Pregnancy pain is common, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to endure it without seeking some relief.
And by relief, we of course mean avenues other than medication unless advised to do so by your medical doctor.
Back, leg, and hip pain are common forms of pain with pregnancy. Just think about the change that’s happening in your body. The pull of that extra frontal load will put progressively greater pressure and stress on muscles and joints in the back, hips, knees, and feet/ankles.
The Canadian Chiropractic Association sums up the impact well:
As the baby grows and the uterus expands, the abdominal muscles also stretch and lose their ability to support as they did. The change in posture, shifting forward, may cause pain and discomfort specifically in the lower back.
During the third trimester, levels of the hormone ‘relaxin’ increase and contribute to the loosening of joints in order for the pelvis to accommodate for enlarged uterus, the baby and later birth. However, the loosening of joints can decrease joint stability and further alter posture.”
If you are a mother, you don’t need us to tell you that all these changes may also result in neck pain, sciatica, swelling, muscle spasms, poor sleep, and so forth.
So, what can you do and how may Chiropractic help?
As we have discussed in our previous posts about sciatica, headache, and chronic pain, Chiropractic for pain management involves a variety of different treatment options, tailored to your specific needs and situation. We are trained and qualified to work with patients who are expecting throughout their pregnancy.
Back pain, pelvic pain, and aching muscles: If needed, spinal adjustments may be performed in order to help with pain relief and your mobility. Our approach for you may also include soft tissue rehabilitation exercises, stretches, and other methods to reduce inflammation, such as the application of heat and cold.
For further reading on dealing with pregnancy pain after delivery, this informative article has tips and advice on proper body mechanics and exercises to try. This article also mentions the use of pain medications, but again, we earnestly stress this only be done under the advice of your family doctor.