Pregnancy and Chiropractic care
Our bodies undergo many changes during the course of a pregnancy. The immune system is weakened so that it won't attack the fetus (but also means we get sick more easily), we get morning sickness and later heartburn, headaches, back pain, etc. And that is just the tip of the iceberg! There are some remedies we can get at the pharmacist (motion sickness armbands and ginger for morning sickness, gaviscon or link tablets for heartburn), but what do we do about the neck, back, and hip pains? We are told to avoid painkillers as much as possible - so what is a drug-free alternative?
Chiropractic care can really help with many of our pains. As the baby grows our posture changes, we gain weight, and our center of gravity moves. These three things can put stress on the spine and pelvis (together called spinal stress). This spinal stress can move the vertebrae of the neck and back out of place and put pressure on nerve roots, which in turn can lead to numbness and tingling, causing discomfort. A chiropractor will gently and safely realign the vertebrae, releasing the pressure and allowing our bodies the chance to heal. A case study done in 2006 said "results suggest that chiropractic treatment was safe and effective for reducing pain intensity."As the baby grows, the ACA reminds us that "hormones are released that help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. This loosening is good for both mom and baby, but can also cause postural problems, and makes it easier for movement that can have negative effects also. For example, the hips can move too much, so much so that walking can be uncomfortable.
According to the article "Living without pain during pregnancy" by Michelle Yan, D.C. in Balanced Living Magazine, "Research has shown that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have approximately six hours less time spent in labor than women who do not receive chiropractic care." So not only can a chiropractor alleviate our pain during the pregnancy, but it can even help during labor! After birth, those loosening hormones decrease, and "ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state." (ACA) Plus now that we have a little person to care for, we forget to care for ourselves in the same way as we perhaps did before. Instead of sitting properly, we slouch because we are holding a baby, and want to rest our arms. So "as the upper and lower spine return to normal, muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort and shoulder problems can result." Pain in the upper back, neck, and between the shoulder blades is common for nursing mothers, but we don't have to live with it!
At what time is the best to start chiropractic care?
If you are planning a pregnancy, now is the best time to start chiropractic care, but you can start anytime during your pregnancy. If you have legal residence in Norway (and therefore have either a D-number or person number) the Norwegian health system helps to pay for chiropractic treatment. There is a price reduction in the first 14 treatments in a calendar year, and since January 2006 this reduction (refusjon) is available without a doctor's referral. A chiropractor can also give referrals to X-Ray, MR, physiotherapist or specialist or hospital, as well as put you on sick leave from work.
Chiropractic is a government-approved, drugless form of treatment that is safe and effective, sometimes even after only one treatment! Alignment of the spine happens quickly, but muscles still need time to calm. After treatment some people feel very relaxed, even tired, because the entire body is responding positively. According to Michelle Yan, "most women who visit a chiropractic physician during pregnancy experience less pain, increased energy, better sleep and increased comfort during their pregnancies."
Sources:
Yan, Michelle D.C., Balanced Living Magazine, March-April 2006, "Chiropractic Care: Living without pain during pregnancy"
Lisi, Anthony J., J Midwifery Womens Health 2006 (Jan), "Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain of Pregnancy: A Retrospective Case Series"
American Chiropractic Association, "Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-Be," chiro.org/pediatrics/ABSTRACTS/Chiropractic_Advice_for_Moms.shtml
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