Back Pain

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and excitement but can also bring unexpected physical challenges. One of the most common discomforts that many women experience during pregnancy is low back pain. Affecting nearly 50-70% of expectant mothers, low back pain can vary in intensity and duration, but it is often a frustrating reality for many women as their bodies adapt to accommodate the growing baby.

At Vale Health Care in Tunbridge Wells, we understand how debilitating pregnancy-related lower back pain can be. Our expert chiropractic care is designed to help expectant mothers find relief. Focusing on personalised, non-invasive treatments, we offer solutions to manage discomfort and promote overall well-being during this transformative time.

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes, which can put extra strain on the lower back. These changes include:

Weight Gain:

As the baby grows, you naturally gain weight. This increased weight puts more pressure on the spine, particularly the lumbar region, leading to discomfort and pain.

Hormonal Shifts:

The hormone relaxin is produced in larger quantities during pregnancy to help loosen the ligaments in the pelvis and prepare the body for labour. While this is beneficial for childbirth, it can also make your spine and joints less stable, increasing the risk of lower back pain.

Postural Changes:

As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts, often leading to changes in posture. Many women tend to lean back to balance the baby’s weight, which can strain the muscles and joints in the lower back.

Muscle Separation:

Stretching the abdominal muscles (a condition known as diastasis recti) can reduce core stability, placing additional pressure on the lower back.

Chiropractic Care

At Vale Health Care, we believe in providing gentle, safe, and effective treatments for low back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining proper spinal alignment and alleviating muscle and joint stress, helping to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Our qualified chiropractors in Tunbridge Wells use a combination of manual adjustments and other complementary techniques to treat the underlying causes of low back pain. We ensure that all treatments are tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women, keeping both mother and baby safe.

Chiropractic Techniques

Spinal Adjustments:

Our chiropractors use gentle spinal adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine and relieve pressure on the surrounding muscles and nerves. These adjustments help restore balance to posture, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Pelvic Alignment:

Maintaining proper pelvic alignment during pregnancy is crucial for reducing back pain. Our chiropractors use specific techniques to ensure that your pelvis is correctly aligned, reducing the risk of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and other pregnancy-related issues.

Soft Tissue Therapy:

In addition to spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy can help ease muscle tension. This technique involves massaging and stretching the muscles around the lower back, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.

Postural Advice and Exercises:

At Vale Health Care, we provide personalised advice on improving posture during pregnancy. We also recommend simple exercises that can be done at home to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and pelvis. These exercises help to alleviate pressure on your lower back and prepare your body for labour.

Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women

Chiropractic care is a safe and non-invasive option for managing low back pain during pregnancy. Here are some key benefits:

Pain Relief:

Regular chiropractic care can reduce the severity of low back pain, helping you to move more freely and comfortably throughout your pregnancy.

Improved Posture:

Chiropractic adjustments help improve posture, which can prevent further strain on the lower back as your pregnancy progresses.

Easier Labour:

Some studies suggest that maintaining pelvic alignment during pregnancy can contribute to smoother, easier labour, as the baby is better positioned for delivery.

Reduced Need for Pain Medication:

By opting for chiropractic care, many women can manage their pain naturally, reducing the need for pain relief medications that might otherwise be necessary.

Manage Low Back Pain at Home

While chiropractic care is an excellent way to address the root causes of low back pain, there are several steps you can take at home to manage discomfort between appointments:

Maintain Good Posture:

Avoid slouching when sitting, and try to keep your shoulders back and your spine straight. If you need to lift something, bend your knees instead of your back and keep the object close to your body.

Use Supportive Shoes:

Wearing flat, comfortable shoes with good support can help maintain your balance and reduce strain on your lower back.

Sleep on Your Side:

Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your lower back.

Stay Active:

Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility, which is crucial for managing low back pain during pregnancy.

Vale Health Clinic

At Vale Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, compassionate care to expectant mothers in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. Our experienced chiropractors are skilled in treating low back pain during pregnancy, and we take the time to understand your individual needs. We ensure all treatments are tailored to your comfort, promoting a healthy, pain-free pregnancy.

Our clinic is equipped with the latest techniques and tools to help you find relief. We work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Don’t let low back pain interfere with the joy of your pregnancy. If you’re experiencing discomfort and looking for safe, effective relief, contact Vale Health Care in Tunbridge Wells today. Our expert chiropractic care can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.

To book a consultation or learn more about our pregnancy-related services, visit our website at Vale Health Clinic or contact us directly to speak to a member of our friendly team.