial. This technique is called the Webster technique.
Dr. Jeff is trained in the Webster technique, which is a safe and simple adjustment that balances the alignment of the pelvic bones and associated muscles and ligaments. Unlike other methods used for correcting breech presentation, the Webster technique does NOT involve moving the baby. Instead, it reduces strain on the uterus from the mother’s musculoskeletal system thus making it easier for the baby to move on its own. Chiropractors who perform the Webster technique report that they are successfully able to correct breech presentation over 80% of the time.
Your Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy
Whether you’re a first time mom or a delivery room veteran, Dr. Jeff can make a positive difference throughout your pregnancy. CALL TODAY to learn more on how we can be part of your pregnancy care team whether you’re in your first trimester or even approaching your due date.
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