Chiropractic Pregnancy Care

 

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy? Let’s talk about it.

Chiropractic care is often recommended in the care of pregnant patients to assure a comfortable experience during childbearing and to facilitate an uncomplicated labor and delivery. It involves the maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bony alignment without prescription drugs or surgical interventions. At Lakeside, we use the chiropractic adjustment to align joints of the body to reduce spinal nerve stress and therefore, promote health throughout the body.

 

Common problems that may arise during pregnancy:

• Low back pain 
• Sciatica
• SI Joint Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Intercostal Neuralgia
• Constipation
• Headaches

 

Chiropractic adjustments and the use of Webster technique allows the body to optimize pelvic position and comfort as the baby continues to grow. The Webster technique works to balance the pelvis and reduce undue tension in the attached muscles and ligaments. In pregnancy, if the pelvis is not balanced, the uneven pulling on these muscles and ligaments may be restricting the baby’s ability to get into the best possible position for birth. Although most frequently used with pregnant women, this analysis and adjustment can be used on any weight bearing individual. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported a “high rate of success (82%) in relieving the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint using the Webster Technique.”

 

Safety is our priority when working with pregnant patients. We use tables that adjust for a pregnant woman’s body and safe techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen. In addition to pelvic and spinal alignment, we provide patients with exercises, stretches, and preventative tools that are safe to use during pregnancy to enhance comfort as the body continues to change. 

 

 

 

 

Benefits:

• Support shortened labor times
• Provide support comfort levels of baby as it continues to grow
• Facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy
• Reduce the potential for interventions during labor and birth
• Relieving back, neck or joint pain

What does the research say?

According to the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, “it has been reported that approximately 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and 50% to 75% of women experience back pain during labor.” In a sample of 200 women, seventy-six percent reported back pain at some time during pregnancy. Currently, most published research on chiropractic care in pregnancy addresses the efficacy of the adjustment for the resolution of low back pain. One study revealed that 75% of women who received chiropractic adjustments during their pregnancy stated that they experienced relief of their pain and discomfort.

 

Postpartum:

Delivery can bring a new set of unexpected challenges. “Expect the unexpected” are words we’ve heard from many patients. We want you to be as prepared as possible to welcome a new baby into your home. Physical challenges postpartum that need to be addressed right away. Chiropractic care and gentle therapeutic exercises can help correct imbalances in the musculoskeletal system. 

 

Common stressors postpartum: 

• Labor and delivery stressors
• Cradling and carrying a baby postpartum
• Hunching over while breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and bathing baby
• Leaning over a crib
• Carrying a car seat

 

Finding the right provider for your specific needs is of utmost importance. We encourage you to ask your team of providers for resources and referrals to make the most appropriate decision for your growing family. Please visit our website for more information or our partners at Chicago Family Doulas. 

 

 

Key Points to Take Away

• Chiropractic care during pregnancy is recommended for a comfortable experience and to facilitate uncomplicated labor.
• The Webster technique is employed to balance the pelvis, reducing tension in muscles and ligaments, potentially improving the baby’s birthing position.
• Research indicates that chiropractic care can relieve pregnancy-related back pain, with 75% of women experiencing relief from discomfort.
• Postpartum, chiropractic care and therapeutic exercises can address physical challenges such as labor stressors and carrying a baby.

 

Pistolese RA. The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jul-Aug;25(6):E1-9. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.126127. PMID: 12183701.

 

Borggren CL. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. J Chiropr Med. 2007 Jun;6(2):70-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004. PMID: 19674697; PMCID: PMC2647084.