While pregnancy is an exciting time full of anticipation of a changing life, it can also cause significant changes to the body that can make this process deeply uncomfortable or lead to problems like low back, hip, and other types of body pain due to the increased stress on muscles, joints, and nerves. Chiropractic care is a great way to relieve musculoskeletal stress during this time by improving joint mechanics and reducing nerve irritation. Spinal manipulation, also known as manual therapy or chiropractic adjustments, can be tremendously beneficial in keeping your routine as active and normal as possible until the “big day” arrives. It is also safe, effective, and drug-free. As some of Eugene’s best Chiropractors, we work hard to help keep your body tuned-up and feeling as good as possible during this phase in your life.
Why do some women have back pain when pregnant?
More than 60% of pregnant women experience low back pain during pregnancy because of increased mechanical stress on the lumbar spine. Pregnancy often leads to an anterior shift in one’s center of gravity and, as a result, muscles tighten and compensation occurs. These changes to the body’s anatomy and movement pattern take their toll over the course of the pregnancy, causing pain that can range from mild to severe — depending on one’s daily activities and level of physical exertion. Unfortunately, the pain often doesn’t stop once the baby is delivered – as low back pain is also commonly experienced during the postpartum period.
Can pregnancy cause other pain and discomfort?
Low back pain is not the only uncomfortable physical challenge of pregnancy. Abnormal stress and strain can also effect the round ligament (a ligament that supports your uterus), or joints like your pubic symphysis or sacroiliac. Sciatic nerve pains are common as well. These pains affect the joints, legs, muscles, and abdomen and can make movement and regular tasks much more difficult. The good news is that chiropractic treatment can be highly beneficial for managing these conditions.
How does chiropractic help?
When visiting our Eugene chiropractors here at Back2Strength, we will begin by evaluating your body mechanics and alignment. If there are any structural imbalances, motion restrictions, or misalignments in your spine or pelvis our Doctors will utilize gentle and specific mobilization or manipulation techniques to help restore normal alignment and motion in your spine. The type of technique applied is dependent your comfort level and how far along you are during your pregnancy. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help restore normal biomechanics – resulting in decrease nerve irritation and significant relief in pain and discomfort within the body.
Your doctor may then make other adjustments to your neck and upper back to help relieve any other physical discomfort you have been experiencing. Be sure to communicate to your doctor any other pain you might be dealing with as well.
Be sure to keep up with your visits to your chiropractor after delivery as well, as it can take some time for your ligaments to tighten and your body to readjust to its normal alignment after the drastic changes that pregnancy can create.
Our Eugene Chiropractic office offers free consultations to discuss your condition and treatment options. Contact Back2Strength at (541) 484-0360– and start feeling better today!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins
