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Winter 2003
Lydie Coleman, D.C.
Pregnancy is an exciting phase in a woman’s life. During this
time, the body is constantly changing and adapting. For some women, these
changes lead to pain and discomfort. Structurally, as the uterus expands,
the abdominal muscles are stretched and they lose their ability to help
maintain good posture. The curve in the low back increases and the center
of gravity is moved forward. This causes increased strain on the muscles
and ligaments in the low back leading to pressure and pain.
As the pregnancy progresses, your body releases increased quantities of the hormone “relaxin.” This
hormone causes a general relaxation of all ligaments in the body. The ligaments
that normally hold the pelvis and hips tight become loose to help expand for
the growing baby. This process causes strain on the joints and can affect their
alignment.
It is thought that 50% of all women will experience back pain during their pregnancy.
If you do experience pregnancy related pain, doctors of chiropractic are trained
to evaluate and diagnose to see if the condition is the result of structural
imbalances due to pregnancy or other pathology. Restriction or fixation in joint
motion can cause swelling and irritation. This leads to pressure on the surrounding
nerves. Pregnant women often suffer from sciatica. Sciatica is inflammation of
the sciatic nerve as it exits out of the low back and travels down the leg to
the toes. Anywhere along the nerve’s pathway, it can be irritated and this
irritation is called sciatica. Chiropractic is very effective for most cases
of sciatica.
Chiropractic treatments correct joint fixation/restrictions by applying manual
pressure to specific areas to restore normal joint movement and alignment. In
addition, chiropractic medicine utilizes a conservative, non-drug/non-surgical
approach to care. Patients are examined in a non-invasive manner by evaluating
body biomechanics and joint motion. A special pregnancy table will allow you
to lie on your stomach comfortably during the treatment. Special attention will
be paid towards balancing the muscle groups involved and stabilizing the pelvis.
In addition, you will be given specific exercise to do as well as important factors
to avoid. Studies show that 84% of women report relief from back pain during
pregnancy with chiropractic care.
Acupuncture can help reduce or eliminate many symptoms which may arise during
your pregnancy such as nausea, heartburn, swelling, back and joint pain, general
aches, sleeplessness, and fatigue. Treatments can also support structural and
postural alignment and reduce muscle strain. Often times, the synergy of chiropractic
and acupuncture create dramatic, quick relief.
Pregnancy massage is also very beneficial. Massage helps reduce swelling, alleviates
stress on the weight bearing joints and surrounding muscles and facilitates circulation
throughout the entire body. The therapist will work the muscles in the spine,
buttocks and thigh. The muscles of the upper body often shorten due to enlarging
breasts and the therapist will show you how to properly stretch these muscles
and change your posture. Often times abdominal massage or foot and ankle massage
will be incorporated.
Chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy can be very helpful during and
after your pregnancy. The gentle hands-on touch of an experienced practitioner
can help make your pregnancy the wonderful experience it should be.
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By Lydie Coleman, D.C. • Heidi Henrickson, D.C., and Deborah Wu,
D.C., Clinical Director, all of Brookline-Newton Whole Health Center
in Newton and Chestnut Hill, MA. To contact the authors, please call
617 731-3399.
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