Chiropractor

The pregnant female body undergoes a myriad of exciting changes in preparation for delivery. Those can include the creation and release of hormones designed to loosen joints and make the birth easier. But those hormones, combined with the added pressure of a growing baby, can do a number on the spine. Fortunately, mothers-to-be don’t have to suffer without relief. Chiropractic care is a safe option that some medical professionals believe can even make labor and delivery easier. With a few tips, you can safely start chiropractic care or continue existing chiropractic throughout your pregnancy.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic treatment refers to the drug-free maintenance of your spinal column and related discs and nerves. Considered by some to be an alternative medical practice, it focuses on encouraging the body to heal itself. Practitioners aim to reduce spinal stress through adjusting joints that have gotten out of whack. Practitioners often use charts to navigate the human body and make subtle adjustments that patients say can bring instant relief. Treatment typically includes stretching and sustained pressure to specific joints, and manipulations by hand. The spine is the most commonly treated with chiropractic, but practitioners say it can benefit other parts of the body as well. Specialty chiropractors may receive special training to work with pregnant women and employ methods that put minimal pressure on the stomach.

Pregnancy Chiropractic

The idea of having your back and neck twisted while carrying a baby may sound intimidating, but doctors believe it’s safe and can even bring many benefits. It’s believed to prevent negative side effects of pregnancy such as posture changes, pelvic misalignment and increased back curve. In turn, chiropractic is believed to promote:

• Lessened nausea
• Faster labor and delivery
• Joint pain relief

Despite its safety, chiropractic treatment should only be started when your OB-GYN gives the OK. That’s because each pregnancy is unique and there may be a specific reason why your doctor doesn’t believe you should be adjusted during that time.

Choosing a Chiropractor

While chiropractic care is considered safe during pregnancy, it’s critical that you choose a practitioner with experience working with moms-to-be. They should have special training, as well as a table designed to minimize pressure on your stomach during treatment. Expect to receive treatment on your back with special attention paid to your comfort throughout the appointment.

A pregnancy can be a time of tremendous joy, but also serious physical discomfort. If back and neck pain are bothering you, it may be time to call a specially trained chiropractor and take back your pregnancy.

Source: Chiropractor Glen Burnie, MD, Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic