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With pregnancy and all the structural changes it undergoes during those nine months, one of the best health steps you can take is see a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors can provide guidance, resources, symptom relief and health optimizing care.
During pregnancy the center of gravity shifts forward to the front of her pelvis. This additional weight in front causes stress to the joints of the pelvis, low back and nervous system. A pregnant body needs a flexible and balanced spine, hips and pelvis. As the baby grows in size, the added weight causes the curvature of the lower back to increase, placing extra stress on the fragile joints on the back of the spine. Any pre-existing problems tend to be worsened as the spine and pelvis becomes overburdened, often leading to pain and difficulty in performing normal daily activities.
Chiropractic care is a safe and natural approach to supporting your body through the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth, prevent problems from occurring and reduce current discomfort. Women do not need to have a problem to receive chiropractic care but we often receive referrals from Gynecologists and Obstetricians who recommend Chiropractic care for their patients because of it’s effectiveness without the use of drugs.
More than half of all expectant mothers develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. In fact, most women have found that chiropractic care helped them avoid the use of pain medications during their pregnancy, and studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments help to reduce time in labor.
According to a report published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in June of 2005, 36.6 percent of pregnant women in the study opted to seek care from a doctor of chiropractic.
Vertebral discs are the spinal column’s shock absorbers. These discs cushion the vertebral bones and allow the spine to twist and bend. They are delicate structures that often are a causative factor in lower back pain and sometimes are an isolated cause of leg pain, numbness and other sensations throughout the arms and legs. Discs have a potential to age gracefully, degenerate or become traumatized resulting in problems. Proper care of disc involves proper care of the spinal column including Chiropractic adjustments.
Each vertebral disc is composed of two main parts, a soft inner nucleus and a tough, fibrous outer wall. A disc’s outer wall can be weakened by the normal wear of aging or by traumatic injury, allowing the nucleus to bulge or break completely through the wall.
Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. A herniation in the cervical spine can cause problems in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can result in burning, tingling and/or numbing sensation that radiates from the lower back down to one or both feet.
A chiropractor evaluates the patient to learn about the person’s history and concerns. The chiropractor may examine the patient’s posture, skeletal structure and movement to look for abnormalities that may require correction. Once the underlying source of the problem has been identified, the chiropractor can tailor a comprehensive care plan based on the patient’s needs. The chiropractor may also perform x-rays or order additional testing to get a clear view of the spine including the discs.
Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective method for managing some herniated discs. Spinal adjustments, traction, decompression therapy, therapeutics stretches and strengthening exercises may be beneficial. Other care option may include cold or hot therapy, electrical stimulation and lumbar bracing. In severe cases, surgery or anti-inflammatory medication may be required. Some disc herniations require more invasive procedures like injections and surgery. Our examination and testing will rule out those patients and get them to the best provider suited to deal with these cases. Neurologist, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and even physical therapists are providers that we work with on a regular basis.
