Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic can help you through discomforts associated with pregnancy
Low back and pelvic pain is very common during pregnancy. This pain can be due to imbalances in the low back and pelvis as there is a gradual increase of stress in the spine, joints of the pelvis, ligaments, and muscles as a woman progresses through her pregnancy. Stress and muscle imbalances lead to painful and abnormal movement of joints. Chiropractic care can help your body accommodate the changes it goes through during pregnancy and make you more comfortable by gently correcting dysfunctional joints, releasing tight muscles and ligaments, and by exercising weak muscles to maintain balance and stability. In many cases, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pregnancy pain, decrease labor pain and speed up delivery time!
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
One of the first questions we are asked by patients regarding pregnancy care is whether chiropractic is safe for both the mom and the baby during pregnancy. Chiropractic care is safe during all stages of pregnancy and can give you long-lasting pain relief for a more comfortable pregnancy, and experts agree:
Anne Packard-Spicer is a faculty member specializing in pregnancy related conditions at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She states that when a woman’s pelvis is properly aligned, the uterus will be under less nerve and mechanical stress, which causes the baby to be in a more comfortable position during labor. Chiropractic adjustments can begin at any time and can continue all the way up to the day of delivery.
Many women worry about getting adjusted while they are pregnant, but chiropractic is gentle and very safe throughout pregnancy,” says Packard- Spicer. “There is no evidence that adjustments have ever harmed a single pregnant woman or her baby. In my 12 years of experience, it is safe, gentle, and effective.”
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Your chiropractor at the Spinal and Sports Care Clinic is specially trained in techniques that are designed for the pregnant woman. The Webster Technique is one of them and it is designed to bring balance to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of your low back and pelvis. Balancing these structures supports the integrity of your pelvic function and can provide comfort and pain relief for you as well as healthy benefits for your growing baby.
Our patient care is comprehensive and is not limited to chiropractic adjustments. Your treatment will also include: patient education, homecare instructions, and therapeutic exercise. These treatment methods help speed your recovery, help you avoid aggravating activities, and improve joint stability and muscle strength to reduce pain.
Patient Comfort
Chiropractic care is not only safe, but it’s also comfortable. Pregnancy cushions are available and can be used during your appointment to increase comfort. Patients are comfortably positioned on the treatment table using pillows and cushions as needed to accommodate her growing abdomen and chest. While you are here for chiropractic care, you can also treat yourself to a massage!
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage works well with chiropractic care and is another natural way to effectively and comfortably reduce pain and stiffness related to pregnancy. Our clinic has massage therapists on staff who are specially trained in pregnancy massage. Massages can help to reduce muscular aches, improve circulation, reduce fatigue, reduce swelling, and aid in relaxation and stress reduction. We also have a Nutritional Therapist on staff who can help you evaluate your nutritional needs and make recommendations of dietary change and nutritional supplements. We want you to have the safest and most comfortable pregnancy and birth as possible.