Chiropractic Treatment during Pregnancy
Lower back and pelvic pain is very common during pregnancy. But you don't need to suffer - we care for expectant mums throughout their pregnancy. The treatment is adjusted to cause minimal stress for you and the baby, and ensure that it is safe, but we can certainly help to relieve aches and pains.
Why do you experience back pain in pregnancy?
Lower back and pelvic pain is common during pregnancy, and, according to the BCA, affects around two thirds of women. It occurs due the increase in pressure on the joints in your lumbar spine and pelvis, due to the forward weight shift caused by your growing baby.
As pregnancy progresses the body produces more of a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin encourages a 'softening' of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. This has a tendency to make the body more unforgiving, so lifting something heavy or bending awkwardly is harder than it would be normally.
Your pelvis being unstable during pregnancy is a myth, and simply not true
The pelvis is a very strong structure, but during pregnancy the pelvic muscles and ligaments have to work a lot harder, and that can result in stiffness and pain.
Equally, higher up your back and around the ribs can also be uncomfortable. This is largely due to a change in posture due to the growing baby taking up more space.
Advice on exercises and how you can remain comfortable during your pregnancy can be found on the NHS website: Pregnancy and Back pain
We are well set up to deliver support and treatment for you. We even have a very ingenious pregnancy cushion to enable you to be more comfortable during your treatment.
Some Tips for Handling Back Pain during Pregnancy:
Move - light exercise is important. Remember pain does not mean harm.
Sleep - good quality sleep is also important. Many pregnant ladies can struggle to find a comfortable position as the pregnancy develops, so try sleeping with a pillow between your knees.
Food - reduce your intake of highly processed and sugary foods - treat food as fuel for the baby, and eat a rainbow coloured plate, cooking fresh as much as you can
Light - try to get out in the sunshine (when we get some!) as a lack of Vitamin D can often be linked to an increase in pain
Stay calm - when you are stressed you produce more of the hormone cortisol which is also linked to higher pain levels
Be positive - this should be an enjoyable time. Remember pain does not mean you have damaged tissues, or that you won't recover. Your body will repair itself.
Consult your GP, Chiropractor or other Health Professional about any concerns you have. They will be able to guide you on treatment, stretches and exercises to help you.