At Alliance Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Jessica Leighton specializes in women’s care from pre-conception to postpartum, so she is well versed in prenatal care. She is Birthfit and Webster Technique trained. Chiropractic care is generally safe and effective in all trimesters of pregnancy and can help you feel more comfortable as your body continuously changes.
Pregnancy can be one of the most incredible life experiences a woman can go through, but the constant changes in your body can also leave you feeling very uncomfortable. There are several common issues associated with pregnancy that can disrupt your daily life and cause pain. This is why seeing a chiropractor during your pregnancy is a great way to help stay comfortable and combat any of those unwanted pregnancy symptoms that are so common.
Below we address 5 of the most common pregnancy issues that can be alleviated with chiropractic care.
Headaches and Neck Pain – Hormonal changes and changes to body biomechanics can cause an increase in headache frequency or increase headache severity. Gentle chiropractic adjustment for the neck and upper back, as well as muscle release techniques can greatly reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches and neck pain.
Low Back Pain and Sciatica – There are several possible causes for low back pain during pregnancy including softening of the ligaments, loosening of the joins, a shift in center of gravity, weight gain, and posture. Quite often low back pain is due to a mix of these causes and can be quite troubling as a pregnancy progresses. Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy can help prevent and alleviate issues with low back pain by keeping the lower back and pelvis aligned and well balanced. This can also give your baby additional space in the womb which puts less pressure on surrounding tissues, and allows baby to get into optimal position for delivery. These shifts in mechanics and muscular tension can also cause pain to radiate into the lower extremities, commonly known as sciatica. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, your pregnancy chiropractor may also suggest some specific stretches to help between appointments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – More than half of moms-to-be experience carpal tunnel syndrome, to some degree, during their pregnancy. Symptoms include tingling, pain, burning and even numbness throughout the hands, fingers, and wrist area. Typically, you get CTS through injury or repetitive motion, but during pregnancy it often occurs due to fluid accumulation that puts pressure on the median nerve that runs through your wrist. Chiropractic treatment for CTS often includes manual manipulation of your wrist or elbow to help relieve the pressure at the carpal tunnel, as well as release of the associated muscles.
Morning Sickness and Nausea – Often in early pregnancy you may experience morning sickness and nausea. Sometimes these symptoms can persist well into the second and third trimester, but studies have shown that regular chiropractic care helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea. While chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine this can also help your nervous system work optimally. While the symptoms may not completely cease for everyone, it’s very likely that systems will be less frequent and less severe. Acupuncture is also a great option for those suffering with nausea in pregnancy.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn– Reflux and heartburn are common issues during pregnancy that can be addressed through the use of chiropractic care. Aligning the spine and reducing tension in the diaphragm can help strengthen the spinal muscles, which in turn can help relieve some pressure on the stomach. During the third trimester, as there is less and less room for the organs, it’s important to allow as much space for your organs as possible so that you are more comfortable. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing can also assist in reducing symptoms of reflux and heartburn.
*** Remember, just because a symptom is common does not mean that it’s normal. If you are experiencing these or any other symptoms, talk to your medical professional to see how they can help.