Back Pain in Pregnancy

Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Unlike many other common side effects of pregnancy you don’t have to grin and bear it.

Normal weight gain, especially in the later phases of pregnancy puts pressure on your spinal curve, particularly the lower back which can pinch the joints of your spine together causing pain and inflammation.

Abdominal muscles are key factors in maintaining spinal health. As these muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby they lose their ability to help strengthen and support the spine.

Normal hormones associated with pregnancy cause the muscles and ligaments to loosen which is necessary for birth but affect the entire body.

Any of these changes alone or in combination alter how your body functions structurally and can result in back, hip, pelvic and groin pain.

The good news is that like all side effects of pregnancy these changes are temporary.

There are steps you can take to manage the pain on your own. For cases in which pain becomes distracting, a chiropractic physician can offer a safe and effective alternative.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractors specialize in treating musculo-skeletal conditions and in particular spinal conditions including those related to pregnancy. With tables and therapeutic options that take a pregnancy into consideration you’ll find chiropractic care a safe option for managing pregnancy related back pain. Some common treatments include:

•             Exercise and stretching instructions for pregnancy.

•             Myofascial Release

•             Manipulation

•             Education on proper ergonomics and postural issues associated with pregnancy.

•             Maternity braces and supports.

Prior to seeking chiropractic care, talk with your provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

•             Low, dull back ache that could be a sign of pre-term labor.

•             Any back pain associated with vaginal bleeding or discharge.

What is Manipulation?

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors is commonly referred to as manipulation or an adjustment.

Manipulation helps to restore motion in spinal joints, relieve tension in the joint capsule as well as reduce inflammation by restoring motion and reducing muscle tension.

The benefit particularly for pregnant patients is the ability to reduce pain and disability without the use of medication making it a safe and effective alternative for managing pain.

In our office we know that each patient is unique.  We often use a combination of therapies to ensure that each expecting mother gets the best results.Integrating appropriate exercises, lifestyle modifications, ergonomic advice and more, offer pregnant patients and their physicians piece of mind that the care they are receiving is safe and effective at easing discomfort.

Call our office today to learn more about chiropractic care. (252) 261-3100