Chiropractic and Pregnancy Pain

Why Should Moms See a Chiropractor for Pregnancy Pain?

A pregnancy is one of the most amazing gifts that a woman can steward. The growth of a new life is the greatest miracle, and is one of the most incredible achievements and capabilities of the female body.

Unfortunately, with the numerous rapid changes the female body undergoes during pregnancy, the muscles, ligaments, and bones, especially in the pelvis, abdomen, and lower back can stretch, strain, and put pressure on the various structures that support the developing baby. This can cause pain, that if not addressed, can cause unnecessary frustration, fear, lack of sleep, and inflammation that prevents optimal function and enjoyment of pregnancy.

Understanding Back Pain in Pregnant Moms

What Causes Pregnancy Related Back Pain?

Moms put their bodies through a lot. Between lifting kids, carrying groceries, and squeezing in workouts, the spine and our back often takes the brunt of their busy lifestyles.

With the various changes that the body undergoes in a short period of time as the baby develops, the body can respond to these new stresses by sending pain signals to the brain, especially if the pelvic and abdominal muscles are feeling fatigued and stretched.

Why does this matter?

There is ample evidence available that, if at all possible, it is healthy for both mother and developing baby to remain active, and if the mom is not limited by pregnancy-related muscle and joint pain, the more capable she is to continue that healthy lifestyle she enjoyed prior to pregnancy.

How Chiropractic Care Relieves Back Pain

The Science Behind Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors focus on the relationship between your spine and overall health. Pressure, inflammation, and obstruction of nerve transmission, in the spine, called subluxations, can lead to pain, limited movement, and can have other downstream effects to all parts of your body.

Through targeted adjustments, chiropractors restore proper alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve function of nerve transmission.

Techniques Used by Chiropractors

There are many different adjusting techniques - the most "traditional" technique that many are familiar with, called "Diversified" technique, is where the chiropractor applies a High Velocity, Low Amplitude thrust to the spinal joints, which opens up the joint spaces being adjusted and makes a loud "pop".

Some people enjoy these adjustments, and find great relief from them.

This specific action triggers a signal through the nerves to the brain, which tells the brain to send anti-inflammatory chemicals to the area of restriction (where the chiropractor adjusted).

This flood of anti-inflammatory chemicals often results in a feeling of immediate relief, as endorphins are often also released after the adjustment.

However, some people find these types of adjustments abrupt and forceful, and instead prefer a softer and gentler chiropractic technique.

This softer technique is what we use at Davar Health in St. George, where we use a low-force instrument around the spine that does not cause twisting, popping, or cracking, but achieves the same nerve signal effect that traditional chiropractic adjustments do. This is also commonly known as "tonal" adjusting.

We are happy to show you how this works in our office.

Specific to pregnancy, there is a well-researched analysis of subluxations and spinal function known as the Webster Technique. This technique was developed specifically to address and manage the unique changes in the spine and muscle systems that support the pregnant mother. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has more information about the technique and its proper usage and training in the technique here.

Soft Tissue Therapy:

Techniques like massage or myofascial release can relax tight muscles and improve circulation.

Therapeutic Exercise

This is known as "active care" - where the patient takes a larger ownership role in their health outcomes by actively engaging and strengthening their muscles through targeted, deliberate movements that re-calibrate and re-align how the brain, nervous system, and muscles are communicating.

Often overlooked, therapeutic exercise is critical for long-term stability and maintenance of progress (and reduction of pain from the start of care) as many painful episodes in the future can be prevented by intentional, purposeful exercise and movement that encourages spinal stability and overall wellness.

Why Moms Should Seek Chiropractic Care To Stay Active and Pain-Free

As an expectant mother, especially living and raising a family in St. George, you don’t want back and pelvic pain slowing you down.

Whether it’s heading downtown for a coffee with friends, or hiking the national parks with your family, chiropractic care helps keep your body tuned up and adaptable to change.

By addressing the root cause of your pain, you can stay active without relying on painkillers or avoiding your favorite activities out of fear of injuring yourself.

Prevent Long-Term Issues

One of the top predictors of healthy outcomes in pregnancy in the long-term has been shown to be movement and activity.

The last thing we want you to do is to stop doing the activities you enjoy because you were told you shouldn't do it because you might re-injure yourself, or make the pain worse.

In almost all cases except for very few instances, exercise and conservative care such as chiropractic and physical therapy are far and away the best options for optimal muscle and nerve function during pregnancy.

Perform at Your Best

When your spine is properly aligned, your body works more efficiently. Improved alignment enhances strength, balance, and endurance—all key to performing well in your favorite activities. Plus, you’ll have more energy to keep up with your kids!

Why Early Care Matters

One of the biggest mistakes I see is parents waiting too long to seek help and be proactive about their back pain. Addressing pain early, and having a clear plan in place for attacking it head-on, makes treatment faster and more effective. It also prevents minor issues from becoming chronic problems.

Tips for Managing Back Pain Between Visits

While chiropractic care is essential, there are definitely things you can do at home to support your recovery and prevent future pain:

1. Stay Active

Gentle activities like walking or swimming help keep your muscles flexible and reduce stiffness.

2. Practice Good Sitting Habits

Be mindful of your sitting especially if you sit at a desk for long periods for work. Breathing deeply for 2 minutes every hour, where you focus on bracing your core, while breathing downwards into your lower pelvis, helps your back rest after supporting your body in one spot for a long time. Walking a few hundred steps every hour during long work days can help your back during these long sitting periods.

3. Stretch Regularly

Incorporate daily stretches to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility. Focus on stretches that target the lower back, hamstrings, and hips.

4. Lift Properly

When lifting heavy objects (or kids!), bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift. Avoid twisting motions in the middle of a controlled lift.

5. Rest and Recover

Don’t push through pain. Allow your body time to recover, especially after intense activities. Applying ice or heat can help ease soreness.

6. Take A Look At Nutrition

You may have seen recently our society talking about how inflammatory foods, such as seed oils, processed packaged foods, food dyes, and other substances in our food supply are affecting our health.

For some, especially in my clinical experience, I have seen remarkable turnarounds in pain and inflammation (and healthy weight loss) by simply eliminating or swapping certain cooking oils for butter or olive oil, eating more meat and whole dairy products such as steak, ground beef, or eggs, and by cutting out "healthy drinks" such as diet soda - and just drinking plain water or sparkling water.

We believe that when your body isn't focusing on "cleaning out" what you've eaten, it can dedicate time and energy to healing and growing the developing baby, and the rest of your body, including quickly addressing pregnancy related pain that just won't seem to go away.

Of course, above all, every aspect of your ongoing care should be discussed and managed with your primary birth professional, such as a midwife or OB/GYN, but we are happy to discuss our findings within our scope of responsibility, and collaborate with these other professionals to ensure you are receiving optimal care that works towards your desired outcomes in your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Muscle and joint pain in pregnancy doesn’t have to hold you back from living an active, fulfilling life.

Chiropractic care and the Webster Technique offers a safe, effective way to relieve pregnancy-related muscle and joint pain and improve your overall health. By addressing the root causes of pain, you’ll not only feel better but also prevent future issues.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule an appointment with us today and get back to doing the things you love—pain-free!

(1)https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/