Your pregnancy can be a joyous time filled with excitement and wonder. However, it’s also possible that you are experiencing significant levels of pain and discomfort through your pregnancy or even after you have given birth. Back pain is quite common, as are aches in the rest of the body.
What Is Pregnancy Pain
When you are pregnant you will put a higher levels of pressure on your body. You will also be carrying an additional level of weight, with a different distribution. Due to this, it’s possible that you will feel the strain, particularly on your back. This can lead to discomfort, and loss of sleep. Pain can also come from the stretching of your uterus, and the attaching ligaments.
Often there can be an imbalance in your Sacro-iliac joints (pelvis). We are experts in the Webster Technique, that balances your pelvis. This has many potential benefits, including reducing pain.
Approximately 50% of pregnant women will experience back pain at some point before they give birth. Lower back and hip pain are common areas that are impacted by pregnancy.
There are a variety of changes that can cause this pain. Including a protruding abdomen which leads to an exaggerated curve of the back. You might also notice changes to your pelvis and alterations to your posture. In later gestation, the hormone relaxin will work to aid labour, but also decrease the stability of joints.
research
One study suggested that 75% of pregnant patients will experience pain relief through chiropractic care (Shaw G. When to adjust: chiropractic and pregnancy. J Am Chiropr Assoc. 2003;40(11):8–16.).
In addition, a retrospective chart review of 400 pregnancies and deliveries investigated the relationship between pregnancy and low back pain. The results of this survey support the hypothesis that back pain, pregnancy, and labor are associated, and emphasize the need for further studies. Findings indicated relief from back pain during the pregnancy in 84% of the cases with Chiropractic care. The authors also noted that chiropractic manipulation may significantly decrease the incidence of “back labor.” The relative risk of experiencing back labor was almost 3 times greater if back pain was experienced during the pregnancy. (“Back pain during pregnancy and labor”).
Diakow PR, Gadsby TA, Gadsby JB, Gleddie JG, Leprich DJ, Scales AM. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Feb; 14(2):116-8.).
It has also been reported that there may be a relationship between back pain throughout pregnancy and a longer duration of the labor and delivery process. A retrospective review of statistics reported that primigravida women who seek chiropractic care throughout gestation have, on average, a 25% shorter labor time whereas multiparous women who seek chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have, on average, 31% shorter labor times.(Fallon J.M. Chiropractic and pregnancy: a partnership for the future. ICA Int Rev Chiropr. 1990;46(6):39–42.)(J.M. Fallon. Textbook on chiropractic & pregnancy. Arlington, VA: International Chiropractic Association; 1994: 52, 109.)
Treatment
Treatment can take the form of adjustments and soft-tissue work, which are intended to offer balance and ensure the correct alignment of the pelvis and the spine. Dr. Andrew is also an expert in Webster technique, which is a specific technique used during pregnancy to help balance the pelvis. It is a technique that is used internationally to help turn breach position babies.