Chiropractic for pregnant women

At least 50% of pregnant women suffer from back pain that may even interfere with their daily activities. Pregnancy-related back pain can be multifactorial. Lower back pain, wrist pain and leg cramps are the most commonly reported complaints.

The average healthy weight gain is around 30 pounds, lodged mostly around the abdomen, which adds considerable front load. This increased weight puts pressure on the back, hips, knees, feet and ankles It can affect posture and biomechanical structures due to changes in how you sleep, stand and move during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses and the uterus expands, the abdominal muscles stretch and lose their usual support capacity. The change in posture, leaning forward, can cause pain and discomfort, especially in the lumbar region.

During the third trimester, the increase of the ‘relaxin’ hormone contributes to the relaxation of the joints in order to allow the necessary growth of the uterus and the baby in the pelvis, as well as childbirth. However, this relaxation can lead to joint instability and altered posture. Other structures, including the musculature, can be affected and predispose someone to pain and injury. This is how back pain can occur.

Pains and discomforts that can affect pregnant women and that can be addressed in chiropractic:

• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Thoracic pain (middle back)
• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Pain in legs and buttocks
• Peripheral swelling
• Sciatica or stitches along the leg or foot
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Nocturnal muscle spasms
• Syndrome du canal carpien
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Disturbed sleep

Studies have shown that manual therapy, including chiropractic, can relieve the pain inherent in pregnancy.

Chiropractors provide safe, effective, drug-free conservative treatment aimed at relieving pain and restoring function during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Chiropractic at the service of pregnant women

• Relief of back and pelvic pain:
  Conservative care, including spinal manipulation and joint and soft tissue mobilization, can help reduce pain and improve body function.

• Reduced fatigue and muscle pain:
  The chiropractic treatment plan may include soft tissue therapy and various techniques, such as transcutaneous neurostimulation, interferential (IFC), and others. Chiropractors may also recommend exercises to help counter postural changes and acupuncture which can help when combined with chiropractic treatments.

• Preparing for childbirth:
  Chiropractors can recommend safe and effective exercises and stretches to prepare the body for childbirth.

• Faster recovery:
  As part of an overall treatment plan, chiropractic can help speed recovery and address postnatal biomechanical issues.

Source: Canadian Chiropractic Association

Care for pregnant women is carried out by chiropractors who have undergone training in chiropractic obstetric care. By choosing the chiropractic team at ABC Health Clinic, you are opting for the knowledge, experience and comprehensive supervision of a team specifically trained to meet the needs of pregnant women.