Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care

Find Relief For You And Baby

Expert manipulation of the spine is safe during pregnancy when performed by an experienced chiropractor. You are in luck if you visit Riversedge Chiropractic as Dr. La Grange is highly experienced in the treatment of pregnant women and babies.

Aside from common aches and pains, we treat many women during their pregnancy due to their baby lying breach inside the womb. Babies lying breach can be encouraged to turn by using the Webster technique, which involves correction of the sacral misalignment and facilitates the mother's pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This technique also provides tension and pain relief to the broad and round ligaments of the uterus. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, reduces torsion to the uterus and may offer a greater potential for optimal fetal positioning.

The most common reason pregnant women come to Riversedge Chiropractic is for the treatment of pregnancy related back pain. Below we will detail the possible causes of pregnancy back pain as well as the treatment options to keep you comfortable during your journey!

Causes Of Pregnancy Related Back Pain

For many pregnant women at various stages in their pregnancy, back pain can be a very frustrating and uncomfortable experience. There are many possible causes for pregnancy related back pain including:

Pre-Existing Lower Back, Pelvic or Sacroiliac Pain - Underlying, dormant or chronic conditions you may have learnt to live with can wake up and become symptomatic under the influence of pregnancy hormones like relaxin and the effects of weight gain in the front of your body.

Weight Gain - During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight and this can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.

Posture Changes - Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you gradually adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain. Enter the “pregnancy waddle” – It cannot be avoided!

Hormone Changes - During pregnancy, you produce a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.

Muscle Separation - As the uterus expands, the long stomach muscles (the rectus abdominis or your “6-pack”), which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.

Stress - Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

 

Additional Therapy Options

Exercise - Regular exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility decreasing stress on your spine. Safe exercises for most pregnant women include walking, swimming, and stationary cycling. We can recommend exercises to strengthen your back and abdomen.

Heat and Cold - Applying heat and cold to your back may help. If indicated, Dr La Grange will suggest you start applying  cold compresses (such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. After two or three days, she will suggest you switch to heat on the painful spinal area. Be careful not to apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.

Improving Posture - Slouching strains your spine. So assuming proper posture when working, sitting, or sleeping is advised. For example, sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees will take stress off your back. When sitting at a desk, place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support; rest your feet on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders back. Wearing a pregnancy support belt may also help.