Chiropractic Treatment for Pregnancy Boardman,ohio

Chiropractic Treatment for Pregnancy

 

            Chiropractic has been shown to be gentle, safe, and effective treatment during pregnancy for musculoskeletal and other issues women experience during pregnancy. The physical and hormonal changes that take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy are often times unbearable, especially later stages of pregnancy. A study found that more than 76% of pregnant women experience pregnancy-related pelvic pain, low back pain, or a combination of them increasing in severity as the pregnancy advances. Regular visits to the chiropractor during pregnancy may help to alleviate some of these complaints.


Pregnancy Difficulties

Pregnancy-related issues will have a physical effect on comfort and posture because as the pregnancy progresses the baby gets heavier causing the woman’s center of gravity to shift. These effects can, in turn, lead the spine and joints to be misaligned.


Common Pregnancy Symptoms:


  • Low Back Pain – by far, this is the most common symptom for pregnant women. Due to the developing pregnancy, the body shape and spine must change in order to leave room for the baby to grow and prepare for birth. Additionally, a protruding abdomen from a growing baby results in increased curvature of the back. These changes put strain on the lower back and result in misalignment and tight muscles. Pain can be anywhere from a dull ache to sharp pain.

  • Sciatic Pain – similar to low back pain, this pain is resulting from spine curvature changes, and will often start as low back pain and lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness down one or both legs.

  • Pelvic Pain – this pain can cause pregnant women to have difficulty walking or pain while walking. More often this pain shows itself closer to or in the 3rd trimester as the baby is dropping lower to prepare for birth therefore applying pressure to the pelvic region. However, pelvic pain can occur at any point in the pregnancy.

  • Round Ligament Pain – going along with pelvic pain, round ligament pain is one that is usually experienced in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters due to a growing belly. This ligament is used to hold the uterus in place, and many women experience a sharp pain in the bottom of the baby belly or groin area on one or both sides.

  • Headaches – most often these headaches are due to the drastic hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.


All this to say any of these issues can or will cause misalignments in various parts of the body which is where a chiropractor comes in.


Chiropractic Benefits for Pregnancy


            As professional chiropractic providers, we know that regular chiropractic visits during pregnancy can address the symptoms that come along with pregnancy, in addition to added benefits, like better sleep. Additionally, we know that a misaligned pelvis can cause issues with delivery, intrauterine constraint, position of the baby, and possible birth defects in serious cases. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to have improvements in comfort in pregnancy before the birth, and better outcomes in labor and delivery.


Pregnancy & the benefits of chiropractic include:


  • The ability to maintain a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.

  • Pain relief from musculoskeletal symptoms such as back, neck, hips, and joint pain.

  • Control nausea symptoms.

  • Reduced labor and delivery time.

  • Reduced interference with the nervous system which allows the body to operate at maximum potential even in a sensitive state.

  • Reduced need for pain medications.


In addition to these benefits, chiropractic providers can offer diet and stretching exercises for the patient to perform at home in order to maximize results from chiropractic treatment. The bottom line is keeping the spine and pelvis aligned and balanced during pregnancy, which helps the entire body work more effectively.


Chiropractic Method for Pregnancy
& Webster Technique Certification


While all chiropractors are trained in how to adjust pregnant women, if you are interested in specializing in prenatal and postnatal care, then it is essential to get certified in Webster Technique. This technique is a type of chiropractic analysis and adjustment that focuses on releasing tension in the round and sacrotuberous ligaments correcting sacral and pelvic misalignment. These ligaments become strained during pregnancy, and tighten just as a muscle would. The Webster technique allows for the releasing of these ligaments bringing balance to the pelvis. By reducing nervous system interference with issues in the pelvic region, enhanced function of the pelvic muscles and ligaments lead to reduced tension on the uterus. As a result, the baby will be in the best position possible for labor and delivery. You can find more information on the Webster Technique certification at the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.


Is Chiropractic Safe for Pregnancy?


            Chiropractic care has been shown to be safe, and being adjusted during this time is very gentle if done properly. Contrary to popular belief, getting adjusted during pregnancy allows for the joints to move more freely due to the relaxin hormone produced in order to prepare the woman for delivery. This hormone allows for a gentler adjustment because the joints are easier to manipulate. However, this hormone also means that pregnant women need to be adjusted a little more often than usual as the relaxin hormone doesn’t allow the woman to hold the adjustment as well as when they are not pregnant. While chiropractic care is absolutely safe during pregnancy, and there are no known contraindications, it is important to note that there are some conditions in pregnancy where chiropractic treatment is not recommended.


Chiropractic care is not recommended or should be used with caution if the woman is experiencing any of the following:


  • Ectopic pregnancy

  • Moderate or severe toxemia

  • Vaginal bleeding

  • Placenta abruption or placenta previa




Dr. Phil Gainan

6960 Market St.

Boardman,Oh.  44512

330  629-9476



Gainan Chiropractic & Massotherapy Center

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