Pregnancy can be an emotionally and mentally overwhelming time for expectant mothers who may also face a range of health challenges. chiropractic care is viable for improving quality of life during pregnancy. A new quality of life-focused project was carried out by Dr. Joel Alcantara, involving the satisfaction of pregnant women receiving chiropractic care. The survey aimed to work out whether women who received chiropractic care had any sleep disturbances, pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, before and after seeking chiropractic help. The survey focused on a specific treatment, the Webster technique, which aims to reduce sacral subluxation and ease neuro-biochemical pelvic function.

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What did the study show?

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One of the main goals of the study was to also establish the quality of life of women before and after chiropractic care during pregnancy – a dramatic difference from studies in the past. All patients reported as having a “fairly good” quality of life overall, but baseline and re-evaluation data showed vast differences. The most promising of these discoveries was that some women noted reductions in their fatigue levels, sleep disturbances, and pain. There was also an increase in social participation, but very little difference in anxiety and depression levels.

 

When treating pregnant patients, chiropractors often use adjustable tables and apply techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Patients may also be given safe exercises and stretches to do at home. studies such as this show promise and solid data toward making chiropractic one of many valid wellness and treatment options. Speak to your chiropractor if you would like to know more about chiropractic care during pregnancy.

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What causes Lower Back Pain during pregnancy?

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Weight gain is an inevitable component of pregnancy and as your body changes so too will your posture. During pregnancy, the added weight as your belly grows pulls the spine forward and causes the curve in the lower back to increase. This is often when we see LBP.

Another cause of LBP during pregnancy can be the expanding of a woman’s hips and pelvis. A pregnant woman’s hips will expand laterally to help stabilize and support the additional weight in the abdomen. As the hips and pelvis open up to make room for the baby, additional stress is placed into two joints (sacro-iliac) in the back of the pelvis. Too much pressure on these joints is what can also cause LBP. Occasionally, irritation of the sciatic nerve can accompany this, causing leg pain and numbness.

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How can my chiropractor help?

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An extremely effective treatment for LBP during pregnancy is a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments are safe for pregnant women and their babies, and can be especially appealing to those who are trying to avoid medications during pregnancy. Gentle stretching can also be used to relieve the muscle tension that often builds up in the muscles of the low back.

Another benefit for seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy is reduced labour time. Studies have shown women who seek chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have, on average, a 25 per cent shorter labour time. Women carrying multiples who seek chiropractic care have, on average, 31 per cent shorter labour times.

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If you have questions about chiropractic treatment for LBP during pregnancy, make an appointment with a chiropractor to discuss which treatment options may be a good fit for your and baby. Some chiropractors in Alberta have special interests and focus their practices on areas like pediatric care (or sports injuries, seniors care, etc.). Ask your chiropractor if they have any special interest areas of practice.