Causes of Pregnancy Related Pain

How does your body change and adapt during pregnancy? Could these changes along with every day life stressors be causing you pain?

A lot of moms come for chiropractic treatment for their lower back pain only after they have had their baby, not realising chiropractic care could have helped them during their pregnancy.

What does the research say?

The prevalence of pregnancy related lumbo-pelvic pain is found in 45% of pregnant women.  Results from a Cochrane database review (2003) into pregnancy related lumbo-pelvic pain showed that chiropractic treatment can improve pregnant women’s health.   Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy is considered a safe and effective means of treating musculoskeletal conditions.

How does your body change?

During pregnancy your bony pelvis forms a cradle for your
growing baby, allowing your baby to grow safely between its bony walls. Your
pelvis is formed by your two hip bones and your sacrum, these three bones are
connected at the front by your pubic symphysis and at the back by your
sacroiliac joint. In order for there to be enough space for baby to grow your
pelvis needs to be able to adapt and change.

During pregnancy there is a hormone called relaxin that is
released into the body which causes your ligaments to increase in laxity or
“relax”. This hormone causes the ligaments at the pubic symphysis and
sacro-iliac joints to become relaxed, enabling your pelvis to adapt and change
to your growing baby.

This laxity in the pelvis combined with your growing tummy
and every day stressors puts pressure on your lower back, pelvis and
surrounding musculature. This is what causes pregnancy related lower back pain,
pubic pain and sciatic like symptoms.

How can we help?

Chiropractic treatment for pregnancy helps relieve pain
during your pregnancy by using gentle manipulative techniques to ensure that
the pelvis is in correct alignment. This helps give relief from pain as it
takes pressure off the joints and surrounding musculature and allows optimal
space for baby to grow.

Chiropractic treatment for pregnancy also includes soft
tissue therapy on surrounding tight muscles, stretching exercises and advice on
how to maintain correct posture and prevent pain in everyday life.

Contact Your Family Chiropractor in Fourways, 010 900 2224/ 063 111 3445 if you have any further questions.