Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain. They use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and other joints to relieve pressure on nerves and muscles.
Back pain is common among people who spend long hours sitting at their desk. It can also occur if you sit too much while driving or standing for long periods of time. But most people don't realise that it can also be helpful during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is an exciting time for both mother and baby. However, there are certain health issues that can arise during pregnancy that can affect both mom and baby. One such issue is back pain. Back pain during pregnancy is common and can cause discomfort for both mom and baby.
Pregnancy is a wonderful time for women to visit a chiropractor. During pregnancy, women often experience back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other aches and pains. A chiropractor can help alleviate these symptoms by adjusting the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves.
During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes in order to accommodate the growing fetus inside of you. Your joints become more flexible when you give birth from the hormones. The ligaments around your pelvis stretch out so it becomes easier to move about. You may have less energy than usual to upkeep your posture because your hormones change throughout this period. All of these factors contribute to making your body feel different from what it was before becoming pregnant.
Low back pain is very common during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers suffer from low back pain during early stages of pregnancy. Some women report experiencing severe back pain during the late stage of pregnancy. Most doctors believe that low back pain during pregnancy is related to hormonal changes taking place in the female body.
Chiropractic adjustment has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. It is now being studied for its benefits during pregnancy.
What are the benefits of chiropractic treatment during pregnancy?
1) Relief from lower back pain: Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women. This condition affects up to 80% of all pregnancies. Chiropractic adjustments provide relief from lower back pain caused by muscle spasms, nerve irritation, and poor posture.
2) Relieve sciatica: Sciatica occurs when spinal nerves get pinched between vertebrae causing sharp shooting leg pain down into feet. In some cases, sciatica causes numbness and tingling sensations along legs. If left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustment provides immediate relief from sciatica.
3) Improve sleep quality: Sleep problems are quite common during pregnancy. Women tend to wake frequently due to uncomfortable positions and frequent urination. Chiropractic treatment helps improve sleep quality by improving circulation and reducing stress levels.
4) Reduce morning sickness: Morning sickness is another problem faced by pregnant women. It usually starts after the first trimester and lasts until the second trimester. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, indigestion, flatulence, and weight gain.
5) Boost immunity: Immunity decreases significantly during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for expecting moms to take necessary precautions against colds, flu, and other illnesses. Chiropractic care boosts immune function by increasing oxygen flow to cells and tissues.
6) Decrease chances of postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects approximately 15% of new mothers. Depression leads to feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, loneliness, irritability, insomnia, excessive crying, poor appetite, overeating etc. There is a dramatic increase of hormones in the body that have an effect on all of your organs and may be overwhelming through your first pregnancy. Chiropractic care during pregnancy may be a treatment option that may help with adjusting to your body and raise hormones throughout your pregnancy.
Why is Chiropractic safe and effective during pregnancy?
As the baby grows and the weight of the baby makes it difficult for your body to maintain correct alignment and strength as time goes by, it is important that you maintain proper spine and pelvis strength and control. Your body may be able to function better with fewer symptoms when you have a baby, because of the state of balance in the spine and pelvis as well as improved muscular control. Not only is it drug free, it provides long term relief.
More doctors are referring their patients to the Chiropractors because of the gentle approaches of the practitioners. It's possible to address these issues through safe and gentle joint mobilisation and stretching, and you can go about your daily life with ease.
Chiropractic is safe and effective in all stages of care for pregnancy in every trimester.
About LJ Chiropractic
We believe preventative chiropractic care and management prior to pain determines the longevity of joint movement and prevents injuries occurring, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle. LJ Chiropractic offers safe and effective treatment plans to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Contact us now!
