When you receive the news that you’re expecting many things go through your mind but back pain probably isn’t one of the first things. It is however extremely common for pregnant women to have lower back pain. While extremely common, it also extremely preventable and treatable. Prenatal chiropractic care has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort during the pregnancy. Here are some tips for avoiding the pain and information on adjustments during pregnancy.
Gear up. Trade out those high heels for wedges or low wide heel shoes. Try changing out your flip flops for a shoe that offers good arch support. The shoes you are wearing can be the difference between a long painful day and a pain free one.
Stand up straight. Having good posture is very important, however it becomes even more important during these months of pregnancy. As the baby grows, your center of gravity can shift forward, you naturally start to compensate by leaning too far back which can strain your lower back. Remember to stand up straight while keeping your shoulders back and relaxed. Do not lock your knees and hold your chest high.
Sleep on your side. This is something we recommend to all of our patients however it becomes even more important for our pregnant patients. There are pregnancy pillows available online that you can order to help achieve a more comfortable sleep. If you are unsure about which one to get, come on by to talk to Dr. Burleson about the right pillow for you.
Stay active. Keeping your back muscles strong will help those muscles support the extra weight of a baby. Movement helps keep the joints mobile and restriction free. There are many exercises you will find online that are recommended for pregnancy but always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
Get regular Prenatal Chiropractic Care. We have seen a large correlation with a reduced lower back pain and getting adjusted. Prenatal adjustments help reduce tight lower back muscles that so often become discomforting during pregnancy. When necessary, light work is done on the round ligament. The round ligament attaches the uterus to the pelvis. During pregnancy the ligament shortens and becomes another common cause of pain with our prenatal patients. Along with the adjustments and soft tissue work we also have a variety of therapies to help get more efficient results from the adjustments when necessary. Call us today to get started.
RESEARCH: Prenatal Care Has been found in study’s to significantly improve and reduce pain of pregnant women in the following 5 categories.
- Lower Back Pain
- Sciatic Nerve Pain
- Sacroiliac Pain
- Pubic Symphysis Pain
- Round Ligament Pain
References
Weis CA, et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, and Combination Pain in a Pregnant Ontario Population. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2018 Aug; 40(8): 1038-1043. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30103876
Lisi AJ. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. J Midwifery Womens Health 2006; 51:7-10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16399602
Stuber KJ, Wynd S, Weis CA. Adverse events from spinal manipulation in the pregnant and postpartum periods: a critical review of the literature. Chiropr Man Therap. 2012; 20:8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3348005/
Aldabe D, Ribiero DC, et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and its relationship with relaxin levels during pregnancy: a systematic review. Eur Spine J. 2012 Sep; 21(9): 1768-1776.
Oswald C, Higgins CC, Assimakopoulos D. Optimizing pain relief during pregnancy using manual therapy. Can Fam Physician. 2013 Aug; 59(8): 841-842. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743693/
Franke H et al. Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Bodyw Mov There. 2017 Oct; 21(4): 752-762. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29037623
Scicluna, JK et al. Epidural analgesia for acute symphysis pubis dysfunction in the second trimester”. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesiology Jan 2004. 13(1): 50–52.
Chaudry SR, Chaudry K. Anatomy, Pelvis, Uterus, Ligaments, Round. StatPearls [Internet] 2018 Jan.
