Back Pain, Chiropractor, Massage Therapy, Muscle Pain, Sports Injury, Children, Pregnancy - Chiropractic - Australia
Pregnancy and Back Pain
Back pain during pregnancy is a very common condition. More than 50% of women
experience back pain during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. There
are a few reasons for this. The additional weight of the baby places an increase
in stress on the framework of the body. Additionally, hormones released during
pregnancy soften ligaments, making them move more than usual. This can lead to
ligament strains. Also, the position of the baby in the uterus can compress
nerves or result in postural changes.
It is important to maintain good back care during pregnancy. Not only will it
reduce discomfort during pregnancy, it reduces the chance of long-term damage
following birth. There is also evidence to suggest that having a well-aligned
and cared-for back can reduce pain during birth.
To prevent back pain, pregnant women should participate in activities that are
cardiovascular for about 20-40 minutes a day. Exercises that increase strength
are also useful. Areas that benefit from strengthening during pregnancy include
the abdominal area, the back, pelvis, buttock and thigh muscles. It is
recommended that pregnant women should use strengthening poses for 3-10 seconds,
repeating 10 to 30 times.
Stretching exercises for the back are very important when pregnant to improve
flexibility to areas such the hamstring, chest and neck.
Managing back pain whilst pregnant must include a good exercise programme and
the use of body mechanics to avoid back pain and promote proper posture. There
are many treatments to relieve back pain whilst pregnant apart from proper
posture and exercise programs body mechanics can be used to take the stress off
muscles whilst doing everyday activity such as housework or leisure activities.
The most important thing to remember is that back pain is a normal when pregnant
but should not be accepted as part of the process. There is no need to put up
with back pain.
Chiropractic is a safe and effective from of care for pregnant women with back
pain. Many women cease their regular exercise, stretches or medical visits when
they fall pregnant as they think that adjustments will be too forceful for the
foetus. In reality, pregnant women can benefit a great deal from chiropractic
care.
Regular gentle adjustments can make pregnancy easier and less stressful. In
addition, delivery may be more comfortable with fewer complications. In fact
chiropractic care is a valuable component of a healthy pregnancy and can be used
safely throughout.
Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy, as far less force is
required to correct subluxations. This is due to the increase in hormones
causing significant muscle and ligament relaxation. Special "adjustive"
positions are also used to provide comfort and safety for both mum and baby.
Chiropractic adjustments do not harm the pregnant mother or her unborn child. In
fact, maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system throughout pregnancy can
prevent further postural problems that might occur during and following
childbirth.
After the baby is born, chiropractic care ensures that normal spine and pelvic
bio-mechanics are restored and that pre-pregnant musculoskeletal status is
achieved.
In summary, chiropractic care can:
- Help you remain active during pregnancy
- Help make delivery more comfortable
- Help reduce the need for analgesics during delivery
- Be continued safely until the day of delivery