Back Pain
Common Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy
 Back pain is the most
common soft tissue complaint pregnant women generally encounter. There are a number of reasons for this,
including:
- increased ligament laxity due to the release of the hormone relaxin
- increase in weight gain and forward weight bearing
- poor body mechanics and postural habits
- ribcage enlargement increasing rib subluxations
- nerve and vascular impingement from mechanical pressure
The above factors increase the frequency of vertebral subluxations, muscular spasms, soft tissue pain and
altered spinal biomechanics - all of which respond exceptionally well to regular chiropractic care.
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Chiropractic Treatments
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments are
safe, natural treatments chiropractors use to successfully manage soft tissue abnormalities in pregnancy. The
adjustments are used to treat muscular, ligamentous, joint and neurological problems of the neck, back, pelvis
and extremities. They help alleviate pain originating from the spinal and pelvic regions, reduce muscle spasm
and tightness, correct biomechanical stresses, and keep the nervous system free from irritation and
impingement. Chiropractic spinal adjustments are a safe and successful adjunct to any prenatal care
program.
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Soft Tissue Work
Muscles frequently
become fatigued, irritated, spasmed and achy during pregnancy for the reasons previously mentioned.
Chiropractic doctors utilize various soft tissue techniques such as trigger point work, soft tissue
mobilization and massage to keep muscles relaxed, healthy, and functioning optimally.
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Stretches and Exercises
Therapeutic stretches
and exercises are an excellent way to keep the pregnant body flexible, strong and mobile. Chiropractic doctors
utilize these therapies to assist the muscles in coping with the increased demands caused by the sudden weight
gain and change in weight distribution - which fatigues and irritates unconditioned muscles. Keeping the
pregnant body strong and flexible increases comfort and improves the likelihood of having a successful
pregnancy.
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Proper Body Mechanics and Postural Practices
Sudden weight gain and
altered weight distribution also lead to a number of improper postural and biomechanical habits. Improper
postural and mechanical habits further increase spinal and pelvic stress which increase tissue irritation and
produce frequent bouts of pain and discomfort. Chiropractors focus on teaching proper postural habits and body
mechanics to minimize stress on the body, minimize the risk of injury and keep mom functioning optimally and
without discomfort throughout her pregnancy. To see the proper standing posture, click here or continue to
scroll down.
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Special Orthopedic Supports
Certain orthopedic
supports and other products may be beneficial during pregnancy. This includes orthotics for the feet and
certain orthopedic belts specifically designed for pregnancy (i.e. maternity belts, trochanter belts,
etc.).
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Proper Posture During Pregnancy
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Proper Posture
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Improper Posture
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- keep the head and chin up and the ears centered over the shoulders
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- head and chin are lowered and the ears are not centered over the shoulders
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- keep shoulders slightly up and back
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- shoulders are allowed to roll forward and down
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- focus on keeping the abdominal muscles toned to keep back slightly flattened-avoid
hyperextending
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- relaxed and weak abdominal muscles allow the pelvis to tilt forward
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- keeping the knees slightly bent reduces tension in the lower back
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- knees locked in full extension increases the tension in the lower back
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- widen stance and keep weight on center of each foot
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- do not place weight on inner aspects of the feet
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