(254) 776-1030
Welcoming and bringing in a new member of the family is always an exciting time. Everyone says being a mother is a precious experience. However, there are not-so-precious moments that come along with being pregnant – and constant back pain is one of them. In today’s post, we’ll explore effective chiropractic for lower back pain experienced by expectant mothers.
Sixty percent of pregnant women suffer from back pain during pregnancy. On top of that, there’s morning sickness, weight gain, sleepless nights, and other pain and discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Fortunately, research suggests that chiropractic for lower back pain during pregnancy is a viable and effective treatment option.
Cause of Pregnancy-Related Lower Back Pain
Weight Gain
Weight gain is unavoidable for expectant mothers. The body grows and adjusts to make room for the development of the fetus inside the womb. As the mother’s body changes, weight gain that results in poor posture also takes place.
During this period, the additional weight as the stomach grows causes the arch in the lower back to increase. This is when we often see lower back pain during pregnancy.
Another cause of lower back pain during pregnancy is the expansion of the hips and pelvis of pregnant women. During pregnancy, the hips naturally expand horizontally to make way for the added weight in the belly, supporting and stabilizing that part of the body.
Chiropractic for lower back pain for pregnant women can help alleviate the pressure on the joints that usually cause this discomfort. Aside from lower back pain management, chiropractic techniques can also address the leg pain and numbness caused by pregnancy-related sciatica.
Posture
As mentioned above, excess weight during pregnancy can lead to postural changes among pregnant women. The added weight in the belly can affect an expectant mother’s center of gravity forward. It increases the curvature in the lower back resulting in a different walk and posture, such as widened gait and stance. The added weight also affects the arches of the feet.
Hormonal Changes
A hormone called relaxin is produced more times during pregnancy. This hormone is produced from the placenta and ovaries. It can cause the musculoskeletal system to “relax” the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic area. This hormone also affects the ligaments maintaining the hips, knees, ankles, and lower back.
Chiropractic for Lower Back Pain: Is It Safe for Pregnant Women?
Chiropractic for lower back pain during pregnancy is an effective and non-invasive treatment. Chiropractic adjustment is a treatment option that doesn’t rely on any medications. This is especially beneficial to those pregnant women who want to avoid medications.
Gentle stretches are part of chiropractic for lower back pain treatment. These stretches help alleviate the muscle tension that is localized in lower back muscles.
Another proven benefit of chiropractic care during pregnancy is lessened labor time. Research has shown that expectant mothers receiving consistent chiropractic help throughout their pregnancy experienced reduced delivery time. On average, their labor time was 30 percent shorter than those who didn’t go to a chiropractor.
Avoiding Back Pain During Pregnancy
1. Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t wear footwear (such as flats or heels) with bad arch support. Some pregnant women put on compression stockings. These items help stop blood from gathering in the legs.
2. Maintain good posture. Your back muscles experience pressure and tension during pregnancy. Don’t add more to this stress by slouching while you’re sitting down. If you are sitting for long periods, take a pillow and put it to support the lower arch of your back. You should also use a footrest to rest your feet.
3. If you’re standing for long periods, try resting one foot at a time on a box or stool. You can also use a support belt made explicitly for expectant mothers.
If you’re sleeping on your side, put a pillow right between your knees. This helps ease the stress and tension on the lower back.
4. Never lift heavy objects while you’re pregnant. If you must, don’t bend forward. Bend at your knees as you’re close to the item and keep your back straight.
5. Chiropractic for lower back pain during pregnancy is always a good option. Check with a chiropractor who is experienced in treating pregnant women. Chiropractic is safe and effective to ease back pain during pregnancy.