If you’re pregnant, and you stumbled upon this blog, you’re probably having some back pain issues related to your pregnancy. Your midwife, OB-GYN or friend might have recommended Chiropractic care to help with your discomfort, but you have some questions. How does it work? What does the Chiropractor do? Well, as a Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractor, I’m happy to put your mind as ease! This blog explains all you need to know about getting adjusted during your pregnancy. We’ll also cover “How do pregnant women get adjusted?”.
Low Back Pain during Pregnancy
Unfortunately, back pain and pregnancy often go hand in hand – and for good reason! Your body is changing inside and out as your baby is growing and developing. As a result, the weight of the growing baby, and accompanying support tissues – think placenta, etc – affects your body. It alters the way you stand, the way you walk and the way you sleep. All these new pressures, plus ligamentous changes in the body to accommodate the weight shifts, can lead to back pain.
I see many moms at the clinic that notice increased pain in the evenings after a long day of work, or errands or “momming”. Why? Because, your body is working in overdrive and it’s a constant battle between loose ligaments and tight muscles as they attempt to stabilize the pelvis. Luckily, there are solutions and remedies that can help reduce or even eliminate your pain. Adjustments will allow you to enjoy your pregnancy and keep doing the things that you love, or need to do! As a bonus – many moms notice quicker/less painful labors after being adjusted regularly during their pregnancy.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is done by a trained specialist (like me!) and consists of a quick, precise force that is applied to a joint that is not functioning normally. The manipulation of the dysfunctional joint reduces the misalignment leading to restored balance, a release in pressure and improved range of motion or mobility. All these positive changes lead to a reduction in back pain and a happy mama! During pregnancy, the sacrum – or tailbone – often becomes “stuck” and can lead to altered gait and back pain. That’s where the adjustments come in!
How do Pregnant Women get Adjusted?
The 2 main ways that a pregnant mama can be adjusted are: Side Posture and Drop-Table Technique. I am a Webster trained prenatal Chiropractor, so I prefer the drop table technique because it focuses on sacral (tail bone) alignment and helps reduce torsion on the uterus. However, both methods are gentle, safe and effective. Both techniques help to reduce back pain and sciatica-like pain related to pregnancy.
Side Posture Technique
This technique is standard in the Diversified Chiropractic world and is often referred to as the “pretzel twist”. It consists of the patient laying on their side, arms crossed and top leg bent. The Chiropractor can then isolate a dysfunctional joint, apply the manipulation to that area and restore balance. Most often, the sacrum and pelvis are focused on.
Drop Table Technique
This technique is my preferred technique in office and is utilized during the Webster Technique (Specific chiropractic procedure for pregnancy). The patient lays face down – on a modified table that allows space for the growing belly – and the adjustment is focused on the sacrum and pelvis. The table itself is propped up an additional 1-2″ above the elevated resting position and will drop down that same distance with applied force to relieve pressure in the joint. The table stays tented the entire time to maximize space for baby and take pressure off the abdomen.
What is the Webster Technique?
We’ve referred to the Webster Technique several times above – but what is it? The Webster Technique is a gentle chiropractic adjustment that restores balance to the pelvis. We then work on some associated ligaments and soft tissues to help with the following:
- reduce uterine torsion
- maximize space for baby to grow and develop properly
- allow baby to get in the best position for birth
- reduce low back pain
Get Adjusted!
As you can see, there are so many benefits to getting adjusted during your pregnancy! Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, gentle and an effective way of reducing your back pain. You might even see some added positive side effects as well! I mean what mama doesn’t want a potentially quicker, less painful labor? Have more questions? Reach out to Dr. Rachel directly at rachel@baby-logic.com or check out our clinic website!
WANT MORE?
Here are some other blogs that might help answer some questions that you may have during your pregnancy.
- Top 10 mineral sunscreens for kids.
- Bed wetting in kids and how Chiropractic can help!
- How to reduce low back pain during pregnancy.
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