When I was studying towards my chiropractic degree, I became very interested in treating females during pregnancy. In particular females who suffered from different aches and pains. I found that the anatomical and physiological changes that the female body goes through during pregnancy are fascinating. I Therefore decided to write my final year dictation about low back pain during pregnancy.
Now that I am pregnant myself I can relate better to some of the symptoms my patients are experiencing. Luckily I have my husband who is also a chiropractor to help with any trouble my back gets into and to make sure that my body (especially the pelvic region) is correctly aligned to help prepare for the birth.
What causes low back pain during pregnancy?
There are a few factors that may contribute to having low back pain:
- There is a change in the centre of gravity of the body, especially in late pregnancy. In order to compensate for this, the mother tends to straighten her neck and upper back, and throw her shoulders backwards, resulting in increasing the lumbar (low back) curve. This generates stress on the disks, spinal joints and ligaments, which creates pain and increased sensitivity to movement.
- The influence of circulating sex hormones in the body increases the laxity of pelvic ligaments causes some instability of the pelvis, which may lead to backaches during pregnancy.
- The growing uterus can apply pressure on the main blood vessels, especially in the lower part of the back and abdomen. These changes may lead to restriction in blood supply and metabolic disturbances, which can induce low back pain.
Chiropractic treatment
There are a few different techniques being used for treating low back pain during pregnancy. One of the techniques used by chiropractors is the Webster technique. This technique is designed to help change breech presentations to cephalic presentation and to avoid cesarean section or breech delivery. This technique involves analysis of the bones of the pelvis and manual correction by a light-force adjustment of the sacrum (tail bone). It also involves analysis and relief of abdominal muscle tension or spasm.
Effectiveness of chiropractic care
The literature about chiropractic management during pregnancy mostly shows improvement in pain scale and activities of daily living. Adverse side effects for chiropractic treatment are rare.
As a chiropractor, I will tailor my treatment based on the patient’s history, their clinical examination and their specific goals and needs to give the best treatment option to my pregnant patients.
If you would like to find out more about our care please book a free 10 minutes consultation here
I look forward to treat you in our chiropractic clinic
Orit Edwards
Doctor of chiropractic.
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