With studies finding that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies, it’s no surprise many women have discovered the benefits associated with chiropractic and pregnancy.
Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially appealing to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. 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. During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman’s sacrum—or posterior section of the pelvis—has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still 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 spinal disks. While these changes sound dramatic, 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.
Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. For those women who already have back pain, may experience increased pain during her pregnancy.
Exercise, proper nutrition, good ergonomics and chiropractic care can all help ease pregnancy related back pain. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten. 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 further muscle tension.
acatoday.org Chiropractor North Haven, CT
