Pregnancy Related Back Pain
Pregnancy can certainly be a joyous time. Unfortunately, nearly half of women can experience back pain with pregnancy. In some cases, pregnancy-related back pain can be debilitating – interfering with everyday life.
Expectant women dealing with back pain certainly have a lot to consider when it comes to treatment options. Some simply suffer through the pain. Others choose to take over-the-counter painkillers, which may have unintended side effects. However, one alternative, which is growing in popularity with pregnant women because of its effectiveness and safety, is chiropractic care.
Cause of Back Pain During Pregnancy
A woman’s body goes through a number of changes during pregnancy. The most obvious is the increased weight of the baby, uterus, and amniotic fluid. Eventually, this shifts the center of gravity forward, leading some mom’s to develop what’s known as a lordosis. This change in posture puts additional stress on the lumbar spine and pelvis resulting in low back pain. A study suggests that asymmetries in the joints at the base of the spine (sacroiliac joints) are the cause of back pain in pregnancy.
During the third trimester, the body begins to release a hormone called relaxin which relaxes the pelvic joints in preparation for delivery. This can lead to a further increase of back pain during the most uncomfortable time during pregnancy.
Relief for Pregnancy Related Back Pain
As with all back pain, it is important to stay moving. Many pregnant women may benefit from certain forms of exercise. Although, pregnant women need to be especially cautious, water-based exercise may be a good aerobic outlet for the expectant mom. Not only does this provide them with aerobic exercise, but it also provides them an outlet to unload the spine, and it may be more effective for decreasing back and pelvic pain.
Chiropractors commonly work with asymmetries of the joints and soft tissues as a result of pregnancy. With symmetry of sacroiliac joint motion being so important in pregnancy back pain, these unique doctors’ skills become especially relevant for moms-to-be. Numerous studies show chiropractic care’s value in decreasing pregnancy back pain.
When it comes time to deliver, a history of chiropractic care may be related to a smoother, less painful process. A published study showed a decrease of painful back labor in women who had received regular chiropractic care. Though athletes, workers, and others appreciate the long-term benefits of regular trips to the chiropractor, there is no group more appreciative of those benefits than pregnant women.
Pregnancy Certified Chiropractor
Dr. Eric is certified in Webster Technique, one of the most trusted pregnancy specific chiropractic treatments. The focus of which is to balance the pelvis and sacrum to foster optimal fetal positioning. In addition to the chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Eric also employs myofascial release to balance the muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis. In some extreme cases, we can even utilize kinesiology tape to provide support and relief to pregnant mothers.
Aside from the techniques themselves, the table at Cuse Chiro can accommodate growing pregnant bellies by moving out of the way and eventually adding pregnancy pillows. And if you work in downtown Syracuse, you will be able to save as much work leave for when the baby arrives.
After your new family member has arrived, chiropractic can continue to be of value as the body starts to return to it’s previous shape. As the ligaments begin to tighten back up, it is important that they do so with the joints in neutral position. Additionally, it is common for new mothers and fathers to experience increased upper back pain after the arrival of their newborn. This is likely combination of recruitment of new muscle groups, poor posture, and decreased sleep.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to care for people of all ages. If you haven’t already done so, consider taking advantage of the full range of their skill and training. Schedule online today and your entire family will reap the rewards for generations to come.