Overview of Pregnancy Pain Chiropractic Care:
According to a recent study (1), chiropractic care, especially spinal manipulation, is becoming more popular to treat pain during pregnancy without using drugs. The number of people using chiropractic services in the U.S. has increased a lot in recent years. Studies show that people who use chiropractic care are less likely to get opioid prescriptions, which is important because of the risks associated with opioid use.
Many midwives recommend chiropractic care during pregnancy (57.3%) compared to obstetricians (40%). This is because many women experience pain during pregnancy and using non-drug treatments can help avoid exposing the baby to medications.
We here at Forgey Chiropractic (Vancouver, WA) can help you with alleviating joint and ligament pains associated with pregnancy.
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How Pregnancy Affects the Body:
Pregnancy causes changes in the body that can lead to pain. The hormone relaxin makes ligaments more flexible, which can cause back and pelvic pain. As the belly grows, it shifts the body’s center of gravity, leading to additional stress on the lower back. These changes often require chiropractors to adjust their techniques to suit the pregnant body.
Common Pain Conditions Associated With Pregnancy Treated Here At Forgey Chiropractic:
- Back Pain: Many pregnant women experience low back pain, and chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce pain and improve daily functioning. Studies show that chiropractic treatment can be more effective than standard care.
- Pelvic Pain: About 48-50% of pregnant women have pelvic pain. Chiropractic care can help, but results are mixed. Some studies show benefits, while others do not find significant differences compared to usual care.
- Headaches: Pregnant women with headaches might find relief from chiropractic care, especially for cervicogenic headaches and migraines. However, it may not be as effective for tension headaches.
- Sciatica: Sciatica, or pain radiating down the leg, affects about 17% of pregnant women. Chiropractic treatment can be helpful, but there are few specific studies on its effects during pregnancy.
Other Treatments:
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors might use other methods like ice, heat, and massage. These treatments can be used alongside chiropractic care to manage pain during pregnancy.
If you have body pain associated with pregnancy, please give Forgey Chiropractic a call at 1-360-573-5500 here in Vancouver, Washington to inquire how we can help alleviate your body pains.
For more information regarding our experienced chiropractors, please visit their profiles and expertise here.
Citations:
- Conner SN, Trudell AS, Conner CA. Chiropractic care for the pregnant body. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3):602-610.
