Relieving Back Pain During Pregnancy
Relieving Back Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth are two incredible events in a woman's lifetime. As a woman's body changes throughout the pregnancy, it is common to also acquire back pain. This pain can take away from the amazing experience. As a Doctor of Chiropractic and a mother I understand how important it is to feel your best and be able to function at an optimal rate when you are pregnant and a new mom.
Chiropractic care offers save, evidenced- based, natural, gentle, and effective care for your back pain.
Why does your back hurt during pregnancy?
back pain during pregnancy can bse caused from many changes including: pelvic shifts, postural changes, weight gain, hormones, etc
- Hormones
During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal changes. One major hormone that is released throughout your pregnancy is relaxin. Relaxin helps the pelvic ligaments soften and loosen to accommodate the growing baby. The looser pelvic ligaments can cause the surrounding muscles and bones to slightly shift, impingement on the nerves, and irritation of surrounding structures.
- Intrauterine Constraint
The looser ligaments allows the pelvis to become wider. The pelvis can shift unevenly and decrease the space that the baby has to move and flip around. Intrauterine constrained can prevent the fetus from going into a head down, vertex position. Dr. Heppe is trained in the specific Webster technique, which balances the pelvic bones, pelvic ligaments, and allows the baby to sit in the optimized head down position.
- Weight Gain
A healthy woman is expected to gain between 25-35 pound during her pregnancy. This extra weight is concentrated on the front of the body and pulls the center of gravity forward. Both the low back and upper back curvature increase to accommodate for the extra weight and shift in center of gravity. This causes pain through the joints, muscles, and ribs in the back.
- Poor Posture
Weight gain in the belly and chest, poor sleeping habits, increased sitting, improper lifting and moving things, and bad ergonomics when using a computer or phone- these are a few of the things that can cause poor posture during pregnancy. Poor posture cause pain and discomfort throughout the body.
In-Office Chiropractic Treatments To Eliminate Pain
Adjustments
Dr. Heppe will use her hands to find and treat joints, especially the joints located along the spine. These joints can become 'stuck' or not move properly due to all the changes in the body. The adjustment will increase optimal function, decrease pain, and decrease inflammation.- Muscle Release Techniques
This technique will loosen tight muscles, located in the neck and low back from the stresses of poor pregnancy posture.
- KinesioTaping/ Rock Tape
Dr. Heppe is a certified Rock Doc. This tape provides an excellent to support for the belly and back. It is less bulky and more specific then a pregnancy support belt. Watch the video on the right for more information.
- Postural Stability
Dr. Heppe will give you specific exercises, stretches, and/or strengthening recommendations to help maintain a pain free pregnancy. This will also help you stay pain free after delivery, when you have a newborn that keeps you mesmerized all day!
At Home Tips
At night use pillows to keep your pelvis and spine in line.
- Drink a lot of water each day. Take your body weight and divide it into 2, now drink that amount in ounces (ex. 120lbs /2 = 60 ounces of water a day)
- Walk for 30 min- 1 hour a da
- Sleep with pillows to keep your spine in a line.
- Prenatal Yoga- I highly recommend Dragonfly Yoga Studio located on Caroline St, in Fredericksburg. This is also a great way to meet and talk with other mommas!
