Pregnancy and Chiropractic
Chiropractic can be very beneficial during pregnancy
Did you know that chiropractic care can help mothers during pregnancy? Women today are busier than ever. It seems that the more conveniences and technology we have the less time we have to enjoy them. But thank goodness when women are pregnant they get a break from the stresses of everyday life…. “Yeah right!”<sarcasm> You’re still up at dawn to take care of other children, go to your job, and do any other manner of work that needs to be done in daily life. This takes its toll on the body. Chiropractic care can help.
Chiropractors are experts on the spine and all it’s surround structures including the muscles ligaments and nerves. They are trained in the appropriate movement and function of these areas, and can help them return to health if they are injured or stressed.
“But why would a pregnant woman need to see a chiropractor?”
The answer is simple! During pregnancy your body is going to go through some changes, to say the least. Not only will you have a cravings for strange food combinations like pickles and peanut butter, but your body will also be changing physically. Over the course of those 9 wonderful months your body will adapt to the extra weight you are now carrying in front of you. This will have an effect on your posture and many mothers begin to notice aches and pains in places like their hips, lower back, and even neck and shoulders. The increased weight gain on the front of your body causes subtle changes to the way you sit, stand, walk, and sleep. These cause certain joints, ligaments, and muscles to work differently than they are accustomed. In some cases these changes happen faster than the body can adapt to them and will result in inflammation, usually at the areas under the most stress. Your chiropractor can make sure your spine is aligned correctly and moving correctly with chiropractic adjustments, and can also help you to discover any movements, tendencies, or habits that may be contributing to your pain. It may be the way you are sitting, or the way you bend to pick something up. Keeping proper posture through all movements gives you the best chance at avoiding aches and pains as your body is changing.
Ok ok ok, but I have some questions..…
“Is chiropractic care safe while being pregnant.” The answer is, Yes, absolutely! Numerous studies have confirmed that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions that affect pregnant patients. In fact, regular chiropractic adjustments have been shown to reduce labor times.
“Is it difficult to be adjusted while pregnant.” Not at all. There are many ways to treat each region of the spine, and the chiropractors and Dynamic Spine and Rehab have been trained in various techniques to treat each of these regions effectively while being a position that are comfortable for the baby and mother-to-be.
“How late in pregnancy is it ok to be adjusted.” There’s no time frame. Chiropractic patients have received adjustments even during labor.
The American Pregnancy Association has some additional great info on the subject, which can be found HERE.
In conclusion, chiropractic care is one of the most popular and effective treatments available for pain relief during pregnancy. If you know someone who is pregnant, please have them contact us for a free consultation.