"Carrying Comfortably: How Chiropractic Supports Pregnant Patients Against Back Pain"

Introduction: Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound journey, filled with wonder and anticipation. Amidst the build-up and excitement, it's important to prioritize maternal well-being. Pregnancy is a transformative experience, both physically and emotionally, which can be difficult to manage. In this blog, we'll discuss how pregnancy-related back pain doesn’t have to be your normal and how there are effective strategies on how to be proactive during this time.  We will also explore how chiropractic care makes its way into the conversation and how it can shed light on how it can support maternal health and overall well-being.

One of the primary focuses of chiropractic care during pregnancy is to ensure that the body remains in proper balance. As the baby grows, the mother's center of gravity shifts, putting extra strain on the spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles. This can lead to a myriad of discomforts, including back pain, pelvic pain, and even headaches. By gently adjusting the spine and pelvis, chiropractors help to alleviate these issues. Although adjustments are very helpful, there are many other benefits that one can receive from a chiropractic visit, that we will discuss throughout this blog.

Physical Changes:

1. Weight Gain: As the pregnancy progresses, women typically gain weight to support the growing baby. This increased weight puts additional stress on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities, which can lead to back pain, pelvic pain, and leg discomfort.

 2. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones such as relaxin and progesterone are released to relax the ligaments and joints in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. While these hormonal changes are necessary for the birthing process, they can also cause instability in the pelvic joints.

 3. Postural Changes: As weight distribution changes and instability arises, we see changes in posture that can strain the muscles and ligaments of the back, resulting in lower back pain. Additionally, women may experience a forward tilt of the pelvis, which can further exacerbate back discomfort.

 4. Abdominal Muscle Stretching: The abdominal muscles stretch, which can weaken the core muscles and contribute to lower back pain. Diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate along the midline, is common during pregnancy and can lead to ongoing back pain postpartum if not properly addressed.

 5. Compression of Nerves: This compression can result in conditions like sciatica, characterized by radiating pain from the lower back down to the legs.

 6. Edema and Fluid Retention: Many pregnant women experience swelling in the extremities due to increased fluid retention. This swelling can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels, leading to discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.

 7. Changes in Foot Arch: Altered foot mechanics can contribute to foot pain, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), and discomfort in the ankles and knees.

How can chiropractic help? Overall, chiropractic care for pregnant patients is centered around enhancing the mother's physical comfort. By addressing the unique needs and concerns of these women, chiropractors play a valuable role in helping mothers enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling pregnancy experience. Here is how they do it:

Patient Education: Patient education is important as it allows one to understand mechanical changes, why there might be discomfort along the way, how to promote healthy behaviors, managing pregnancy symptoms, recognizing warning signs, preparing for delivery, and preparing for postpartum. One thing most mothers worry about is safety for their baby and for themselves. With short and quick visits to the doctor’s office, not all concerns can be addressed appropriately, and patients are then left guessing. This becomes problematic, as they now do not know what to do about the lower back pain they might be having… or the foot pain….or restless nights, etc. You may then ask yourself; Do I see someone else for this, but Who? What is safe? Is this just normal and now I’ll have to deal with it? Why doesn’t my partner have to deal with this?? The good news is, there are many ways that one can be proactive during this time and even reactive to some of the changes they are experiencing. Understanding a little bit about the structural changes that are at hand and how that can lead to musculoskeletal issues allows us to form a blue print as to how we can address the issue and enhance a smoother pregnancy process.

Relieving Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains: Back pain is one of the most common complaints among pregnant women, and for good reason. The additional weight of the baby, coupled with hormonal changes, can put tremendous pressure on the spine and joints. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective way to relieve this pain, targeting specific areas of tension and promoting strength and stability as needed. Many expectant mothers find that regular chiropractic care not only eases their discomfort but also enhances their overall sense of well-being, making them more resistant to pregnancy-related issues.

Supporting Overall Wellness: Beyond addressing physical discomfort, chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health and wellness during pregnancy. Chiropractors may offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. By empowering women to take an active role in their health, chiropractic care fosters a sense of empowerment and confidence throughout the pregnancy journey.

Strength & Stability: Incorporating exercises specifically targeting the pelvic floor and core muscles into a pregnant patient's routine, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider, can have numerous benefits for maternal health. By prioritizing pelvic floor and core stability during pregnancy, women can support their bodies through this transformative journey and promote long-term musculoskeletal health and well-being.

Is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy? Yes, when in the hands of a licensed chiropractor with experience working with prenatal and post-partum patients. When safety measures and treatment modifications to suit each individual are enforced, seeing a chiropractor is very safe and effective. Something that surprises most is the fact that most pregnant patients can be seen by their chiropractor up until about the expected delivery month. As the term progresses, treatment modifications (i.e. patient positioning, adjustment technique, home care, etc.) are made as needed. Chiropractic is a conservative and non-invasive approach. Despite the overall safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy, it's essential for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or therapy, including chiropractic care.

Conclusion: Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation, both physically and emotionally. By incorporating chiropractic care into their prenatal routine, expectant mothers can experience greater comfort, reduced pain, and improved overall strength. Whether it's relieving aches and pains, working on mobility, or improving stability, chiropractors play a valuable role in supporting women on their journey to motherhood. So, if you're expecting a little one, consider adding chiropractic care to your prenatal care plan—you and your baby will thank you for it!